There’s something truly magical about Christmas Cherry Bars, especially during the holiday season. These delightful treats, with their rich buttery base and vibrant cherry filling, bring a touch of nostalgia to any gathering. I still remember the first time I made them—how the aroma filled my home, and how my family gathered around, eager to devour every last square. Perfect for holiday parties, festive potlucks, or even cozy family nights, these bars are simple yet spectacular. Let’s delve into why you’ll want to make these scrumptious bars and how to do it!
Reasons to try it
What makes Christmas Cherry Bars so special? First, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them ideal for both novice bakers and experienced ones who crave a quick dessert. The recipe requires just a handful of ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, who can resist the combination of sweet cherries and buttery goodness? These bars are perfect for any holiday gathering or family brunch, instantly elevating your dessert table without much fuss.
"I made these for a Christmas cookie exchange, and they were a hit! The almond extract adds a unique touch that pairs so well with the cherry filling." — Lisa M.
Step-by-step overview
Making Christmas Cherry Bars is a straightforward process, and the steps can be broken down simply. First, you’ll blend the wet ingredients until they’re light and fluffy, then mix in the dry ingredients. Position two-thirds of the batter in a baking dish, layer with cherry pie filling, and finally, drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top. Bake until a gorgeous golden brown, cool, glaze, and slice! It’s that easy.
What you’ll need
Here’s your shopping list for Christmas Cherry Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
You can easily swap the cherry filling for other fruits like blueberry or peach for a unique twist!
