Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Cherry Bars Recipe: A Sweet Treat for Christmas Morning Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 76 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 24 servings 1x

Description

These Cherry Bars are a delightful sweet treat perfect for Christmas morning or any festive occasion. Featuring a buttery crust layered with luscious cherry pie filling and topped with a delicate glaze, these bars offer a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors. Easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd, they provide a classic holiday dessert that’s both comforting and visually appealing.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the bars evenly.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and salt using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a tender base for your bars.
  3. Add Eggs: Incorporate eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully blend them into the mixture and aid in the structure of the dough.
  4. Add Extracts: Beat in vanilla and almond extracts to infuse the dough with aromatic flavors that complement the cherry filling.
  5. Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until the dough is well combined and forms a slightly sticky batter.
  6. Prepare Base Layer: Spread 3 cups of the dough evenly into a greased 15x10x1-inch baking pan, creating an even layer that will support the filling.
  7. Add Cherry Filling: Evenly spread the cherry pie filling over the dough base, ensuring the filling reaches the edges to prevent dryness.
  8. Top with Remaining Dough: Drop the remaining dough by teaspoonfuls over the cherry filling in an even pattern to allow some filling to peek through.
  9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the dough portions comes out clean.
  10. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to set and make glazing easier.
  11. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of whole milk until you reach a smooth, drizzling consistency.
  12. Glaze Bars: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cherry bars to add a sweet finishing touch that enhances appearance and flavor.

Notes

  • Use softened butter to ensure smooth creaming and better dough texture.
  • Be careful not to overbake; bars should be golden but moist.
  • Adjust the milk in the glaze to reach desired drizzling consistency.
  • 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 for up to 2 months; thaw before glazing.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

 

Find it online: https://therecipeshome.com/cherry-bars-recipe-a-sweet-treat-for-christmas-morning-recipe-2/