Last Updated on October 27, 2025 by recipeinspire

Christmas Cherry Bars: 7 Steps for Festive Holiday Treats!

Are you ready to elevate your holiday gatherings with an irresistible sweet addition? If you’re craving a sweet treat to include in your holiday spread, it’s time to master the art of making festive Christmas Cherry Bars. Imagine the vibrant color of cherries infused in a rich, buttery crust, sprinkled on top with a delicate layer of icing—simply irresistible! In just seven simple steps, you’ll create a memorable dessert that will delight family and friends alike.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your delightful Christmas Cherry Bars :

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 jar (24 oz) cherry pie filling
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
• 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for added flavor)

Substitutions:

• Use coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
• Substitute the cherry filling with berry fillings for a different flavor.

Timing

The total time to prepare your delicious Christmas Cherry Bars is approximately 90 minutes, which is about 20% less time than the average dessert recipe. Here’s the breakdown:

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures perfect baking and sets the stage for the deliciousness that’s to come.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The fluffiness will help create a light texture in your bars.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the 4 eggs, one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and optional 1 teaspoon of almond extract. Mixing these wet ingredients well will add a depth of flavor that enhances your cherry bars.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Pour and Spread
Spread half of the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Carefully layer the cherry pie filling over the batter, ensuring even coverage. Spoon the remaining batter over the top in dollops, allowing some cherry to peek through.

Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist peeking!

Step 7: Cool & Ice
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely. For icing, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bars for a festive finish.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 220
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 54mg
• Sodium: 240mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 31g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 16g
• Protein: 3g

These delicious bites are calorie-dense but packed with cheer, perfect for holiday indulgence!

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Want to make these bars a bit healthier? Try these options:

• Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Use a reduced-sugar pie filling to cut down on calories.
• Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar to lower the glycemic index.

Serving Suggestions

For a festive touch, serve your Christmas Cherry Bars on a decorative platter with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. Pair with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the dessert experience!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing Batter: This leads to dense bars—mix just until combined to retain lightness.
• Underbaking: Ensure you bake until golden; underbaked bars will not set well.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Bring ingredients to room temperature for the best mixing results.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week. You can also freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

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Conclusion

In just seven simple steps, your holiday gathering will be beautifully complemented by these festive Christmas Cherry Bars. Not only are they easy to make, but they offer a delicious bite of holiday cheer that everyone will enjoy! So why wait? Try this recipe today and don’t forget to share your feedback!

FAQs

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container.

Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
A: Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just be sure to pit and roughly chop them, and consider adding a little sugar to enhance their sweetness.

Q: How can I tell when the bars are done?
A: When the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, they’re ready!

Dive into the joy of baking and make your holiday gatherings memorable with these scrumptious Christmas Cherry Bars ! Happy baking!