Christmas Cherry Bars To Delight Your Holiday Gatherings

Name: Christmas Cherry Bars To Delight Your Holiday Gatherings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1 can cherry pie filling; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

novembre 19, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh, the joy of Christmas gatherings! There’s just something magical about the laughter, the twinkling lights, and, of course, the delicious treats that come with it. One of my absolute favorites has to be these *Christmas Cherry Bars*. They hold a special place in my heart because they remind me of my grandmother, who would whip them up every holiday season. The sweet, tangy cherry filling nestled between buttery layers is simply irresistible! Trust me, these bars will bring everyone together around the dessert table, and you’ll be showered with compliments. So, let’s get ready to spread some festive cheer with these delightful cherry bars!

Ingredients List

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

How to Prepare Christmas Cherry Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is so important because it ensures that your bars bake evenly and come out perfectly golden! I always set my timer for a good 10-15 minutes before I start mixing, just to make sure it’s nice and toasty by the time I’m ready to pop them in.

Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugar

Now, grab a mixing bowl and let’s get our butter and sugar together! Start by adding the softened butter and sugar into the bowl. Using an electric mixer (or a good old-fashioned whisk if you’re feeling adventurous!), cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. You want to incorporate as much air as possible here—it’s what makes those bars deliciously soft!

Step 3: Adding Wet Ingredients

Next up, it’s time to add in the egg and vanilla extract. Crack the egg right into your creamed mixture and pour in that fragrant vanilla. Mix it all together until everything is well combined. You’ll know it’s ready when the batter looks smooth and cohesive—no lumps allowed! This is where that sweet aroma starts to fill your kitchen. Yum!

Step 4: Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, let’s tackle the dry ingredients! Combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Give it a quick whisk to blend them together. This step is super important because it helps distribute the baking powder evenly throughout the flour, which means your bars will rise beautifully and bake consistently!

Step 5: Combining Mixtures

Now it’s time for the fun part: bringing it all together! Gradually add the dry flour mixture to your wet ingredients. I usually do this in three batches, mixing well after each addition. This way, you’ll avoid any floury surprises and get a nice, thick batter. Just be gentle when mixing—overmixing can make your bars tough, and nobody wants that!

Step 6: Assembling the Bars

Once your batter is ready, it’s time to assemble! Spread half of the batter evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Don’t worry if it looks a bit thick; just use a spatula to smooth it out. Now for the star of the show—pour that luscious cherry pie filling over the batter, spreading it out as evenly as you can. Finally, drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top of the cherries. It doesn’t have to be perfect; those little dollops will create a beautiful, rustic look!

Step 7: Baking the Bars

Pop your baking pan into the preheated oven and let it work its magic for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them around the 30-minute mark—you don’t want to overbake!

Step 8: Cooling and Serving

Once your bars are out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This makes it easier to cut them into squares without them falling apart. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! Once they’re cool, slice them into squares, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for that festive touch. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Just a quick note before you dive into those delicious *Christmas Cherry Bars*! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I can’t provide exact numbers, a typical serving of these bars may include around 180 calories, with some fat, protein, and carbs mixed in. So, if you’re watching your intake, it’s always a good idea to check your specific ingredients for more accurate information. Enjoy these treats in moderation, and savor every scrumptious bite! They’re worth it during the holidays!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
Festive flavor that captures the essence of Christmas in every bite.
Deliciously sweet and tangy cherry filling that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or cozy family get-togethers.
They store well in an airtight container, making them great for meal prep or enjoy later!
Fun to customize with toppings like whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your *Christmas Cherry Bars* turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve picked up over the years:

Use room temperature ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend together more smoothly and create that light, fluffy batter.
Don’t skip the cooling time: I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but letting the bars cool completely before cutting makes them so much easier to slice and gives the flavors a chance to meld together beautifully.
Store properly: Keep your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them for up to two months. Just make sure to wrap them well!
Serving suggestions: These bars are delicious on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You could also drizzle some chocolate sauce on top for a festive touch!
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to get creative! You can swap out the cherry pie filling for other fruit fillings, like blueberry or peach, to change it up. Just keep an eye on the sweetness, as some fruits can be more tart than others.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make the most delicious *Christmas Cherry Bars* ever! Happy baking!

FAQ Section

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! If you have fresh cherries, you can pit and slice them, then toss them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to create a filling. Just keep in mind that fresh cherries may not be as sweet as the canned version, so adjust the sugar to your taste.

How do I store leftover bars?
Store your *Christmas Cherry Bars* in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want them to last longer, you can pop them in the fridge for about a week or freeze them for up to two months. Just remember to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn!

Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s one that’s suitable for baking; this will help achieve similar texture and flavor. The bars might be a little denser, but they’ll still be delicious!

What’s the best way to serve these bars?
These bars are delightful served at room temperature, but if you want to elevate them, try warming them slightly in the microwave and serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a nice festive touch, too!

Can I add nuts or other toppings?
Definitely! If you love a bit of crunch, feel free to fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds into the batter before baking. You could also sprinkle some on top before you bake for extra texture. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if you’re adding more ingredients!

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