Irresistibly Buttery Christmas Cherry Bars That Everyone Loves
These Christmas Cherry Bars are a delightful festive dessert with a buttery crust and sweet-tart cherry filling.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter or salted butter without additional salt
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar brown sugar can be used
- 2 Eggs or flax eggs/applesauce for vegan option
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract or almond extract for extra flavor
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour gluten-free 1:1 flour can be substituted
- 1 teaspoon Salt a pinch of kosher salt is ideal
For the Cherry Filling
- 1 can Cherry Pie Filling fresh or frozen cherries can be alternatives
For the Glaze
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Milk or Cream plant-based milk for a dairy-free option
- 1 teaspoon Additional Vanilla Extract for Glaze optional
- 2 tablespoons Cherry Syrup (from pie filling) or pure cherry juice as a substitute
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining with parchment paper.
- Cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt in a separate bowl; gradually incorporate into the butter mixture until smooth.
- Spread two-thirds of the batter into the prepared pan, creating a base for the cherry filling.
- Layer the cherry pie filling over the batter, then drop dollops of remaining batter on top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown; a toothpick should come out clean.
- Cool the bars completely in the pan before glazing.
- Mix powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and additional vanilla in a bowl for a smooth glaze, then drizzle it over cooled bars.
- Finish with a drizzle of cherry syrup for decoration.
Notes
Serve these bars warm or at room temperature for a delightful treat. Store in an airtight container.