Ah, the magic of Christmas gatherings! There’s just something about the twinkling lights, the laughter of loved ones, and the delicious aromas wafting through the kitchen that fills my heart with joy. And you know what brings an extra festive touch to any holiday spread? These delightful christmas cherry bars! They’re not just easy to make but absolutely scrumptious, too. I remember whipping these up with my family, the excitement bubbling over as we layered the cherry filling and crumbled the sweet topping. Trust me, the combination of chewy bars and sweet cherries is a holiday match made in heaven! Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or just want a sweet treat to enjoy by the fire, these bars are sure to make your Christmas a little brighter and a lot tastier.
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because we want our cherry bars to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Give it a good stir so everything is mixed well.
- Next, pour in the melted butter, crack in the egg, and add that lovely vanilla extract. Now, stir everything together until it’s just combined. Don’t worry if it looks a bit lumpy; that’s totally okay!
- Spread half of this delicious mixture into a greased baking dish, pressing it firmly to form a nice base. It’s like laying a foundation for your cherry goodness!
- Now, let’s get to the star of the show: spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the base. Make sure to cover every inch; we want those cherries in every bite!
- Finally, crumble the remaining mixture on top of the cherry filling. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just aim for a rustic look!
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and it smells heavenly.
- Once it’s out of the oven, let the bars cool in the dish for a bit before cutting them into squares. This will help them set and make it easier to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—just 15 minutes to bring these festive bars to life!
- Perfect for Christmas gatherings; they’ll impress your guests and add a pop of color to your dessert table.
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, making it easy to whip up a batch anytime.
- Chewy and flavorful bars that deliver a delightful blend of sweet cherries and a buttery crumb topping.
Tips for Success
Alright, my fellow bakers, let’s make sure your christmas cherry bars turn out absolutely fabulous! Here are my top tips to help you achieve the best results:
- Baking time is key: Keep a close eye on your bars as they bake for that 25-30 minute window. Ovens can vary, so check them a few minutes early. You want that beautiful golden-brown top without overcooking!
- Even cooking: Make sure to spread your batter evenly in the baking dish. This helps the bars cook uniformly, so every bite is just as delightful as the last.
- Check for doneness: The best way to know if your bars are done is to look for that lovely golden color and a slight firmness in the center. If you gently press down, it should spring back without leaving a dent.
- Cooling is a must: Allow your bars to cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will help them set properly and makes cutting into neat squares much easier!
- Consider the cherry filling: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use different types of cherry pie filling or even homemade if you have some on hand. Just make sure it’s not too runny to prevent soggy bars.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking up a storm and impressing everyone with your delicious christmas cherry bars! Enjoy the process and happy baking!
Nutritional Information
So, if you’re curious about what’s packed into each of these delightful christmas cherry bars, here’s a quick rundown of the estimated nutritional data per serving (that’s one bar):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But no matter the numbers, one thing’s for sure—these bars are packed with joy and holiday spirit!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making these scrumptious christmas cherry bars? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I’ve come across:
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Absolutely! If you have fresh cherries on hand, feel free to use them. Just make sure to pit and chop them first. You might want to add a little sugar to sweeten them up, since fresh cherries can be a bit tart.
How should I store the bars?
Once your christmas cherry bars have cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
You bet! These bars are perfect for making a day or two ahead of time. Just bake them, cool, and store them in an airtight container. They’ll actually taste even better after the flavors have had some time to meld!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need clarification. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious christmas cherry bars, you might have a few left over (if they last that long!). To keep them fresh and tasty, simply store them in an airtight container. This will help maintain their chewy texture and flavor for up to 3 days at room temperature. If you want to extend their shelf life, pop them in the fridge, and they should stay delicious for about a week.
If you prefer to enjoy them warm, reheating is a breeze! Just take a bar or two and pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Keep an eye on them; you want them warm but not too hot! If you’ve got a little more time, you can also reheat the bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will help restore that lovely softness and make the cherry filling extra delightful!
So, whether you’re indulging in a cozy evening treat or serving them up for guests, these christmas cherry bars are easy to store and reheat for a delightful dessert experience anytime!
Variations
One of the things I love most about these christmas cherry bars is how versatile they can be! If you’re in the mood to mix things up a bit, here are some fun variations to consider:
- Different Fruit Fillings: Swap out the cherry pie filling for other fruit options! Blueberries, raspberries, or even peach filling can bring a whole new flavor profile to your bars. Just make sure the fruit filling isn’t too watery!
- Nuts Galore: For a delightful crunch, add some chopped nuts to the crumble topping. Walnuts or pecans work beautifully and complement the sweetness of the cherries perfectly.
- Coconut Twist: Mix in some shredded coconut into the batter or sprinkle it on top before baking for a tropical flair that adds texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: If you’re a chocolate lover, fold in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the batter. The combination of chocolate and cherries is an irresistible treat!
- Spiced Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, cozy spice that enhances the festive vibes of your cherry bars.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. They’ll still be just as delicious!
With these variations, you can easily customize your christmas cherry bars to suit your taste or to surprise your family and friends with something new. So get creative and have fun experimenting!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve baked up these delightful christmas cherry bars, let’s talk about how to serve them for maximum enjoyment! These bars are delicious on their own, but a few simple additions can take them to the next level:
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds a light and airy touch that balances the sweetness of the cherries perfectly. Trust me, it’s a match made in heaven!
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve your cherry bars warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The melty ice cream paired with the warm, chewy bars is pure bliss!
- Chocolate Drizzle: If you’re a chocolate lover like me, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for an extra layer of flavor. It adds a nice contrast to the sweet and tart cherries!
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar not only looks beautiful but also adds a touch of sweetness that enhances the overall presentation and taste.
- Fresh Berries: Serve alongside a handful of fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for a pop of color and a burst of freshness that complements the cherry flavor.
- Warm Spices: For a cozy twist, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg over the top just before serving. It adds a lovely aroma that screams holiday spirit!
These simple serving suggestions will elevate your christmas cherry bars and make them even more enjoyable for family and friends. So, go ahead and get creative with your presentations—your holiday dessert table will surely impress!
Christmas Cherry Bars: 7 Delicious Ways to Brighten Holiday Joy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cherry bars perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Stir until combined.
- Spread half of the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Spread cherry pie filling over the mixture.
- Crumble the remaining mixture on top of the cherries.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container.
- Can be served warm or cold.
- Great with whipped cream on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: christmas cherry bars
