Oh, the joy that fills the air during the holidays! There’s something truly magical about gathering with family and friends, sharing laughter, and, of course, indulging in delicious treats. My absolute favorite during this festive season has to be *Christmas cherry bars*. They’re vibrant, sweet, and oh-so-easy to make! I remember the first time I brought these to a holiday gathering. The warm, buttery aroma wafting through the house had everyone buzzing with excitement. Trust me, when you bite into these cherry-filled delights, you can’t help but smile! They’re perfect for sharing and become an instant favorite at any holiday party. Let’s dive into making these scrumptious bars that will surely bring joy to your celebrations!
Ingredients for Christmas Cherry Bars
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delightful *Christmas cherry bars*! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cherry pie filling (the star of the show!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for that warm flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon salt to balance the sweetness
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for dusting that festive touch
Make sure to measure everything accurately for the best results. Trust me, the right balance of these ingredients will make all the difference in creating those perfectly chewy, cherry-filled bars that everyone will love!
How to Prepare Christmas Cherry Bars
Making these *Christmas cherry bars* is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful treat ready in no time.
Preheat and Cream Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it ensures your bars bake evenly and come out just right. While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You want it to be airy and creamy—this is what makes your bars oh-so-delicious!
Combine Dry Ingredients
Next, it’s time to mix in the dry ingredients. In the same bowl, add in the flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix everything together until well combined. I like to use a spatula for this—it gives me a little more control and helps ensure there are no dry pockets. Just make sure not to overmix; you want to keep that lovely texture!
Assemble the Bars
Now, let’s get to the fun part—assembling! Press about two-thirds of the dough into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Don’t worry about perfection; just make sure it’s evenly spread out. Then, take that luscious cherry pie filling and spread it evenly over the dough. Finally, drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry filling. It doesn’t have to be perfect; those little dollops create delicious little pockets of goodness as it bakes!
Baking Instructions
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once they’re done, resist the urge to dive in right away! Let the bars cool in the pan for a bit before dusting them with powdered sugar. This cooling time helps the flavors meld together beautifully, making each bite even more scrumptious!
Tips for Success
To make your *Christmas cherry bars* a hit, here are a few handy tips! First, for a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar in place of granulated sugar; it adds a lovely depth to the bars. If cherry pie filling isn’t your thing, feel free to swap it out with raspberry or blueberry filling for a fun twist! Make sure your butter is truly softened; this helps ensure a smooth batter. And remember, don’t overmix once you add the flour—this keeps your bars tender and chewy. Finally, let them cool completely before slicing; this makes for cleaner cuts and a prettier presentation. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just a general guide. For each serving of these delightful *Christmas cherry bars*, you can expect the following typical nutritional values:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 2g
These bars are sweet, indulgent, and perfect for that festive gathering, so enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Deliciously festive flavor that captures the essence of Christmas.
- Crowd-pleasing treat that’s sure to impress family and friends.
- Beautifully vibrant with that luscious cherry filling, making them a visual treat.
- Perfect for sharing at gatherings, potlucks, or cozy holiday parties.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Can be made ahead of time for stress-free entertaining!
These *Christmas cherry bars* are bound to become a cherished tradition in your holiday baking! Each bite is like a little piece of joy!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving *Christmas cherry bars*, the possibilities are endless! I love pairing these delightful treats with a warm cup of spiced chai or a rich hot chocolate—there’s just something about that cozy combo that screams holiday cheer! If you’re feeling fancy, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side adds a creamy touch that perfectly complements the tart cherry filling. For an extra festive flair, consider serving them alongside a platter of assorted holiday cookies or a slice of rich gingerbread cake. Trust me, your guests will be in dessert heaven!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *Christmas cherry bars* fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay tasty for about a week. Just make sure they’re well covered to prevent drying out!
If you prefer to enjoy them warm, you can easily reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them, or they may become too soft. Alternatively, you can warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for around 5-10 minutes. Enjoy those delightful cherry flavors all over again!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making *Christmas cherry bars*? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers to some of the most common ones you might have!
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Absolutely! If you have fresh cherries, just make sure to pit and chop them, then toss them with a bit of sugar to help bring out their sweetness. This will create a deliciously fresh filling!
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check that all your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
How do I know when my bars are done baking?
You’ll know they’re done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on them, especially towards the end of the baking time!
Can I freeze these bars?
You can definitely freeze *Christmas cherry bars*! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. They’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying!
What can I use instead of butter?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. It’ll still create that delightful, chewy texture we love!
There you go! These tips and answers should help make your baking experience even smoother. Enjoy whipping up those delicious *Christmas cherry bars*!
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Christmas Cherry Bars: 7 Reasons to Indulge This Holiday
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cherry bars perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until combined.
- Press two-thirds of the dough into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Spread cherry pie filling over the dough.
- Drop remaining dough by spoonfuls over the cherry filling.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Best served chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: christmas cherry bars, cherry dessert, holiday baking, festive treats
