Christmas Cherry Bars

Christmas Cherry Bars: A Festive, Sweet Treat for the Holidays

The holiday season is all about family, fun, and, of course, delicious treats! If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the spirit of the season with a delightful burst of color and flavor, Christmas Cherry Bars are the perfect addition to your holiday spread. These bars are festive, easy to make, and irresistibly delicious, making them a hit at any Christmas gathering.

The blend of sweet, tart cherries with a buttery, cake-like texture and a hint of almond is sure to bring smiles to your table. Plus, they look beautiful, with a vibrant red color that’s perfect for celebrating the holidays!

Why You’ll Love Christmas Cherry Bars

Christmas Cherry Bars aren’t just tasty; they have a few key features that make them stand out:

• Vibrant Color: The bright red cherries add a festive touch, making these bars perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Simple to Make: No need for complicated techniques or special ingredients. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up these bars in no time.
• Perfectly Balanced: The sweet, slightly tart cherries paired with the buttery base creates a balanced dessert that everyone will love.
• Versatile: These bars are versatile enough to be enjoyed at any time of the year, but the holiday twist makes them especially fun for Christmas.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these mouthwatering Christmas Cherry Bars:

For the Bars:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (this enhances the cherry flavor!)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped (drained and patted dry)

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1–2 teaspoons milk (to reach desired consistency)

How to Make Christmas Cherry Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This will ensure that your bars come out of the pan without sticking and are easy to cut.

Step 2: Make the Bar Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.

Next, add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat until well-combined. The almond extract will infuse the bars with a delicious, nutty undertone that pairs beautifully with the cherries.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. The batter should be thick and slightly sticky.