“These Christmas Cherry Bars are an ideal holiday treat, bursting with flavor and festive spirit.”
Treat yourself and your loved ones to these delicious Christmas Cherry Bars that are sure to bring smiles at your holiday gathering. They’re easy to whip up and perfect for both family gatherings and office parties. The buttery crust is complemented perfectly by the rich cherry pie filling and drizzled with a sweet almond glaze, making for a dessert that’s both charming and irresistible.
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Why Are Christmas Cherry Bars Perfect for the Holidays?
Christmas Cherry Bars embody the festive spirit with their vibrant colors and delightful flavors.
If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of the holiday season, these Christmas Cherry Bars are a glorious choice. They evoke a sense of nostalgia while providing a bright pop of color that makes your dessert table festive. They’re also simple and quick to prepare, leaving you plenty of time to handle other holiday preparations. Not just a treat, they’re a gorgeous finishing touch to festive dinners, making them an ideal dessert to share with family and friends. Plus, they can easily cater to varying dietary preferences. Check out more exciting holiday-themed desserts.
What Makes This Cherry Bar Recipe Special?
This version of Cherry Bars stands out with a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Unique Taste Combination
These bars introduce a delightful blend of sweet and nutty flavors with the addition of almond extract in the glaze. This unexpected twist elevates a classic cherry dessert into something extraordinary. The balance between the cherry filling and the rich buttery crust also plays a key role in the experience.
Easy Preparation
One of the best aspects of this recipe is how easily it can be prepared. With simple ingredients that are easy to find, even novice bakers will have a chance to impress their friends and family. In just a few steps and minimal fuss, you’ll have a pan full of holiday joy!
Great for Sharing
Christmas Cherry Bars are ideal for potlucks, holiday parties, or as a sweet gift for neighbors. Since they cut neatly into squares, they’re easy to transport and serve. Plus, they hold up beautifully, making them a reliable option for any festive celebration.
What Ingredients Do I Need for Christmas Cherry Bars?
This recipe requires just a handful of pantry staples and a delicious cherry filling.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 1 cup, softened |
| Granulated Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 cups |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cherry Pie Filling | 1 can (21 ounces) |
| Almond Extract | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Powdered Sugar | 1 cup |
| Milk | 2 tablespoons |
Using fresh cherries rather than the canned pie filling can make these bars even more delightful if you have access to them. The flavor becomes even more vibrant, and you can adjust the sweetness to your taste. Additionally, using gluten-free all-purpose flour can make this a gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions. With cherry pie filling rich in antioxidants, you’ll be indulging in a dessert that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
How Do I Make Christmas Cherry Bars Step-by-Step?
Making Christmas Cherry Bars is straightforward and fun for cooks of all skill levels.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a greased 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, stirring until well combined. Once your dough comes together, press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Cooling Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 15-20 minutes | 30 minutes |
Step 3: Bake and Assemble
Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes or until it turns lightly golden. Allow it to cool down completely before adding the cherry pie filling. Afterwards, whisk together the powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk in a separate bowl until you achieve a smooth glaze. Drizzle this sweet glaze over the cherry filling before cutting into squares. Finally, serve and enjoy!
What Are Some Fun Variations for Christmas Cherry Bars?
There are many delightful adaptations for these bars that boost flavor and fit various diets.
Diet Swap
If you or your guests have specific dietary restrictions, you can easily modify the recipe to maintain inclusion. For example, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to gluten-sensitive individuals. You can also use a sugar substitute to create a low-calorie version of these festive treats.
Flavor Variation
Add a twist to your filling by mixing in some chopped nuts or other fruits like raspberries or blueberries. These additions not only enhance the flavor profile but also add a delightful texture contrast! Explore more recipes for healthy dessert options.
Serving Idea
Serve these bars warm or at room temperature, dusted with extra powdered sugar for an elegant finish. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the tartness of the cherries. They even make a stunning centerpiece for your holiday dessert table.
| Suggested Pairings | Tips |
|---|---|
| Vanilla Ice Cream | Pairing warm bars with ice cream is a crowd-pleaser. |
| Fresh Whipped Cream | Add a splash of almond extract to the cream for a delightful twist. |
Final Thoughts on Christmas Cherry Bars
Christmas Cherry Bars make for a beloved holiday treat that everyone will enjoy. They’re simple to whip up, can be made in advance, and are always a hit at any gathering. These delightful bars encapsulate the holiday spirit while providing an easy comfort dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious.
As we welcome this festive season, I encourage you to try your hand at making these lovely desserts to share with family and friends. You’ll love the delightful reaction when you share a pan of these cherry bars, and they’ll surely elevate any holiday gathering. Don’t forget to save a piece for yourself before they’re gone! For more delicious recipes, feel free to check out my Pinterest page!
FAQ
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Yes! Using fresh cherries enhances the flavor and freshness of the bars. You can also adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding sugar or a sweetener of your choice to the cherries.
Can the recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a tasty gluten-free dessert, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delicious treats.
How long do Christmas Cherry Bars last?
Stored in an airtight container, these bars can last up to a week. However, they are best enjoyed fresh for the ultimate texture and flavor experience.
What should I serve with Christmas Cherry Bars?
Consider pairing these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar to enhance the flavor.
Can I prepare these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars can be made a day prior and stored in the refrigerator, making them a great option for stress-free holiday planning.
Christmas Cherry Bars
These Christmas Cherry Bars combine sweet cherry filling with a buttery crust for a festive treat that will make your holiday gatherings extra special.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 can (21 ounces) Cherry Pie Filling
- 1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a greased 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add flour and salt, stirring until combined. Press the dough firmly into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden. Once cooled, add cherry pie filling.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk to make a glaze. Drizzle over the cherry filling and cut into squares to serve.
Notes
Using fresh cherries instead of pie filling can enhance the flavor. Gluten-free options can be substituted with gluten-free flour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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