The holiday season brings with it an array of traditions and treats that make this time of year truly magical. Among these festive offerings, Christmas Cherry Bars hold a special place in my heart and my kitchen. Every year, as soon as the first hint of snow touches the ground, I find myself eagerly baking these delicious bars, filling my home with their sweet, fruity aroma. It’s a tradition that connects me with cherished memories of family gatherings, laughter, and the joy of sharing something homemade.
These Christmas Cherry Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of the season’s flavors and a testament to the simplicity and elegance of holiday baking. The combination of a rich, buttery base with a luscious layer of cherry pie filling, topped with a sweet glaze, creates a treat that’s both delightful and visually appealing. Each bite offers a satisfying balance of sweetness and tartness, making them perfect for holiday parties, family get-togethers, or just as a special treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
For the Glaze (Optional):
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is at the perfect temperature for baking your bars evenly.
Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. This helps prevent the bars from sticking and makes it easier to remove them once baked.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter with 2 cups of sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the butter, which helps to create a tender, airy texture in your bars.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Incorporate Eggs: Add 4 eggs to the creamed butter and sugar, one at a time. Beat well after each addition to ensure that the eggs are fully incorporated into the mixture.
Stir in Vanilla: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until just combined. The vanilla adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweet cherry filling.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. This helps to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture. Mix on low speed until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense bars.
Step 5: Prepare the Base
Spread the Batter: Take 3 cups of the batter and spread it evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the batter out, ensuring an even layer.
Step 6: Add Cherry Filling
Spread Cherry Pie Filling: Carefully spread the can of cherry pie filling over the batter in the pan. Use a spoon or spatula to distribute the filling evenly, avoiding any large gaps.
Step 7: Add the Top Layer
Top with Remaining Batter: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter in small clumps over the cherry filling. The idea is to create a lumpy, uneven layer that will bake into a delicious, crumbly top.
Smooth Out: If needed, use a spatula to gently spread the top layer, but don’t worry about achieving a perfect cover. The batter will spread and even out slightly as it bakes.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The bars are done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Step 9: Cool and Glaze (Optional)
Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is crucial to ensure that the bars set properly and are easier to cut into squares.
Prepare the Glaze (Optional): While the bars are cooling, you can make the glaze if you choose to use it. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. The glaze should be smooth and pourable.
Drizzle the Glaze: Once the bars are completely cooled, drizzle the vanilla glaze over them. You can use a spoon or a fork to create a decorative pattern. Allow the glaze to set before cutting the bars into squares.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Cut and Serve: Cut the cooled bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. Serve them at room temperature. They are perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a sweet treat any time of day.
Variations and Substitutions
Fruit Filling Options: If cherry isn’t your favorite, you can substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry, apple, or peach. Each variation will offer a unique flavor twist.
Nutty Twist: For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the batter. Sprinkle them over the top layer before baking for a delightful crunch.
Gluten-Free Option: To make these bars gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Alternative: For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use a non-dairy milk alternative for the glaze.
Conclusion
Christmas Cherry Bars are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of the flavors and warmth of the holiday season. Their combination of a rich, buttery base, a sweet and tart cherry filling, and a glossy vanilla glaze makes them an irresistible treat that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones.
The process of making these bars is simple yet rewarding, resulting in a dessert that is both beautiful and delicious. The flexibility of the recipe allows for personal touches and variations, making it easy to customize to suit your taste or dietary needs. Whether you’re looking to add a festive touch to your holiday spread or just want a sweet indulgence, these Cherry Bars are sure to become a cherished part of your baking repertoire. Enjoy the process, share with friends and family, and savor every delightful bite!
