Christmas Cherry Bars are a delightful holiday treat that combine a buttery shortbread base with a sweet almond glaze. These festive cherry bars are perfect for holiday gatherings and will impress your family and friends with their delicious flavor and beautiful presentation. Made with cherry pie filling, they offer a burst of sweet-tart cherry goodness in each bite, making them a must-have for your festive dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cherry Bars

There are countless reasons to adore these Christmas Cherry Bars. Firstly, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and time. Secondly, the combination of cherries and almonds creates a flavor profile that is both satisfying and festive. Thirdly, these bars are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday parties, bake sales, or family gatherings. Additionally, they can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment. Lastly, they are vegetarian-friendly, making them a great option for various dietary preferences. With these features, you can see why they are one of the best cherry bars for the holidays!

Ingredients for Christmas Cherry Bars

Gather these items:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (for glaze)

How to Make Christmas Cherry Bars Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch pan.
Step 2: Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a shortbread dough forms.
Step 4: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Step 5: Spread the cherry pie filling over the dough and drizzle almond extract on top.
Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 7: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
Step 8: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and additional almond extract until smooth to make the glaze.
Step 9: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars, then cut into squares and serve.

Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Cherry Bars

Keep these in mind:

Use high-quality cherry pie filling for the best flavor.
Allow the bars to cool completely before glazing for a neater appearance.
Feel free to add chopped nuts for extra texture.

Delicious Christmas Cherry Bars with Sweet Almond Glaze - Christmas Cherry Bars - main visual representation

Best Ways to Serve Christmas Cherry Bars

These bars are delicious when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also pair wonderfully with coffee or hot chocolate during holiday gatherings. For an even more festive touch, consider dusting them with powdered sugar before serving.

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Cherry Bars

To store your Christmas Cherry Bars, simply keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you wish to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat in a microwave for a few seconds before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Cherry Bars

What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Cherry Bars?

The secret lies in ensuring your butter is softened properly for easy creaming with sugar, creating a light and fluffy base that provides the perfect texture for your bars.

Can I make Christmas Cherry Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container until your holiday gathering.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Cherry Bars?

One common mistake is overbaking the bars. Keep an eye on them in the oven, and remove them when the edges are golden brown for the best texture.

Variations of Christmas Cherry Bars You Can Try

For a twist, consider adding cream cheese frosting on top for a richer dessert. You can also make Cherry Almond Bars by incorporating slivered almonds into the dough. For a fun variation, try using different pie fillings such as blueberry or peach for unique flavors. These variations can help cater to different tastes while keeping the festive spirit alive.

For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our Cinnamon Orange Jam Linzer Cookies or Berry Crumble with Fresh Berries. If you’re interested in more festive recipes, you might enjoy our Pistachio Pavlova Meringue Cakes as well!

Delicious Christmas Cherry Bars with Sweet Almond Glaze

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Festive cherry bars with a buttery shortbread base, topped with a sweet almond glaze, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Author: Robert
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (for glaze)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch pan.
Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a shortbread dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Spread the cherry pie filling over the dough and drizzle almond extract on top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are lightly golden brown.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and additional almond extract until smooth to make the glaze.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars, then cut into squares and serve.