Cherry Bars-Buttery, fruity, and drizzled with glaze — the ultimate holiday treat for Christmas morning.
Introduction
There’s something magical about waking up on Christmas morning to the aroma of freshly baked treats. These Cherry Bars are the perfect companion to a steaming cup of hot cocoa. With their buttery base, sweet cherry filling, and glossy glaze, they’re festive, nostalgic, and irresistibly delicious.
This recipe is simple enough for beginner bakers yet impressive enough to serve at holiday gatherings. The bars slice beautifully, making them ideal for cookie platters, dessert buffets, or edible gifts. They’re a cross between a cookie and a cake — soft, chewy, and bursting with cherry flavor.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Bars
1 cup butter, softened – Rich, creamy base that gives tender texture.
2 cups sugar – Sweetens and balances tart cherries.
1 teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor.
4 large eggs – Bind and enrich the dough.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Warm undertone.
¼ teaspoon almond extract – Complements cherries with nutty depth.
3 cups all‑purpose flour – Provides structure.
2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling – Fruity, festive centerpiece.
For the Glaze
1 cup confectioners’ sugar – Smooth, sweet base.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Flavor boost.
½ teaspoon almond extract – Echoes cherry flavor.
2–3 tablespoons whole milk – Adjusts consistency.
Step‑by‑Step Directions
Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15x10x1‑inch baking pan.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Extracts: Incorporate eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and almond extract.
Mix in Flour: Gradually add flour until dough forms.
Layer Dough and Filling: Spread 3 cups dough into pan. Top with cherry pie filling. Drop remaining dough by spoonfuls over filling.
Bake: Bake 35–40 minutes until golden brown.
Cool: Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
Make Glaze: Mix confectioners’ sugar, extracts, and milk until smooth.
Finish: Drizzle glaze over cooled bars. Slice and serve.
Baking Science
Creaming butter and sugar incorporates air, creating light texture.
Eggs provide structure and richness.
Almond extract enhances cherry flavor through aromatic compounds.
Pie filling moisture keeps bars tender without drying out.
Tips for Success
Use room‑temperature butter for proper creaming.
Don’t overmix flour — keeps bars soft.
Cool completely before glazing to prevent melting.
Line pan with parchment for easy removal.
Variations
Berry Bars: Substitute cherry filling with blueberry or raspberry.
Chocolate Cherry Bars: Add chocolate chips to dough.
Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top.
Festive Colors: Use red and green sprinkles in glaze for Christmas.
Serving Ideas
Serve warm with cocoa or coffee.
Slice into squares for cookie platters.
Package in tins for edible gifts.
Pair with vanilla ice cream for indulgence.
Storage
Room Temperature: Store in airtight container for 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps fresh up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze bars for up to 2 months.
Nutrition (per bar, approx.)
Calories: ~220
Protein: ~3g
Fat: ~9g
Carbs: ~32g
Conclusion
These Cherry Bars are the perfect blend of buttery dough, fruity filling, and sweet glaze. Easy to make, festive to serve, and delicious to eat, they’re a recipe that belongs in your holiday baking lineup. Whether enjoyed on Christmas morning or shared at a party, they’re guaranteed to spread cheer.