Delightful Christmas Cherry Bars: A Festive Treat for the Season
As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to indulge in some festive baking. Christmas Cherry Bars are a timeless favorite, featuring a buttery base topped with sweet cherry pie filling. These bars are not only delicious but also easy to make, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends during gatherings or gifting to loved ones. Let’s dive into the recipe and spread some Christmas cheer with these delightful treats!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of butter, softened
- 2 cups of sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Layer and Bake: Spread two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down firmly to create the base layer. Spread the cherry pie filling over the dough in an even layer.
- Create Crumb Topping: Take the remaining one-third of the dough and crumble it evenly over the cherry pie filling, creating a crumbly topping.
- Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
- Slice and Serve: Once the glaze has set, slice the Christmas Cherry Bars into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy the festive flavors!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Nuts: For extra texture and flavor, stir in chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds into the crumb topping before baking.
- Substitute Filling: While cherry pie filling is traditional, you can experiment with other fruit fillings such as blueberry, raspberry, or apple for different flavor combinations.
- Enhance with Spices: For a hint of warmth and spice, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough or crumb topping.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly: To make a keto-friendly version of these bars, substitute almond flour or coconut flour for the all-purpose flour and use a sugar-free sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of sugar. Be sure to choose a low-carb cherry pie filling or make your own keto-friendly version.
- Low-Carb: For a lower-carb option, reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe or use a sugar substitute. You can also replace some of the flour with almond flour or coconut flour to reduce the overall carb content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use homemade cherry pie filling instead of canned? A: Yes, you can use homemade cherry pie filling if you prefer. Simply prepare your favorite cherry pie filling recipe and use it in place of the canned filling.
Q: Can I freeze these bars? A: Yes, these Christmas Cherry Bars freeze well. Once cooled and sliced, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I omit the glaze? A: Yes, the glaze is optional and can be omitted if desired. The bars are delicious on their own, or you can dust them with powdered sugar for a simple finishing touch.
Q: How long do these bars stay fresh? A: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these bars will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the bars for up to a week.
Christmas Cherry Bars are a delightful addition to any holiday dessert spread. With their buttery base, sweet cherry filling, and optional glaze, these bars are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Whether enjoyed as a festive treat at home or shared with loved ones as gifts, these bars are a delicious way to celebrate the joy of the holiday season. Try making a batch of these Christmas Cherry Bars and spread some holiday cheer with every bite!
