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Step 4: Fold in Chopped Cherries
Carefully fold the chopped maraschino cherries into the batter. You want the cherries evenly distributed throughout the batter, but be gentle to avoid mashing them too much. The cherries will give your bars that signature pop of color and sweet flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Spoon the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The edges will be golden brown, and the bars should feel firm to the touch.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
While the bars are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches your desired consistency—it should be pourable but not too runny.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Once the bars are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the bars have cooled, drizzle the almond glaze generously over the top for a touch of sweetness and shine. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before cutting the bars into squares.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Cherry Bars
- Use Good-Quality Cherries: Since maraschino cherries are the star ingredient in this recipe, make sure to use high-quality cherries. Opt for those that are vibrant and have a firm texture to avoid soggy bars.
- Chill the Dough for Thicker Bars: If you prefer thicker bars, you can chill the batter for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help the batter hold its shape more as it bakes.
- Add Nuts for Extra Crunch: If you like a little crunch, feel free to fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter along with the cherries.
- Make Ahead: These bars can be made ahead of time. Simply bake them, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Why These Cherry Bars are Perfect for Christmas
The Christmas Cherry Bars are a great holiday treat for several reasons:
- Festive Color: The bright red of the cherries makes these bars look incredibly festive and perfect for your holiday dessert table.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, these bars are the perfect quick treat to whip up when you’re in a time crunch during the busy holiday season.
- Deliciously Addictive: The balance of flavors—the sweet cherries, almond extract, and buttery base—make these bars something everyone will love. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, or enjoying on your own while watching your favorite holiday movie.
Conclusion
This holiday season, Christmas Cherry Bars will become a go-to dessert for your gatherings, thanks to their delicious flavor and festive flair. With just the right balance of sweetness and a gorgeous pop of color, these bars are guaranteed to brighten up any celebration. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, sending them as a gift, or simply enjoying them with a hot cup of cocoa, these cherry bars are sure to become a favorite treat in your holiday baking repertoire.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and make these scrumptious bars that are as easy to make as they are delicious to eat. Happy holidays, and enjoy every sweet bite!
