Celebrate the festive season with a burst of color and flavor with these Easy Homemade Christmas Cherry Bars. These delightful treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a special gift for loved ones. Featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a luscious cherry pie filling, and a sweet vanilla glaze, these bars are as delicious as they are beautiful. Their bright red hue makes them ideal for Christmas, while their simplicity makes them a joy to bake. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at holiday treats for the first time, this recipe guarantees a show-stopping dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– ½ tsp almond extract (optional for extra flavor)
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– ½ tsp salt
– 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
– For the glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1–2 tbsp milk
– ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3–5 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure the batter stays smooth and well-blended.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract, if using. These will enhance the flavor and give a festive aroma to your bars.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Spread two-thirds of the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth it out into an even layer—it doesn’t have to be perfect.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling over the base layer, spreading it out gently to cover the batter. Make sure the cherries are evenly distributed so every bite gets some fruit.
- Drop the remaining batter in spoonfuls over the cherry layer. It won’t cover the filling completely, but it will bake up beautifully and create a marbled top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before adding the glaze. This ensures the glaze won’t melt and run off.
- For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary—a thicker glaze will set better on the bars.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cherry bars in a zigzag or decorative pattern. Allow it to set for 10–15 minutes before cutting.
- Cut into squares or rectangles and serve. These bars store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, making them perfect for prepping ahead during the holidays.
These Easy Homemade Christmas Cherry Bars combine nostalgic flavors with simple preparation, making them a must-have for your holiday dessert table. The soft, buttery base contrasts beautifully with the tart sweetness of the cherries and the smooth glaze on top. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday potluck, or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee by the fire, these cherry bars will bring joy with every bite.