Why Make This Christmas Cherry Bars
When the holiday season rolls around, you want treats that not only taste amazing but also bring a festive cheer to your gatherings. Christmas Cherry Bars are the perfect answer. With their tangy cherry filling and buttery crust, these bars evoke the spirit of Christmas with every bite. Easy to make and beautiful to serve, they’re the ideal dessert for potlucks, family parties, and cozy evenings by the fire. Plus, the vibrant red cherries add a lovely pop of color to your dessert table, making them a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
How to Make Christmas Cherry Bars
Making Christmas Cherry Bars is a straightforward process that even beginner bakers can tackle with confidence. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready in no time. The combination of sweet cherry pie filling and a rich, buttery base makes each bar delightfully moist and wholesome. Once baked to golden perfection, they are topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar for that festive touch. You’ll love how effortless this recipe is!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add the softened butter, cherry pie filling, vanilla extract, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until the mixture is smooth and all elements are combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan before dusting with powdered sugar. Once dusted, slice into bars and serve. Enjoy the delightful flavor!
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 bar, approximately 1/16 of the pan):
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 95mg
Please note that these values may vary depending on specific brands of ingredients used.
How to Serve Christmas Cherry Bars
Christmas Cherry Bars are versatile and can be served in several delightful ways. Present them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an inviting dessert that everyone will love. Alternatively, serve them chilled with a dollop of whipped cream on top for a refreshing treat. They also make a wonderful addition to a holiday dessert platter alongside cookies, fudge, and other sweets, showcasing a variety of flavors and textures.
How to Store Christmas Cherry Bars
To keep your Christmas Cherry Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for about a week. For longer storage, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy!
Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Cherry Bars
- Always use softened butter for a smooth batter. You can achieve this by leaving it out at room temperature for 30 minutes before starting.
- If you want an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract alongside the vanilla for a delightful twist.
- For a more chewy texture, don’t overmix the batter; just mix until combined.
- Be careful not to overbake the bars, as they can dry out. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
Delicious Variations
- Nutty Cherry Bars: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) for a crunchy texture that complements the soft cherries.
- Chocolate Cherry Bars: Swirl in mini chocolate chips into the batter for an indulgent chocolate-cherry flavor combo.
- Lemon Zest: For a refreshing zing, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Absolutely! You can use fresh cherries, but they will require some additional preparation. Pit and slice the cherries and combine them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to thicken the filling before adding it to the batter.
2. How can I make these bars more festive?
Consider adding festive sprinkles on top just before serving or drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk for a decorative touch.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can make these bars a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container and dust with powdered sugar just before serving for the best results.
Conclusion
Christmas Cherry Bars are not just a delightful addition to your holiday spread; they embody the warmth and joy of the season. With their simple preparation and delicious flavors, they are sure to become a new favorite in your holiday baking repertoire. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, whip up a batch, and share the joy of these festive treats with your friends and family this holiday season! Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share your creations!
Christmas Cherry Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add the softened butter, cherry pie filling, vanilla extract, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth and all elements are combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan before dusting with powdered sugar. Slice into bars and serve.