Hello, Holiday Bakers!
Let’s deck the halls with sweetness this season! These Christmas Cherry Bars are the perfect addition to your holiday dessert table. With a buttery shortbread crust, a luscious cherry filling, and a delicate almond glaze, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.
The vibrant red cherries bring a touch of festive cheer, while the buttery, tender bars make them utterly irresistible. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, giving you one less thing to worry about during the busy holiday season.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, gifting homemade treats, or simply indulging in some seasonal baking, these cherry bars are a must-try. They’re nostalgic, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to bring a little extra magic to your celebrations.
A Quick Glance at the Recipe
These Christmas Cherry Bars feature a buttery base, a sweet and tangy cherry filling, and a smooth almond glaze. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they’re easy to slice and serve, making them ideal for cookie swaps, potlucks, or gifting.
My Cherry Bar Story
I started making these bars years ago as part of our Christmas cookie tradition, and they quickly became everyone’s favorite. My kids love their vibrant red color, and my husband always sneaks a few before they make it to the dessert table. Now, they’re a holiday staple in our home, and we look forward to baking (and eating) them every year.
Why These Christmas Cherry Bars Are a Holiday Essential
What Makes Them Special:
- Festive Look: Bright red cherries make them perfect for the holidays.
- Easy to Share: Slice into neat bars for gifting or parties.
- Rich and Buttery: The shortbread base melts in your mouth.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Stay fresh for days—ideal for busy holiday schedules.
Cuisine:
Holiday Baking
Tips for Success
- Keep It Cool: Let the bars cool completely before glazing for clean slices.
- Customize the Filling: Use raspberry, blueberry, or apricot pie filling for a twist.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle slivered almonds on top before baking for extra texture.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the shortbread base.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute vegan butter and plant-based milk.
- Extra Festive: Add green sprinkles or crushed pistachios to the glaze for a holiday touch.
A Healthier Take
- Use a reduced-sugar cherry pie filling or make your own with fresh cherries and a natural sweetener.
- Substitute some of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for added nutrients.
A Sweet Goodbye
And there you have it—Christmas Cherry Bars that are as delightful to eat as they are to make. These little squares of joy bring warmth and color to your holiday spread, creating memories you’ll cherish year after year. Bake, share, and enjoy the magic of the season with every bite!
Relevant Categories
Dessert, Holiday Treats, Bars and Squares, Baking
Tags
Christmas, Cherry, Bars, Almond Glaze, Holiday Baking, Easy Dessert
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! They stay fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container. - What’s the best way to store these bars?
Store them in a cool, dry place or refrigerate for longer freshness. - Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, freeze unglazed bars for up to 3 months. Add the glaze after thawing. - Can I use homemade cherry filling?
Definitely! Fresh cherry compote or preserves work beautifully. - What other fillings can I use?
Try apple, peach, or mixed berry pie filling for a different flavor. - Do I have to use almond extract?
No, vanilla extract works too, but almond gives it a holiday flair. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in two pans or use a larger sheet pan for bigger batches. - What’s the secret to a crumbly shortbread base?
Don’t overmix the dough, and use cold butter for the best texture. - How do I make the glaze thicker?
Add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. - What’s a good pairing for these bars?
Enjoy them with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a festive glass of mulled wine!
Happy holiday baking! 🎄🍒
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Christmas Cherry Bars – Festive and Sweet Holiday Treats
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Description
These Christmas Cherry Bars are the perfect addition to your holiday dessert table. With a buttery shortbread crust, a luscious cherry filling, and a delicate almond glaze, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cherry Filling:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
For the Almond Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 2: Assemble the Bars
- Spread two-thirds of the shortbread dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling over the dough, spreading it evenly.
- Drop small spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry filling, leaving some areas uncovered for a peek-a-boo effect.
Step 3: Bake
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are set.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Step 4: Glaze and Serve
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
- Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
