The smell of baked cherries wafting through the air, mingling with a hint of buttery goodness and a sprinkle of holiday cheer—that’s what Christmas Cherry Bars: A Festive Holiday Treat is all about. Imagine slicing into these delightful bars and finding a sweet, sticky cherry filling that’s both tart and luscious, all nestled under a crumbly crust that just begs to be devoured. Trust me, your taste buds will throw a holiday party in your mouth!
These festive bars have been a family tradition for years, bringing everyone together during the holidays. I still remember my grandma’s kitchen, where we would mix and bake while her record player spun classic Christmas tunes. The anticipation built as we waited for them to cool, our noses pressed against the oven door like kids waiting for Santa. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or an extravagant holiday party, these cherry bars are bound to steal the show!
Why You'll Love This Christmas Cherry Bars</strong>: A Festive Holiday Treat
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Christmas Cherry Bars: A Festive Holiday Treat:
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Fresh Cherries: Look for bright red cherries; they should be firm and juicy to create the best filling.
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Granulated Sugar: This sweetener helps balance the tartness of the cherries, making them irresistibly delicious.
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All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the crust and crumbles; it provides structure to our lovely treat.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning; it adds richness to both the crust and topping.
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Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together while giving our bars their delightful texture.
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Baking Powder: A must-have leavening agent; it makes our bars light and fluffy.
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Vanilla Extract: This aromatic ingredient enhances flavor complexity; never underestimate vanilla’s power!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Christmas Cherry Bars: A Festive Holiday Treat:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Prepare Your Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine fresh cherries with sugar, stirring well until they’re coated. Let this mixture sit so those juices can work their magic!
Step 3: Make the Crust
In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Then add softened butter and an egg. Stir until you achieve a crumbly texture—just think of making sand castles at the beach!
Step 4: Assemble Your Bars
Press half of the crust mixture into the prepared baking dish evenly. Spoon the cherry filling over this base layer before crumbling the remaining dough on top.
Step 5: Bake Away
Pop your creation into the oven! Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top—don’t forget to admire that beautiful color transformation.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Allow your bars to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature; either way, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “Merry Christmas!”
Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra cherry juice or dust with powdered sugar for that festive touch!
Now you’ve got yourself a scrumptious batch of Christmas Cherry Bars: A Festive Holiday Treat that will make you the star of any holiday gathering! Enjoy every bite as if you’re savoring those cherished memories from Grandma’s kitchen—because who doesn’t love reliving sweet moments over dessert?
You Must Know About Christmas Cherry Bars</strong>: A Festive Holiday Treat
Perfecting Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you prepare the crust. Make the cherry filling next, letting it cool slightly before spreading it evenly over the crust. Finally, bake everything together until golden brown and bubbly for the ultimate festive treat.
Flavor Your Way
Feel free to swap the cherries for other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a twist. Add a splash of almond extract to enhance the flavor profile or sprinkle some nuts on top for extra crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Christmas Cherry Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in an oven at 350°F until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Christmas Cherry Bars</strong>: A Festive Holiday Treat
There’s nothing quite like seeing my family’s faces light up when I present these bars during holiday gatherings; it’s pure joy wrapped in a cherry-filled package!
FAQs
What is Christmas Cherry Bars: A Festive Holiday Treat?
Christmas Cherry Bars: A Festive Holiday Treat are delightful dessert bars that combine the rich sweetness of cherries with a buttery crust. These bars are perfect for holiday gatherings and add a pop of color to your dessert table. The chewy texture combined with the tartness of the cherries creates a delicious contrast that everyone will love. They are easy to prepare, making them an excellent choice for both seasoned bakers and beginners alike.
How can I make Christmas Cherry Bars more festive?
To enhance the festive appeal of your Christmas Cherry Bars, consider adding decorative toppings. Sprinkling powdered sugar on top gives a snowy effect, while red and green sprinkles can add a cheerful touch. You might also incorporate chopped nuts or white chocolate chips into the mixture for added flavor and texture. Serving these bars on a vibrant holiday platter will surely make them the centerpiece of your dessert spread.
Can I substitute ingredients in Christmas Cherry Bars?
Yes, you can easily substitute ingredients in Christmas Cherry Bars to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For instance, if you want a gluten-free version, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also swap out cherries for other fruits like raspberries or blueberries to create different flavor profiles. Additionally, using coconut oil instead of butter can provide a dairy-free option without sacrificing taste.
What occasions are best for serving Christmas Cherry Bars?
Christmas Cherry Bars: A Festive Holiday Treat are perfect for various occasions beyond just Christmas. They make an excellent dessert for holiday parties, family gatherings, or potluck events. Their vibrant appearance and delicious flavor make them an ideal choice for any celebration where you want to impress guests with something sweet and delightful. Don’t forget to package some as gifts during the holiday season!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Christmas Cherry Bars: A Festive Holiday Treat offer a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that enhance any holiday celebration. These easy-to-make bars not only bring joy but also add a splash of color to your dessert table. With simple ingredient substitutions, they can cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. Whether served at gatherings or gifted to loved ones, these cherry bars are sure to become a beloved seasonal favorite!
Christmas Cherry Bars: A Festive Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Christmas Cherry Bars are a festive delight that perfectly blend the tartness of fresh cherries with a buttery, crumbly crust. This easy-to-make dessert captures the essence of holiday baking and is ideal for sharing at family gatherings or holiday parties. Each bite offers layers of flavor and texture, making these bars a must-have addition to your dessert table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix fresh cherries with ½ cup sugar; let sit to develop juices.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and remaining sugar. Mix in softened butter and eggs until crumbly.
- Press half the mixture into the baking dish, layer the cherry filling on top, then crumble the remaining mixture over it.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 235
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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