Irresistible Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Irresistible Christmas Cherry Bars combine a buttery, chewy base with a vibrant cherry filling that perfectly captures the festive spirit. Ideal for holiday gatherings or a sweet winter treat, they offer a luscious balance of tart and sweet flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• For the topping (optional):
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Step 5: Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the butter mixture until just blended.
6. Step 6: In a separate bowl, mix the pitted cherries, additional sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice to prepare the filling.
7. Step 7: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Spoon the cherry filling evenly over the batter, then spread the remaining batter on top.
8. Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Step 9: Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Step 10 (Optional): For a sweet glaze, whisk powdered sugar and milk together until smooth and drizzle over the cooled bars.

Tips & Variations

• Use frozen cherries if fresh are unavailable, but thaw and drain excess liquid to avoid soggy bars.
• Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter for a nutty, complementary flavor to cherries.
• For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans over the cherry filling before adding the top layer of batter.
• If you prefer a less sweet bar, reduce the sugar in the filling by a tablespoon or two.

Storage

Store the cherry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat bars gently in the microwave or a low oven to enjoy a warm, soft treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cherries work well. Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the bars soggy.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Irresistible Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe

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Indulge in the festive flavors of these Irresistible Christmas Cherry Bars featuring a buttery, chewy base layered with a luscious cherry filling and a sweet optional glaze. Perfectly balanced with tart cherries and a hint of lemon, these bars make a delightful holiday treat or a year-round favorite dessert.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Base

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs

For the Filling

• 2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Topping (Optional)

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to create a consistent warm environment for even baking of your cherry bars.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl to ensure an airy, well-mixed base for the bars.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 3 to 5 minutes, which is crucial for the bars’ perfect texture.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain smooth batter. Stir in vanilla extract gently to infuse warmth and aroma.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring just until blended to avoid overmixing which could toughen the bars.
6. Make Cherry Filling: In a separate bowl, mix pitted cherries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. This mixture thickens during baking and balances tartness with sweetness.
7. Assemble the Bars: Spread half of the batter evenly into a greased baking pan, then layer the cherry filling on top. Spoon the remaining batter over the cherries carefully to cover them.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
9. Cool the Bars: Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely to prevent sogginess.
10. Optional Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and milk until smooth to create a glaze. Drizzle over cooled bars for an extra touch of sweetness and festive appeal.

Notes

• Use fresh or frozen cherries; if frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
• Adjust sugar in the filling according to the sweetness of your cherries.
• For an even richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract with the vanilla.
• If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the milk quantity.
• Chill the bars for easier slicing if they feel too soft after cooling.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Keywords: Christmas cherry bars, cherry dessert bars, cherry filling bars, holiday desserts, baked cherry bars, festive treats