How to Make Christmas Cherry Bars
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15×10-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract (and almond extract, if using).
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a smooth, thick batter forms.
Step 3: Layer and Fill
Spread about two-thirds of the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the top, spreading it gently to cover the base layer.
Then, drop small spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherries — it doesn’t need to be perfect! As it bakes, the batter spreads beautifully, creating a lovely marbled effect.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let it cool completely in the pan before adding the glaze.
Step 5: Add the Festive Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars in a zigzag pattern for that extra festive touch.
Once set, cut into squares or rectangles — ready to serve and share!
🍰 Tips for the Best Cherry Bars
Use quality cherry filling — it makes a big difference in flavor.
Don’t overbake — you want the bars soft and moist.
Add a touch of lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing twist.
These bars freeze beautifully — make them ahead and enjoy stress-free holiday baking!
🎁 Serving Ideas
Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy, elegant look.
Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Wrap individually and gift as homemade holiday treats — everyone loves a sweet surprise!
✨ Final Thoughts
These Christmas Cherry Bars are more than just a dessert — they’re a slice of holiday happiness. Simple to make, stunning to look at, and bursting with flavor, they embody everything we love about Christmas: comfort, color, and sweetness shared with loved ones.
So this festive season, bake a batch, pour yourself a cup of cocoa, and enjoy a bar (or two!) of pure cherry cheer. 🍒🎄❤️
