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Christmas Cherry Bars

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Christmas cherry bars are festive, colorful, and delicious! With a buttery shortbread base, a sweet cherry filling, and a crumbly topping, these bars are the perfect treat to share during the holiday season.

Ingredients

Scale

For the shortbread crust:

  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the cherry filling:

  • 1 can (21 oz/600 g) cherry pie filling
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)

For the crumb topping:

  • 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. Make the shortbread crust:
    • In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
    • Gradually mix in the flour and salt until the dough comes together.
    • Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  3. Prepare the cherry filling:
    • In a bowl, mix the cherry pie filling with almond extract (if using). Spread the cherry filling evenly over the partially baked crust.
  4. Make the crumb topping:
    • In a separate bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon (if using), and melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cherry layer.
  5. Bake the bars:
    • Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown.
  6. Cool and serve:
    • Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper to lift them out, then cut into squares or bars.

Notes

  • Substitute the cherry filling with blueberry, raspberry, or mixed berry pie filling for variety.
  • For extra holiday flair, drizzle the cooled bars with white icing or melted white chocolate.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/christmas-cherry-bars/