Christmas Cherry Bars

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These Christmas Cherry Bars have been a holiday tradition in my family for as long as I can remember. There’s something magical about the way the sweet, sticky cherry filling melts into a buttery, tender crust that makes every bite taste like a celebration. I love baking a big batch of these bars in early December—not only because they’re irresistibly good, but because they fill the kitchen with the scent of vanilla, almond, and cherries. It’s that nostalgic mix of comfort and festivity that reminds me of snowy mornings and warm gatherings.

The beauty of these bars lies in their simplicity. They look impressive, with their ruby-red shine and golden edges, yet they come together with just a few pantry staples and canned cherry pie filling. Whether I’m making them for a cookie exchange, wrapping them up as a gift, or just sneaking one with a cup of coffee, they never fail to bring a little extra joy to the season.

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Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cherry Bars

These bars are the definition of a crowd-pleaser. The rich, shortbread-style base is soft yet sturdy, making the perfect cradle for the sweet-tart cherries on top. They slice cleanly into beautiful squares, ideal for parties or gifting. You can prepare them ahead of time, and they actually taste even better the next day once all the flavors have had time to meld. Plus, they freeze like a dream! So if you’re planning for a hectic holiday season, these bars are a lifesaver—delicious, festive, and ready when you are.

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What Kind of Cherries Should I Use for Christmas Cherry Bars?

I like to keep things simple during the holidays, which is why I typically use canned cherry pie filling for this recipe. It gives you that rich, glossy cherry layer without the hassle of pitting and cooking fresh cherries. The filling is sweet, thick, and has just the right amount of tartness to balance the buttery crust.

However, if you prefer a more homemade touch, you can absolutely make your own cherry filling using fresh or frozen cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and a splash of lemon juice. Just be sure the mixture thickens well before spreading it onto the crust so it doesn’t get runny during baking.

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Options for Substitutions

While the classic version is hard to beat, there are a few ways to switch things up:

• Filling Swap: Not a fan of cherries? Try blueberry, raspberry, or even apple pie filling. These bars are incredibly adaptable.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. The texture stays tender, and the flavor holds up beautifully.
• Vegan Version: Use vegan butter and an egg substitute like flax eggs. It won’t be quite as rich, but it’ll still deliver that classic holiday taste.
• Add a Drizzle: A light almond glaze drizzled over the top after baking adds a sweet finish and enhances the cherry-almond flavor combo.
• Nuts for Texture: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the top before baking for a nutty crunch.

No matter how you adapt them, these bars are forgiving and always turn out delicious.

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Ingredients for These Christmas Cherry Bars

• Unsalted Butter
  This is the foundation of the crust and top layer. It adds richness and helps create that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated Sugar
  Sweetens the dough and also helps give the bars a slight crisp edge when baked.
• Eggs
  These bind the dough together and give it a soft, cake-like structure. They also help the top layer puff slightly during baking.
• All-Purpose Flour
  Provides the base structure for the dough. It keeps the bars sturdy enough to hold the cherry filling but still tender.
• Almond Extract
  A tiny splash makes a big impact—this pairs beautifully with cherries and gives the bars their signature holiday flavor.
• Vanilla Extract
  Adds warmth and depth to the dough, complementing the almond and cherry.
• Cherry Pie Filling (Canned)
  The star of the show! Sweet, juicy, and vibrant, this makes the bars pop with color and flavor.
• Powdered Sugar (optional for glaze)
  If you want to finish with a simple glaze, mix this with a little milk and almond extract for a pretty drizzle.

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Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by creaming together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy—this takes about 2–3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts for that festive aroma.

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Step 2: Add the Flour

Gradually mix in the flour until the dough is fully combined. It will be thick but spreadable. Don’t overmix—just until everything is smooth and cohesive.

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Step 3: Layer the Dough

Spread about two-thirds of the dough into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Use a spatula or your fingers to press it evenly into the bottom—this forms the base layer.

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Step 4: Add the Cherry Filling

Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough, making sure every bite will get some cherries. Spread it gently to avoid pulling up the base layer.

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Step 5: Top with Remaining Dough

Drop small spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherries. You don’t need to cover the filling completely—the dough will spread slightly as it bakes, creating a beautiful marbled look.

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Step 6: Bake

Place the pan in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set. Let the bars cool completely before slicing, so they hold together nicely.

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How Long to Cook the Christmas Cherry Bars

These bars should bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the top is lightly golden and the cherry filling is bubbly around the edges. Keep an eye on the last few minutes so the edges don’t brown too much. After baking, let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing—this helps them set properly and gives you those clean, neat layers.

