As the holidays approach and the air fills with the promise of festive cheer, few treats evoke the warmth and joy of the season quite like Christmas Cherry Bars. This recipe is a cherished favorite in our family, carrying with it a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the holiday spirit. The first time I encountered these bars was at a holiday gathering, where their inviting aroma and vibrant cherry topping immediately drew me in. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make these bars an ideal choice for busy holiday schedules, while their rich flavor profile ensures they’re a hit at any gathering.
These bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a symbol of togetherness and celebration. Picture this: a soft, buttery base topped with a layer of luscious cherry pie filling, and perhaps a drizzle of sweet glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will make any holiday gathering feel just a little more special. Whether you’re serving them at a family Christmas party, bringing them to a potluck, or simply enjoying them with a cup of coffee by the fire, these Cherry Bars are sure to be a beloved addition to your holiday repertoire.
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
Optional Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars will bake evenly and come out with the perfect texture.
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. This step is crucial to prevent the bars from sticking to the pan and ensures they can be easily removed once baked.
Make the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until they’re light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to achieve a smooth consistency. This process incorporates air into the mixture, creating a light texture in the finished bars.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next. This helps to maintain the texture of the batter. After the eggs are added, blend in the vanilla extract, which will enhance the overall flavor of the bars.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the flour and salt. Mix them together to ensure that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense bars.
Assemble the Layers:
Spread three cups of the batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth the batter out to the edges of the pan.
Gently spread the cherry pie filling over the layer of batter. Try to distribute it as evenly as possible to ensure each bar has a good amount of filling.
Drop small clumps of the remaining batter over the cherry filling, covering it as much as possible. This will create a crumbly, textured top that contrasts beautifully with the smooth cherry filling underneath.
Baking:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the bars as they approach the end of the baking time.
Cooling:
Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before adding the glaze. This step is important to ensure that the glaze doesn’t melt into the warm bars.
Adding the Glaze (Optional):
Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. The glaze should be pourable but not too runny.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars. Use a spoon or a small whisk to create a decorative pattern if desired.
Finish and Serve:
Cut the dessert into bars after the glaze has set. This will allow the glaze to firm up and prevent it from dripping off when you cut the bars.
- Variations and Substitutions
- Fruit Fillings: If cherry isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with other fruit pie fillings such as blueberry, apple, or peach. Each fruit will give the bars a unique flavor profile while maintaining the same basic structure.
- Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Be sure to check that the other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
- Dairy-Free: To make these bars dairy-free, substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. For the glaze, use a non-dairy milk such as almond milk or coconut milk.
- Additional Toppings: Consider adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, on top of the batter before baking for added crunch and flavor.
- Summary
- Christmas Cherry Bars are more than just a delicious treat; they embody the festive spirit of the season with their vibrant cherry topping and sweet, buttery base. The recipe’s simplicity makes it an accessible option for home bakers of all skill levels, while the potential for variations ensures that you can customize the bars to suit your preferences. Whether you’re baking these bars for a holiday party or simply enjoying them with your family, they’re sure to bring a touch of joy and celebration to your table. The combination of a tender, buttery base with the sweet and tangy cherry filling creates a dessert that’s both comforting and festive. Enjoy the process of making these bars and savor each delightful bite as a sweet reminder of the holiday season.
