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Christmas Cherry Bars

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4.7 from 43 reviews

Celebrate the holiday season with these festive Christmas Cherry Bars! Featuring a rich buttery crust, a hint of almond, and a luscious layer of cherry pie filling, these easy-to-make dessert bars are sure to impress at any gathering. Finished with a snowy dusting of powdered sugar, they’re a perfect addition to your holiday cookie tray or a cozy winter treat.

Ingredients

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For the Crust and Batter

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt

For the Filling

  • 1 can cherry pie filling (about 21 oz)

For Finishing

  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Make the Batter – In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients – Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Do not overmix—this keeps the bars tender.
  4. Layer the Batter and Filling – Spread about two-thirds of the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over this base layer.
  5. Add the Remaining Batter – Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherry filling, leaving some cherries peeking through for a festive look.
  6. Bake – Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the crust should come out clean.
  7. Cool and Finish – Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, dust generously with powdered sugar, then slice into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Allow bars to cool fully before cutting for clean slices.
  • You can substitute other pie fillings (like blueberry or raspberry) for creative variations.
  • Bars can be stored, tightly covered, at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for longer freshness.
  • For extra crunch, sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the batter before baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/christmas-cherry-bars/