If you are on the lookout for a bright, festive, and utterly delicious treat to brighten your holiday mornings, this Cherry Bars Recipe: A Sweet Treat for Christmas Morning Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine buttery, tender bars layered with luscious cherry pie filling and finished with a delicate vanilla-almond glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness and charm. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines the warmth of home-baked goodness with the joyful spirit of the season, perfect for sharing with family and friends on Christmas morning or any time you want to create a special moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is essential and plays a key role in balancing flavor, texture, and festive appeal. From the rich, soft butter that makes the bars tender, to the bright cherry pie filling that adds vibrant color and juicy sweetness, no item is superfluous—every one enhances the overall experience of these cherry bars.
- 1 cup butter, softened: Provides a creamy base that creates the perfect tender crumb in the bars.
- 2 cups sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a light, fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and intensifies the sweetness without overpowering.
- 4 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract: Adds a subtle nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with cherry.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of the bars comes from this essential dry ingredient.
- 2 cans (21 ounces each) cherry pie filling: The star of the show, offering juicy bursts of cherry sweetness and festive color.
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar: The base for the glaze, adding a sweet, smooth finish on top.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Infuses the glaze with extra flavor harmony.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (for glaze): Picks up on the almond notes from the dough for a delicious, layered effect.
- 2 to 3 tablespoons whole milk: Adjusts the glaze to the perfect consistency for drizzling.
How to Make Cherry Bars Recipe: A Sweet Treat for Christmas Morning Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and salt until the mixture is light and fluffy; this is what creates the wonderful tender texture of the bars. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature — it will blend more easily and create a smooth batter.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Extracts
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. This prevents any curdling and helps maintain a silky batter. Then, beat in the vanilla and almond extracts, which add layers of rich, aromatic flavor that complement the cherry filling beautifully.
Step 3: Incorporate Flour
Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Overmixing here can lead to tough bars, so stop as soon as everything is blended. The dough should be soft but manageable, ready to form a sturdy yet tender base for your cherry layer.
Step 4: Spread Base and Add Filling
Press 3 cups of the dough evenly into a greased 15x10x1-inch baking pan, creating the bottom crust. Then lovingly spread the cherry pie filling over this base, covering every inch with those gorgeous, ruby-red cherries. This layering is crucial for that delightful contrast between buttery dough and juicy filling.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Drop the remaining dough by teaspoonfuls over the cherry filling. This creates rustic little “islands” of dough that bake into golden, buttery morsels on top of the tart cherries. Bake the bars for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is sure to become a treasured holiday memory.
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack – this helps the cherry filling set nicely and prevents the glaze from melting into a mess. In a small bowl, mix the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla and almond extracts, and enough whole milk to create a smooth, drizzle-ready glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled bars, adding a beautiful finishing touch of sweetness and shine.
How to Serve Cherry Bars Recipe: A Sweet Treat for Christmas Morning Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are stunning on their own, adding a few simple garnishes can elevate your presentation. Fresh cherries or a sprinkle of sliced almonds on the glaze add texture and color contrast, making the bars look even more festive and inviting. A dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a gentle snow-kissed effect perfect for Christmas morning.
Side Dishes
Pair the cherry bars with a cup of strong coffee or a cinnamon-spiced hot cocoa for a cozy breakfast vibe. Alternatively, serving alongside freshly whipped cream or vanilla yogurt can balance the sweetness and add creaminess, creating a well-rounded and satisfying holiday treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or brunch, cut the bars into small bite-sized squares and arrange on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly for that seasonal touch. You could also layer them with whipped cream and fresh berries in parfait glasses to create elegant cherry bar trifles that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your cherry bars, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep the dough soft and the filling juicy. For longer-lasting freshness, refrigeration is a good option and will keep the bars delightful for up to a week.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these bars well in advance for a busy Christmas morning, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their delicious texture and flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy a warm slice anytime, reheat frozen or refrigerated cherry bars in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. This will revive the buttery softness and make the glaze lovely and gooey once again, like fresh from the oven on Christmas morning.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be cooked down with sugar and a bit of lemon juice to create your own filling, but it takes more time and effort. Canned pie filling is a convenient shortcut that still delivers that classic, luscious cherry flavor perfect for the bars.
Is there a gluten-free version of this Cherry Bars Recipe: A Sweet Treat for Christmas Morning Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend, but be sure it contains xanthan gum for the right texture. The bars might be a bit more delicate, so handle them gently when cutting and serving.
How do I make the almond flavor less prominent if I’m not a fan?
Simply reduce the almond extract by half or omit it entirely. The vanilla extract alone imparts a lovely warmth that still pairs beautifully with the cherry filling.
Can I make these bars ahead of time and still have them taste fresh?
Yes, these bars can be made a day or two ahead of your event. Store them covered at room temperature or refrigerated, then add the glaze before serving to keep that fresh, shiny finish.
What’s the best way to cut these bars without making a mess?
Use a sharp knife warmed slightly under hot water and wiped dry before cutting. This technique helps make cleaner cuts through the cherry filling and prevents sticking. Wiping the knife between cuts also keeps slices neat and presentable.
Final Thoughts
There is something so heartwarming about making and sharing a batch of these cherry bars that instantly elevates any Christmas morning. Their combination of buttery dough, juicy cherries, and sweet glaze is pure magic, effortlessly becoming a new family favorite. I truly encourage you to give this Cherry Bars Recipe: A Sweet Treat for Christmas Morning Recipe a try; it’s full of festive joy and guaranteed smiles. Happy baking and happy holidays!
Print
Cherry Bars Recipe: A Sweet Treat for Christmas Morning Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cherry Bars are a delightful and festive treat perfect for Christmas morning or any special occasion. These bars feature a buttery, tender crust layered with sweet cherry pie filling and topped with a luscious glaze that combines vanilla and almond extracts. With a balanced sweetness and a crumbly texture, these cherry bars are easy to make and sure to impress your family and guests.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling
- 2 cans (21 ounces each) cherry pie filling
For the Glaze
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 to 3 tablespoons whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature while you prepare the dough and filling.
- Cream butter, sugar, and salt: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, sugar, and salt until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes, which helps incorporate air for a tender texture.
- Add eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them and create a smooth batter.
- Mix in extracts: Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts to infuse the dough with subtle aromatic flavors.
- Add flour: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until it is well combined and forms a soft dough.
- Prepare baking pan: Grease a 15x10x1 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Spread dough base: Press 3 cups of the dough evenly into the bottom of the greased pan, forming a sturdy base layer.
- Add cherry filling: Spread the 2 cans of cherry pie filling evenly over the dough base, ensuring the filling covers the entire surface.
- Top with remaining dough: Drop the remaining dough by teaspoonfuls evenly over the cherry filling, creating a rustic, crumbly top layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until the bars are golden brown on top and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
- Cool bars: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to set the filling and firm up the dough layers.
- Prepare glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and enough whole milk (2 to 3 tablespoons) to make a smooth, drizzle-able glaze.
- Glaze bars: Drizzle the prepared glaze evenly over the cooled cherry bars to add a sweet and shiny finish.
Notes
- For a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner glaze, add milk gradually.
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit pie fillings for different flavors.
- Make sure the bars are completely cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars can be frozen without glaze for up to 2 months; add glaze after thawing.
