Introduction to Christmas Cherry Bars
As the holiday season approaches, the kitchen becomes a whirl of activity, filled with laughter, love, and the sweet aroma of baked goods. One of my go-to recipes is Christmas Cherry Bars. These delightful treats not only capture the festive spirit but are a quick solution for busy days spent juggling holiday tasks.
They serve as a beautiful centerpiece for gatherings, perfect for impressing family and friends. So, if you’re ready to add a sprinkle of joy to your celebrations, let’s dive into making these mouthwatering bars!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cherry Bars
Christmas Cherry Bars are a true delight for every busy mom and professional during the holiday hustle. These bars come together in just an hour, making them a breeze to whip up. They bring a burst of flavor from the sweet cherry filling, paired with a soft, buttery base that melts in your mouth.
Plus, they look festive and taste incredible, making them an ideal treat for every gathering!
Ingredients for Christmas Cherry Bars
To create these delightful Christmas Cherry Bars, you’ll need a handful of essential ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Butter: Softened butter brings a rich, creamy texture to the bars. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine, but nothing beats real butter for flavor!
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the batter and helps it achieve that golden brown color. You can substitute with brown sugar for a hint of caramel flavor.
- Eggs: Eggs are the glue that holds your bars together, providing moisture and binding the ingredients. For a vegan option, try using flaxseed meal mixed with water.
- Vanilla extract: This ingredient adds warmth and a comforting aroma, elevating the overall taste of your bars.
- All-purpose flour: A key element in creating that perfect texture. If you need a gluten-free option, almond or coconut flour can work, though it may alter the texture a bit.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and making the cherries pop.
- Cherry pie filling: This is the star of the show! The sweet, tart cherries provide that festive flavor. Fresh cherries can be used, but you’ll need to prepare them with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to thicken.
If you’re curious about the quantities for each ingredient, you can find them all at the bottom of the article, perfect for printing!
How to Make Christmas Cherry Bars
Making Christmas Cherry Bars is an enjoyable and straightforward process. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a delightful dessert in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly.
Next, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. I prefer using cooking spray or a bit of butter to keep those bars from sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. It should look almost like cloud fluff!
Then, crack in the eggs one at a time. Make sure to beat well after each addition. Finally, blend in the vanilla extract for that warmth I absolutely adore.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Grab another bowl and mix together the all-purpose flour and salt. This step is crucial as it prevents clumps in your batter.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into your creamed mixture. Stir until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough bars, and we want them soft and dreamy!
Step 4: Layer the Batter and Cherry Filling
Spread about 3 cups of your golden batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. It’s okay if it’s not perfect; we’re going for rustic charm here!
Gently spread the cherry pie filling over this layer. Then, drop small clumps of the remaining batter on top. This will create a delightful swirl when baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Now, pop the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown.
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, then your bars are ready to shine!
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Once out of the oven, let your bars cool completely on a wire rack. Patience here is key!
While they cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth for that luscious glaze.
Once cooled, drizzle the glaze over your festive bars and let it set. Then cut into bars and get ready to enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Ensure your butter is truly softened; this helps in creaming it properly.
- Don’t skip on letting the bars cool completely before glazing for a smoother finish.
- For added flair, consider mixing in some chopped nuts for crunch!
- Use high-quality vanilla extract; it really enhances the flavor.
- If you find your bars too sweet, a touch of lemon juice in the glaze can balance things out.
Equipment Needed for Christmas Cherry Bars
- 9×13 inch baking pan: Essential for even baking. If you don’t have one, a larger rectangular dish works too.
- Mixing bowls: A must for keeping your ingredients organized. Use whichever size fits your kitchen!
- Electric mixer: It makes creaming butter and sugar a breeze. A whisk works if you’re feeling strong!
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure precise ingredient amounts. A kitchen scale can also come in handy.
- Wire rack: Great for cooling your bars evenly. A simple cutting board can be used as a substitute!
Variations of Christmas Cherry Bars
- Chocolate Cherry Bars: Add a twist by mixing in some chocolate chips to the batter for a delightful chocolatey bite.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra layer of flavor and crunchy texture.
- Almond Extract: Replace the vanilla with almond extract for a unique flavor profile that pairs beautifully with cherries.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free treat.
- Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based butter to craft a delicious vegan version of these bars.
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Cherry Bars
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors and temperatures.
- A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce over the bars adds an indulgent touch.
- Serve alongside a steaming mug of spiced apple cider for a festive drink combo.
- For presentation, dust the bars with powdered sugar or sprinkle with festive holiday sprinkles.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness!
FAQs about Christmas Cherry Bars
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! You can use fresh cherries for a more natural taste. Just make sure to mix them with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to thicken their juices before layering them in the bars.
How do I store Christmas Cherry Bars?
These festive treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay delicious and soft, making them perfect for indulging in over the holiday season!
Can I freeze Christmas Cherry Bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars! Just cut them into squares and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last for about three months in the freezer. Let them thaw at room temperature before glazing.
What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan recipe?
A great substitute for eggs is flaxseed meal. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water for each egg. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken, then add it to your batter.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Definitely! You can bake them a day or two in advance. Just wait until they cool, then store them covered in the fridge. They make for an easy dessert option ready to impress your guests!
Final Thoughts on Christmas Cherry Bars
There’s something truly magical about baking Christmas Cherry Bars that goes beyond just mixing ingredients. It’s about creating a treat that brings joy to your family and friends, evoking cherished memories of holiday gatherings.
The aroma wafting through your home as they bake is enough to spark excitement in anyone. These bars, with their soft texture and delicious cherry filling, become a lovely centerpiece for shared moments of laughter and love.
So, why not embrace this delightful holiday tradition? Your kitchen will be the heart of your holiday celebrations, filled with warmth and sweetness!
Print
Christmas Cherry Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these festive Christmas Cherry Bars, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 can – 21 ounces cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then blend in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until fully incorporated.
- Spread 3 cups of the batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Gently spread the cherry pie filling over the layer of batter. Drop small clumps of the remaining batter over the cherry filling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before adding the glaze.
- Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
- Cut the dessert into bars after the glaze has set. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- The bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
- For a more festive look, sprinkle some holiday-themed sprinkles on top of the glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
