Get ready to make your holiday season even sweeter with these festive and delicious Christmas Cherry Bars! Perfectly soft, buttery layers, tangy cherry filling, and a sweet almond glaze make these bars a holiday must-have. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just craving a delightful treat, these bars will surely become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Cherry Bars:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups flour
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
Glaze:
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2–3 tablespoons whole milk
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 15×10-inch sheet pan by spraying it with baking spray or lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and salt until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add the Eggs and Extracts: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts until everything is well combined.
- Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Assemble the Bars: Press 3 cups of the dough into the bottom of the prepared sheet pan, creating an even layer. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough. Then, drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry filling, allowing some of the filling to peek through.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. The edges should be slightly crisp, and the center should be set.
- Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before adding the glaze.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk until you reach the desired consistency.
- Drizzle the Glaze: Once the bars are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or a piping bag for a more controlled drizzle.
- Serve: Cut into bars and serve. Enjoy the perfect balance of buttery dough, tart cherries, and sweet glaze!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling? Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you’ll need to cook them down with some sugar and cornstarch to create a pie filling consistency before using them in this recipe.
2. Can I substitute almond extract with another flavor? Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of almond extract, you can substitute it with an equal amount of vanilla extract or even a hint of lemon extract for a citrus twist.
3. How should I store the cherry bars? Store the cherry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them to extend their shelf life to about a week.
4. Can I freeze these bars? Yes, these bars freeze well. After cooling, cut them into bars and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
5. Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container and glaze them just before serving for the best presentation.
6. What can I do if the glaze is too runny? If your glaze is too runny, simply add more confectioners’ sugar a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
7. Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend you choose is a 1:1 substitute for best results.
8. What can I use instead of a sheet pan? If you don’t have a 15×10-inch sheet pan, you can use a 9×13-inch baking dish. The bars will be thicker and may need a few extra minutes to bake.
9. Can I add other fruits to this recipe? Certainly! You can mix the cherry filling with other berries or even add a layer of crushed pineapple for a tropical twist.
10. How can I make the bars more festive? Sprinkle some holiday-themed sprinkles or colored sugar on top of the glaze before it sets to add a festive touch.
Chef’s Advice
For the best texture, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. This step is crucial for creating a light and airy base for the bars. Also, be careful not to overbake—the bars should be golden and slightly firm to the touch, but still soft inside. If you want to make these bars extra special, consider adding a handful of sliced almonds on top of the glaze for added crunch and flavor.