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Tips for Perfect Christmas Cherry Bars

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Especially the butter and eggs. This helps the dough come together smoothly and creates a more even texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can make the dough tough.
• Line the Pan for Easy Removal: A sheet of parchment paper or foil with an overhang makes it easy to lift the bars out of the pan for slicing.
• Cool Completely Before Cutting: These bars need time to firm up after baking, otherwise they can fall apart when sliced.
• Try a Light Glaze: For an extra festive finish, whisk together powdered sugar, a touch of milk, and a drop of almond extract. Drizzle it over the cooled bars.
• Chill Before Slicing for Super-Clean Cuts: If presentation matters, refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes before slicing. You’ll get those crisp, bakery-style edges.
• Use a Serrated Knife or Bench Scraper to Cut: It keeps the top layer from smearing and helps maintain the pretty layers.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using Cold Butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly with the sugar, which affects the texture of the dough. Make sure it’s soft but not melted.
• Skipping the Almond Extract: It may seem optional, but it’s key to that classic cherry-almond flavor combo. Don’t leave it out!
• Overbaking the Bars: If the top turns too brown, the base can become dry. Stick to the 35–40 minute window and check early.
• Spreading the Top Layer Too Much: The top dough should be dropped in spoonfuls, not smoothed out—this creates that marbled cherry look. Let it bake into place naturally.
• Cutting While Warm: The filling will be too soft, and the bars won’t hold together. Always let them cool completely first.
• Using the Wrong Pan Size: A 9×13-inch pan is perfect. Anything smaller will make the bars too thick and undercooked in the center.

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What to Serve With Christmas Cherry Bars?

1. Hot Chocolate or Mocha

A rich cup of cocoa or a festive coffee drink pairs perfectly with the sweet-tart bars. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or peppermint for extra holiday cheer.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve a warm bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side—it’s like a deconstructed cherry pie à la mode.

3. Whipped Cream

Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a soft, creamy contrast to the bright cherry layer. Great for an easy dessert platter.

4. Holiday Cheese Board

Include cherry bars on a sweet-and-savory board with cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits. Their tartness plays well with salty and creamy flavors.

5. Sparkling Wine or Prosecco

A bubbly drink cuts through the richness and makes them feel even more celebratory.

6. Fresh Berries

Raspberries or strawberries add a pop of freshness to balance the dense, buttery base.

7. Gingerbread or Spiced Cookies

Create a dessert sampler with other seasonal treats—these bars complement spiced cookies beautifully.

8. Coffee or Espresso

The slightly bitter notes of coffee balance the sweet cherry filling and make these bars ideal for brunch or an afternoon treat.

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Storage Instructions

Christmas Cherry Bars store beautifully, making them ideal for holiday prep or gifting. Once the bars are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen runs warm, it’s better to refrigerate them—they’ll stay fresh for up to 6 days in the fridge.

To freeze, layer the bars between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for 2 to 3 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving. The texture holds up surprisingly well after freezing.

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Estimated Nutrition (per bar, based on 24 bars)

• Calories: 190
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 45mg
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 17g
• Protein: 2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Christmas Cherry Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars are perfect for make-ahead baking. You can prepare them up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container. In fact, the flavor often improves after sitting overnight.

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Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?

Yes! If you prefer to skip canned filling, you can make your own with fresh or frozen cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Just make sure it’s thick enough to spread without being runny.

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Do I need to refrigerate the bars?

Not necessarily. They’re fine at room temperature for up to 3 days, but refrigerating them will help extend their freshness—especially if your kitchen is warm.

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Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, they freeze very well. Store them in layers between parchment in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temp before serving.

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What can I use instead of almond extract?

If you don’t like almond extract or need a substitute, try using vanilla extract or even a splash of orange zest. Just know that almond gives them their signature flavor.

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How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Make sure the cherry filling isn’t too watery, and don’t over-layer the base dough with filling. Also, allow the bars to cool completely so everything sets properly.

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Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Just use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious and festive.

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Why is my top dough layer spreading unevenly?

That’s actually part of the charm! The spoonfuls of dough are supposed to bake into a marbled, rustic pattern. Don’t try to smooth it out—it’s meant to look that way.

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Conclusion

Christmas Cherry Bars are everything a holiday dessert should be: simple, beautiful, and bursting with festive flavor. From the rich, buttery crust to the jewel-toned cherry topping and soft almond-kissed finish, each bite feels like a celebration. Whether you’re baking them for a party, sharing with neighbors, or stashing them away for your own coffee break, they never disappoint. And with their ease of prep and make-ahead friendliness, they’re a true holiday baking win. Give them a try this season—you’ll want to make them again and again.

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