Christmas Cherry Bars – Sweet, Easy & Irresistible Treat

The kitchen smells like Christmas the moment these Christmas Cherry Bars start baking. Buttery dough, ruby-red cherry filling, and a sweet almond glaze make them sparkle on any holiday table. They’re soft like a cookie, rich like a bar, and simple enough for busy December nights. Everything bakes in one pan, and cleanup stays easy.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cherry Bars

Flavor and Texture Highlights

Each bite has the perfect mix of buttery cookie base and tart-sweet cherry filling. The golden top has little peaks that catch the glaze, while the soft middle stays chewy. The almond extract adds warmth that pairs beautifully with the fruit.

Holiday-Friendly Convenience

You can make these bars a day ahead, and they actually taste better after resting overnight. They slice cleanly, travel well, and look festive on any dessert platter. Also, they freeze beautifully, which means less last-minute stress.

Beginner-Friendly Method

No mixer tricks here — just simple steps anyone can follow. Cream, layer, bake, and glaze. Even kids can help drop spoonfuls of dough or drizzle glaze across the top.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dough Essentials

You’ll need 1 cup softened butter, 2 cups sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 4 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon almond extract, and 3 cups all-purpose flour. These basics form the tender, buttery dough.

Cherry Filling

Two 21-ounce cans of cherry pie filling make this recipe shine. The filling bubbles into the dough and forms a sweet-tart center that tastes like cherry pie in bar form.

Simple Glaze

Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon almond extract, and 2–3 tablespoons milk. Adjust the milk to reach your favorite drizzle consistency.

Ingredient Swaps and Sugar Substitutes

You can use Splenda or stevia instead of sugar in a 1:1 ratio. Results vary slightly, but flavor stays sweet. For other fillings, use blueberry, apple, or peach pie filling they all bake perfectly in the same time frame.

How to Make Christmas Cherry Bars Step by Step

Preparing the Pan and Mixing the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 15x10x1-inch jelly roll pan. In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar, and salt until fluffy. Then beat in eggs one at a time, followed by both extracts. Gradually stir in flour to make a smooth dough.

Layering the Cherry Filling

Spread about three cups of dough into the pan. It should cover the bottom evenly. Spoon the cherry pie filling gently on top. Then drop the remaining dough by teaspoonfuls over the fruit.

Baking for the Perfect Golden Top

Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top looks lightly golden and the edges pull away slightly. The kitchen will smell amazing by now.

Cooling, Glazing, and Slicing Cleanly

Let the bars cool completely before glazing. Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth, then drizzle over the top. Spray your knife with nonstick spray for neat slices, wiping between cuts.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cherry Bars

Choosing the Right Pan Size

A 15x10x1-inch jelly roll pan gives the right thickness and even baking. Smaller pans may cause underbaked centers.

How to Achieve Neat, Clean Slices

Always cool the bars fully. Wipe your knife clean between each cut. This keeps the glaze and filling in place for picture-perfect pieces.

Flavor Boosts with Extracts

Almond extract deepens the cherry flavor. For other fruits, swap in matching extracts like lemon or vanilla to highlight the filling.

Consistent Results with Sugar Alternatives

When using sugar substitutes, bake as directed but check doneness a few minutes early. Sweeteners can brown faster.

Easy Variations to Try

Swapping in Other Fruit Fillings

Try equal amounts of blueberry, peach, strawberry, or apple pie filling. Each brings a fresh seasonal twist.

Adjusting Flavors for Non-Cherry Versions

Add lemon zest to the glaze for peach bars or cinnamon to the dough for apple ones. You can even mix berries for a festive red-and-blue treat.

Optional Garnishes for Holiday Presentation

Dust with coarse sugar before baking or top cooled bars with halved maraschino cherries for sparkle.

Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Guide

Storing at Room Temperature

Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The texture stays soft and buttery.

Freezing Whole or Sliced

Freeze whole or sliced with parchment between layers. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best flavor.

Baking and Cooling Considerations for Advance Prep

You can bake these bars up to two days before serving. The glaze sets beautifully, and flavors deepen overnight.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

When to Serve Christmas Cherry Bars

Serve them after dinner, as part of a cookie tray, or with coffee on Christmas morning. They fit every holiday moment.

Drinks and Desserts That Pair Well

Pair with hot cocoa, spiced tea, or creamy eggnog. For a dessert spread, serve alongside Easy Cherry Pie Bars for Your Holiday Table or Simple Cherry Cake That Melts in Your Mouth.

FAQs About Christmas Cherry Bars

More Such Recipes

• Festive Cherry Clafoutis for Winter Gatherings
• Cherry Crumble Pie with Buttery Streusel
• Cherry Pie Crumb Bars – Perfect for Dessert Trays
• Irresistible Cherry Pie Bites for Christmas Parties
• Classic Cherry Delight – A Crowd-Pleasing Treat

Conclusion

Christmas Cherry Bars bring holiday cheer in every slice. They’re buttery, fruity, and incredibly easy to make a dessert that feels homemade and heartfelt. Make them ahead, share them generously, and let their cherry-red glow remind you why baking at Christmas feels so special. For more festive inspiration, follow along on Pinterest and Facebook.

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