Oh, the joy of baking during the holidays! There’s just something magical about filling the house with warm, inviting scents and creating treats that bring everyone together. One of my absolute favorites to whip up are these delightful Christmas cherry bars. They’re not just any dessert; they capture the essence of the season with their buttery crust and luscious cherry filling, all topped off with a hint of almond. I still remember my grandmother making these every Christmas, filling our home with laughter and love while we all gathered around the kitchen. It’s a tradition I cherish, and I can’t wait to share it with you! Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why these bars have a special place in my heart—and on my holiday dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make with simple ingredients, so you can whip them up in no time.
- Deliciously combines the sweetness of cherries with a buttery crust for a festive treat.
- These bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, making them a hit with friends and family.
- Great for gifting! Wrap them up for neighbors or bring them to parties as a delightful surprise.
- Easy to customize with different fruits or nuts, so you can make them your own.
Quick and Easy
You won’t believe how simple these Christmas cherry bars are to prepare! With just a few steps and minimal fuss, you can have these delicious treats ready to bake in no time. It’s perfect for busy holiday schedules!
Festive Flavor
The delightful combination of juicy cherries and nutty almond extract creates a flavor explosion that screams holiday cheer! Every bite is a taste of warmth and comfort, making them a must-have for your festive spread.
Perfect for Sharing
These bars are such a great treat to share! Whether you’re heading to a holiday party, gifting to friends, or simply spreading cheer, everyone will adore these sweet little squares. They’re sure to bring smiles all around!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make these festive Christmas cherry bars. Gather these simple ingredients and let’s get baking!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This will be the base for our buttery crust, giving it that perfect texture.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s soft for easy mixing; this adds richness to our bars.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetness is key! This gives our crust a lovely, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- 1 cup cherry pie filling: The star of the show—juicy cherries that bring holiday cheer to every bite!
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: This adds a wonderful nutty flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.
- 1 cup chopped walnuts: For a delightful crunch! You can substitute these with your favorite nuts if you prefer.
How to Prepare Christmas Cherry Bars
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it well to ensure our bars slide right out when they’re done. Trust me, this step is crucial!
Make the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is creamy and smooth—this is where the magic begins! Next, gently add in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until a dough forms. Don’t overdo it; we want that lovely texture to stay intact!
Assemble the Bars
Now, take about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your greased baking dish. Spread that gorgeous cherry pie filling over the crust, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Crumble the remaining dough on top, mixing it with almond extract and chopped walnuts first for that extra crunch. This creates a delightful topping that will bake to golden perfection!
Baking Process
Pop your dish into the preheated oven and let those bars bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the top is golden brown and the aroma fills your kitchen with holiday cheer. Once baked, let them cool before cutting into squares—patience is key here!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas cherry bars turn out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure your butter is at room temperature; this helps create that creamy texture we’re after. When mixing the dough, don’t overmix—just blend until everything is combined for a tender crust. If you want to switch things up, feel free to use different pie fillings or nuts based on your taste preferences. Also, letting the bars cool completely before cutting is essential; this helps them set and makes slicing much easier. Trust me, these little details make all the difference!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once your delicious Christmas cherry bars are cool, it’s time to store any leftovers (if there are any!). Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and tasty for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for even longer freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply take them out and let them come to room temperature. If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds—just be careful not to overheat them! These bars are delightful either way, so enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying these festive Christmas cherry bars, it’s good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the typical nutritional values per bar:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, it’s the holidays, and a little sweetness is a must, right?
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh cherries?
Absolutely! If you want to use fresh cherries, just pit and chop them, then toss them with a bit of sugar to create a juicy filling. This will give your Christmas cherry bars a delightful freshness that’s perfect for the holidays!
How long do these bars last?
These bars can last up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need them to last longer, refrigerate them, and they’ll stay fresh for about two weeks. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture. It’s an easy swap that doesn’t compromise on taste!
What can I use instead of walnuts?
If walnuts aren’t your thing, no worries! You can swap them out for pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Each alternative brings its own unique flavor and crunch!
Can I freeze these bars?
You can definitely freeze these Christmas cherry bars! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight for the best results!
Print
Comforting Christmas Cherry Bars for Festive Joy and Warmth
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive treat featuring cherries and a buttery crust, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix butter and powdered sugar until creamy.
- Add flour and salt; mix until a dough forms.
- Press two-thirds of the dough into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread cherry pie filling over the crust.
- Mix the remaining dough with almond extract and walnuts.
- Crumble the mixture over the cherries.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be refrigerated for longer freshness.
- Substitute other fruits if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: christmas cherry bars