Have you ever tasted a dessert so simple and delicious that you wondered why you didn’t make it sooner? Christmas Cherry Bars are one of those treats. They’re bright, sweet, buttery, and filled with juicy cherries that make every bite taste like the holidays. If you’re looking for something easy, pretty, and perfect for sharing, this recipe will be your new favorite.

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Christmas Cherry Bars are one of the best holiday desserts because they’re fast to make, easy to slice, and great for parties. You don’t need any special skills or fancy tools. Everything comes together in one bowl and one pan. These bars have a soft, buttery crust, a sweet cherry filling, and a crumbly topping that adds the perfect crunch.

They take about 15 minutes to prepare and 35 to 40 minutes to bake, so you can make them even on a busy day. The difficulty level is easy, which makes this a great recipe for beginners, kids, or anyone who wants a stress-free dessert.

Essential Ingredients

Here are the main ingredients you’ll need:

Butter
Softened butter makes the crust rich and tender.

Sugar
Adds sweetness and helps the bars brown nicely.

Eggs
Give the dough a soft, cake-like texture.

All-purpose flour
The base of the crust and crumb topping.

Vanilla extract
Adds warm, holiday flavor.

Cherry pie filling
Creates the bright, juicy cherry layer in the center.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• You can replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a sweeter, bakery-style flavor.
• You can use homemade cherry filling instead of canned.
• Gluten-free flour blends work well for a gluten-free version.
• If you don’t like cherries, try blueberry, raspberry, or apple pie filling.
• Add chopped nuts to the topping for crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Christmas Cherry Bars:

Step 1: Prepare your baking pan
Line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. This helps the bars come out easily.

Step 2: Make the dough
In a large bowl, mix softened butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla extract.

Step 3: Add dry ingredients
Add flour to the bowl. Stir until the dough is smooth and well combined. It should be thick like soft cookie dough.

Step 4: Build the crust
Spread about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the pan. Use a spatula to make an even layer. This will be the base of your bars.

Step 5: Add the cherry layer
Spread the cherry pie filling over the dough. Try to cover the whole surface so every bite gets cherries.

Step 6: Add the crumb topping
Drop small spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry layer. You don’t need to cover everything. Gaps will let the cherries bubble through as they bake.

Step 7: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes. The top should be lightly golden and the cherries should be bubbling.

Step 8: Cool
Let the bars cool completely before slicing. This helps them stay firm.

Assembly

Here’s how to build Christmas Cherry Bars so they look and taste great:

• Press the bottom dough evenly to get a smooth base.
• Spread the cherry filling gently so it doesn’t dig into the crust.
• Make the topping look rustic by dropping dough pieces unevenly. This makes the bars look homemade and festive.
• Dust the top with powdered sugar once cooled for a snowy holiday look.

For serving, you can slice the bars into squares or long rectangles. They stack well on a platter and make a colorful dessert table centerpiece.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Christmas Cherry Bars store very well, which makes them perfect for holidays and parties.

Room Temperature
Keep the bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator
Store for up to 1 week. They will stay firm and fresh.

Freezer
Freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating
If you want them warm, heat in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.

These bars taste even better the next day, which makes them a great make-ahead dessert.

Recipe Variations

You can make many versions of Christmas Cherry Bars by switching flavors or adding toppings.

Almond Cherry Bars
Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the dough and sprinkle sliced almonds on top.

Chocolate Cherry Bars
Add chocolate chips to the topping for a rich twist.

Cranberry Cherry Bars
Mix dried cranberries into the cherry filling for extra tart flavor and a chewy texture.

Lemon Cherry Bars
Add lemon zest to the dough for a bright, fresh taste.

Mixed Berry Bars
Use a mix of blueberry and cherry pie filling.

Conclusion

Christmas Cherry Bars are one of those recipes that make the holidays sweeter without adding stress to your kitchen. They’re simple, quick, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making them for a party, family celebration, or gifting to neighbors, these bars always stand out. Try different variations, make them ahead, and enjoy how easy and delicious they are. Once you make them, they may just become part of your yearly holiday traditions.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Yes. Cook fresh cherries with sugar and a little cornstarch until thick and glossy.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A gluten-free flour blend works well as a substitute.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use two pans or one larger sheet pan.

Do the bars need to cool before slicing?
Yes. Cooling helps them firm up so they slice cleanly.

Can I freeze Christmas Cherry Bars?
Yes, they freeze very well for up to 3 months.

How do I keep the bars soft?
Store them in an airtight container so they stay moist and fresh.

Can I use other fruit fillings?
Absolutely. Try blueberry, apple, raspberry, or even peach.