Christmas Cherry Bars

The holidays are the perfect time for baking delicious treats that bring everyone together. Among the many festive options, Christmas Cherry Bars stand out with their vibrant colors, fruity flavor, and rich texture. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for the perfect gift for a loved one, these cherry bars will surely brighten the season. This easy-to-make recipe combines the sweetness of cherries with a buttery base and a hint of almond, making it a holiday favorite!

Why You’ll Love Christmas Cherry Bars

1. Festive & Colorful: The bright red cherries make these bars perfect for Christmas gatherings. Their vibrant hue adds a cheerful touch to any holiday spread.
2. Simple Ingredients: This recipe requires only a few common ingredients like cherries, butter, flour, and sugar. It’s an easy dessert that anyone can bake without complicated instructions.
3. Perfect for Gift-Giving: Packaged in a cute tin or box, these cherry bars make a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift for family, friends, and neighbors during the holidays.
4. Versatile & Customizable: While cherries are the star of this recipe, you can add other mix-ins like chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for a unique twist.

Ingredients for Christmas Cherry Bars

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 jar (10 oz) maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

How to Make Christmas Cherry Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 5: Add the Cherries and Optional Mix-ins

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, shredded coconut, and sliced almonds (if using). These ingredients will give the bars texture and added flavor.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting them into squares. If desired, dust with powdered sugar for an extra festive touch.

Tips for the Best Christmas Cherry Bars

• Use Fresh Cherries: If fresh cherries are in season, you can use them instead of maraschino cherries. Be sure to pit and chop them before adding to the batter.
• Chill the Dough: For firmer bars with a slightly thicker texture, you can chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking.
• Cut Into Holiday Shapes: For a fun twist, use cookie cutters to cut the bars into Christmas tree, star, or heart shapes instead of squares.
• Add a Frosting: If you prefer a sweeter, richer treat, drizzle the cooled bars with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of almond extract.

Why These Cherry Bars Are Perfect for Christmas

These Christmas Cherry Bars are not only delicious but also bring a festive touch to your holiday celebrations. Their vibrant red color, combined with the sweet, slightly tart flavor of cherries, makes them a perfect treat for the season. Easy to make and customize, they’re a fun activity for the whole family or a sweet addition to any dessert table. Plus, the buttery base and chewy texture will make them a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Cherry Bars are a fantastic addition to your holiday baking lineup. Whether you’re looking for a quick treat for a Christmas party or a fun activity to share with loved ones, these bars offer a delightful balance of flavor and color. With their ease of preparation and festive appeal, they’re sure to become a holiday tradition. Happy baking and enjoy these delicious cherry bars with family and friends!

Serving and Storage Tips for Christmas Cherry Bars

Serving Tips:

1. Serve Warm or Room Temperature: Christmas Cherry Bars can be served at room temperature, but if you prefer a warm treat, they can be slightly reheated in the oven for a few minutes. The warm, buttery flavor pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
2. Garnish with Festive Touches: To elevate the look of your cherry bars for special occasions, you can garnish them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a few extra chopped cherries, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate.
3. Pair with Hot Drinks: These bars go perfectly with hot beverages such as mulled wine, eggnog, or a cup of spiced hot chocolate, making them a great treat for Christmas gatherings.

Storage Tips:

1. Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. They’ll maintain their freshness and flavor while staying soft and chewy.
2. Refrigeration: If you want them to last a bit longer, you can store the cherry bars in the fridge for up to 7 days. Just be sure they’re well-covered to prevent them from drying out.
3. Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Frozen cherry bars can last up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
4. Avoid Storing with Frosting: If you add frosting to your bars, store them separately to prevent the frosting from becoming too soft or melting into the bars. For frosted bars, a refrigerated storage is recommended.

With these serving and storage tips, you can ensure your Christmas Cherry Bars stay fresh and delicious throughout the holiday season!

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries? Yes! You can substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries. Simply pit and chop the fresh cherries before adding them to the batter. Keep in mind that fresh cherries may release more moisture, so you may want to blot them dry with a paper towel to avoid making the batter too runny.

2. Can I make Christmas Cherry Bars in advance? Absolutely! You can make the cherry bars a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay fresh. For even longer storage, they can be frozen and thawed before serving.

3. Can I add other ingredients to the cherry bars? Yes, feel free to customize the recipe! You can add chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, or even mix in some white chocolate chips for added flavor and texture. Just be sure not to add too many ingredients, as it may affect the texture of the bars.

4. Can I make the batter ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time. Store the prepared dough in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This can help improve the texture of the bars, as the dough will firm up slightly in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply spread the dough into the baking dish and bake as usual.

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