Christmas Cherry Bars
These Christmas cherry bars feature a soft crust and a creamy cherry filling, making them a delightful dessert for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Use softened for easy mixing.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the filling
- 1 can 21 oz cherry pie filling
For the glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk Adjust to achieve desired glaze consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract For glaze
Flavoring
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract Adds a lovely flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Gradually mix in the flour and salt until the mixture is crumbly.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are golden.
Assembly
- Remove from the oven and spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust.
- In another bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract to make a glaze. Drizzle over the cherry filling.
- Bake again for another 15-20 minutes.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature. Serve with vanilla ice cream or warm cocoa. Store in airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.