The holiday season is the perfect time for baking, and these Christmas Cherry Bars bring festive cheer with their vibrant colors and irresistible flavors. A soft, buttery base pairs beautifully with the tartness of cherry pie filling, all topped off with a sweet almond glaze for a delightful treat.
These bars are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them ideal for holiday gatherings, gift exchanges, or a simple family dessert. Their cheerful cherry filling and almond glaze add a festive touch to your holiday table.
What makes these bars even better is their versatility. You can enjoy them warm for a comforting winter dessert or chilled as a refreshing sweet treat. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert in under an hour.
Let’s dive into this recipe and create a holiday dessert that’s as beautiful as it is tasty. Gather your ingredients and let the holiday baking magic begin!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Make the dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Mix dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending until a smooth dough forms.
4. Spread the dough
Spread about ¾ of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, reserving the remaining dough for topping.
5. Add the cherry filling
Evenly spread the cherry pie filling over the dough in the pan.
6. Top with remaining dough
Drop small spoonfuls of the reserved dough over the cherry filling, leaving gaps to let the cherries peek through.
7. Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Prepare the glaze
While the bars are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth.
9. Glaze the bars
Once baked, let the bars cool slightly. Drizzle the almond glaze over the top for a festive finish.
10. Serve
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Details
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 24 bars
These Christmas Cherry Bars are perfect for adding sweetness to your holiday season. What festive treat will you bake next? 🎄🍒
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