Christmas Cherry Bars
These soft and sweet Christmas Cherry Bars, topped with a delightful cherry filling, are a perfect festive treat for any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened) Provides the rich, buttery base for the bars.
- 2 cups sugar Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
- 4 eggs Adds richness and structure to the batter.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Enhances the flavor of the bars with a warm, aromatic note.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour The main dry ingredient that forms the structure of the bars.
- 1 tsp salt Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 can 21 ounces cherry pie filling Provides the sweet and tangy topping that makes these bars festive.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
Make the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then blend in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until fully incorporated.
Assemble the Layers
- Spread 3 cups of the batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Gently spread the cherry pie filling over the layer of batter. Drop small clumps of the remaining batter over the cherry filling.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling
- Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before adding the glaze.
Adding the Glaze (Optional)
- Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
Finish and Serve
- Cut the dessert into bars after the glaze has set. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.