It’s funny, isn’t it, how certain smells can transport you back to a specific time and place? For me, the aroma of cherries baking in a buttery crust instantly takes me back to my Aunt Carol’s kitchen during the holidays. She always made these incredible Christmas cherry bars.
I can almost see her now, humming carols as she carefully pressed the dough into the pan, her hands dusted with flour. The warmth of the oven, the twinkling lights on the tree, and the sweet scent of cherries – it was pure holiday magic. These Christmas cherry bars were never just a dessert; they were a symbol of family, love, and the joy of the season.
Now, I make them every year, carrying on her tradition. It’s a small way to keep her memory alive and share that same joy with my own family.
Why you’ll love this Christmas Cherry Bars
- These Christmas cherry bars are incredibly easy to make, perfect for beginner bakers or those short on time during the busy holiday season.
- The combination of sweet cherries and a buttery, crumbly crust creates a delightful flavor and texture that everyone will love.
- They’re a festive addition to any holiday dessert table, bringing a pop of color and cheer to your celebration.
- You can easily customize these Christmas cherry bars by adding different nuts or extracts to suit your preferences.
- These bars are perfect for gifting to friends, neighbors, or coworkers, spreading holiday cheer with a homemade treat.
- The simple ingredients mean you likely already have most of what you need in your pantry, making them a convenient last-minute dessert option.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Christmas cherry bars makes every moment feel satisfying. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will prevent the bars from sticking and make them easier to remove.
Step 2
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender crust. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, ensuring they are fully incorporated.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed throughout the dough. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can result in a tough crust.
Step 4
Press half of the dough into the prepared baking pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to create an even layer. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Step 5
Crumble the remaining dough over the cherry filling. For easier crumbling, chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before crumbling. Sprinkle with chopped nuts, if desired. The nuts add a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
Step 6
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent burning.
Step 7
Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. This is important, as the bars will be too soft to cut cleanly while still warm. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, for a festive finishing touch.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Want to mix things up a bit? Try adding a touch of almond extract to the dough for a more complex flavor profile. You could also use a different type of pie filling, such as blueberry or apple, for a completely different twist on these Christmas cherry bars. Get creative and experiment with your favorite flavors!
Consider adding a layer of cream cheese filling between the crust and the cherry pie filling for an extra rich and creamy treat. Simply beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract until smooth, then spread it over the crust before adding the cherry filling. This addition transforms the bars into a delightful cheesecake-like dessert.
For a festive twist, add a sprinkle of red and green sprinkles to the top of the bars before baking. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled bars for an elegant and delicious touch. These small additions can really elevate the presentation and make them even more appealing for the holidays.
Pairings
These Christmas cherry bars are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of other treats. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect complement to the warm, fruity flavors. The cool creaminess of the ice cream balances the sweetness of the bars perfectly.
For a festive beverage pairing, try serving these bars with a warm mug of spiced cider or a glass of chilled sparkling apple juice. The warm, comforting flavors of the cider or the refreshing fizz of the apple juice will enhance the overall holiday experience. Alternatively, you might enjoy them with a cup of coffee.
If you’re looking for a savory pairing, these bars would be a delightful addition to a cheese board featuring mild cheeses such as brie or goat cheese. The sweetness of the cherries complements the creaminess of the cheese, creating a sophisticated and unexpected flavor combination. You might want to try this easy gringo dip copycat recipe, which you can find at Fork Haven, for another savory appetizer.
Serving ideas
For a simple yet elegant presentation, arrange the Christmas cherry bars on a pretty platter and dust them generously with powdered sugar. The powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and creates a beautiful contrast with the red cherries. You can also garnish the platter with fresh cranberries or sprigs of rosemary for a festive touch.
Cut the bars into smaller squares or rectangles for easy serving and portion control. This is especially helpful if you’re serving them at a party or gathering. Arrange the bars in a decorative pattern on a serving tray to make them even more visually appealing.
Package individual bars in cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon for a thoughtful and homemade gift. These little bundles of joy are sure to brighten anyone’s day. You can also include a handwritten recipe card so your friends and family can recreate the magic at home.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Store leftover Christmas cherry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them properly sealed will prevent them from drying out and maintain their delicious flavor. You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but they may become slightly firmer.
For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
When freezing, consider cutting the bars into individual portions before wrapping them. This allows you to thaw only what you need, preventing waste and ensuring that the remaining bars stay fresh in the freezer. Remember to label the container with the date to keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
Make-ahead
You can easily make the dough for these Christmas cherry bars up to 2 days in advance. Simply prepare the dough as directed, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften slightly before pressing it into the pan.
Another make-ahead option is to assemble the bars completely and then freeze them before baking. Wrap the unbaked bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
The cherry pie filling can also be prepared a day in advance. If you’re using homemade filling, simply cook it according to your recipe and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day of baking and allow the flavors to meld together even more beautifully.
Common mistakes when making Christmas Cherry Bars
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can result in a tough crust. Mix the dry and wet ingredients until just combined.
- Not softening the butter: Softened butter is crucial for creating a light and fluffy crust. Make sure your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the sugar.
- Baking at the wrong temperature: Baking at too high a temperature can cause the crust to burn before the filling is heated through. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is accurately calibrated.
- Cutting the bars while they’re still warm: Cutting the bars while they’re still warm can cause them to crumble and fall apart. Let them cool completely in the pan before cutting.
- Not pressing the crust firmly enough: Press the crust firmly into the pan to ensure it holds its shape and doesn’t crumble during baking. You can use the bottom of a measuring cup or a piece of parchment paper to help press it down evenly.
Final notes
These Christmas cherry bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a way to share love and create lasting memories. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and variations to make them your own.
Remember to enjoy the process of baking and savor the delicious results. With a little bit of care and attention, you can create a truly special treat that will be cherished by all.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these delightful Christmas cherry bars! I have no doubt you’ll be making them for years to come.
Loved this Christmas Cherry Bars? Try these next
Christmas Cherry Bars
These Christmas Cherry Bars are a festive and delicious treat, perfect for holiday baking. Filled with sweet cherries and a buttery crust, they’re an easy way to add some cheer to your dessert table.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Press half of the dough into the prepared baking pan. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the cherry filling. Sprinkle with chopped nuts, if desired.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Notes
For easier crumbling, chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before crumbling over the filling. Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can substitute almond extract for vanilla extract for a different flavor. These Christmas Cherry Bars pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg