Description
These Christmas Cherry Bars feature a buttery crust, a bright and juicy cherry filling, and a soft crumb topping that bakes into a festive, sliceable holiday treat. They are simple to make, perfect for parties, and ideal for cookie trays. With minimal prep and classic seasonal flavors, these bars bring cheerful color and delicious sweetness to every celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs & Flavor: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla or almond extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until a soft, thick dough forms.
- Build the Base: Spread about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Add the Cherry Layer: Spoon the cherry pie filling over the dough and spread to cover.
- Top with Remaining Dough: Drop small spoonfuls of the remaining dough across the cherries.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden.
- Cool & Finish: Let cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing.
Notes
For a bakery-style flavor, use almond extract instead of vanilla. Allow the bars to cool fully before cutting for clean slices. These freeze well and are great for make-ahead holiday baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg