Christmas Cherry Bars: A Festive Holiday Treat – The holiday season is upon us, and there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked Christmas Cherry Bars wafting through the house. This delightful treat combines the tartness of cherries with a buttery, crumbly base that will have your taste buds dancing like sugarplum fairies. Imagine sinking your teeth into these vibrant bars while sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace—pure bliss!
Let’s be honest, every year we promise ourselves to keep things simple during the holiday madness. But somehow, we still find ourselves knee-deep in flour and frosting! Fear not, my friends! These Christmas Cherry Bars: A Festive Holiday Treat are the perfect solution for your holiday baking dilemma. They are easy to make, look stunning on any dessert table, and they taste even better than they look.
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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All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our bars; opt for unbleached for a more wholesome flavor.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the deal; adjust to your taste if you prefer a less sugary treat.
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Baking Powder: A must for that lift; ensures our cherry bars are fluffy and light.
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors; never underestimate salt’s magical powers!
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Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture; make sure it’s softened for easy blending.
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Eggs: Two large eggs bring everything together; they add structure and moisture.
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Cherry Pie Filling: The star of our show; use homemade or store-bought—no judgment here!
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Vanilla Extract: A splash of this heavenly liquid elevates flavors to new heights.
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). While it’s heating up, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or butter—because nobody likes a stuck bar!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until they’re as friendly as old pals at a reunion.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Eggs
In another bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy before adding in those two eager eggs. Mix until well combined. It’s like they’re having a party—get them all mingled together!
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Add the butter-egg mixture into the dry ingredients bowl along with vanilla extract. Stir until just combined; don’t overdo it—this isn’t a workout session!
Step 5: Layer It Up
Spread half of this luscious batter evenly in your greased baking pan. Then dollop spoonfuls of cherry pie filling over it like you’re decorating a festive cake.
Step 6: Top It Off
Spread the remaining batter over the cherry filling gently. Don’t worry if it looks messy; it will bake into perfection! Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Once done, let it cool before cutting into squares to serve—you want to avoid molten cherry lava explosions!
Now that you’ve whipped up some spectacular Christmas Cherry Bars: A Festive Holiday Treat, gather around with family or friends (or sneak them away for yourself) and enjoy every last bite of these festive delights!
You Must Know About Christmas Cherry Bars</strong>: A Festive Holiday Treat
Perfecting Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust first to ensure a solid base. While it’s baking, mix the cherry filling so everything comes together seamlessly. Once the crust cools slightly, pour in the filling and bake again for the perfect finish.
Flavor Your Way
Feel free to swap out cherries for other fruits like raspberries or blueberries if you want a twist. You can also add nuts for crunch or a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth. Customizing your Christmas Cherry Bars is part of the fun!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Christmas Cherry Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warm and gooey again—just like fresh out of the oven!
Chef's Helpful Tips for Christmas Cherry Bars</strong>: A Festive Holiday Treat
My grandmother always insisted that Christmas Cherry Bars were best enjoyed with family around. Her secret ingredient? A dash of love mixed into every layer! Whether it was during holidays or just a casual gathering, these bars always brought smiles and happy bellies.
FAQs
What is Christmas Cherry Bars: A Festive Holiday Treat?
Christmas Cherry Bars: A Festive Holiday Treat is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of cherries with a buttery, crumbly base. This treat often features a creamy layer and is topped with a sweet glaze. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bars bring a splash of color and flavor to your dessert table. They are easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making them an ideal choice for busy holiday schedules.
How do I store Christmas Cherry Bars?
To keep your Christmas Cherry Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to consume them within a few days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to preserve them even longer, consider freezing individual bars wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months frozen and can be thawed before serving.
Can I use fresh cherries for Christmas Cherry Bars?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries when making Christmas Cherry Bars. Just ensure that you pit and chop them before adding them to the recipe. Fresh cherries will give the bars a deliciously vibrant flavor. However, if fresh cherries are out of season or hard to find, canned or frozen cherries can also work well as substitutes.
What makes Christmas Cherry Bars special?
Christmas Cherry Bars are special because they embody the festive spirit of the holiday season with their rich flavors and beautiful presentation. The combination of sweet and tart flavors creates an irresistible treat that appeals to all ages. Additionally, they are easy to share at parties and gatherings, making them a go-to dessert during celebrations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Christmas Cherry Bars: A Festive Holiday Treat are not only visually appealing but also deliciously satisfying. With their perfect blend of flavors and textures, these bars make an excellent addition to any holiday celebration. Easy to prepare and store, they offer convenience during busy times while ensuring everyone enjoys a delightful dessert. Make this festive treat part of your holiday traditions!
Christmas Cherry Bars: A Festive Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 bars 1x
Description
Christmas Cherry Bars are a delightful holiday treat that combines the tartness of cherries with a rich, buttery base. Perfect for festive gatherings, these easy-to-make bars fill your home with a warm aroma while offering an irresistible sweet-tart flavor. Serve them warm or chilled alongside your favorite hot beverage for a cozy dessert experience that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter and eggs until well combined.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients along with vanilla extract; stir until just mixed.
- Spread half the batter in the prepared pan. Top with spoonfuls of cherry pie filling.
- Gently spread remaining batter over the cherries and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow cooling before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (70g)
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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