These Christmas Cherry Bars are a holiday must-bake soft, buttery layers filled with glossy red cherries and finished with a delicate drizzle of icing. Every bite combines rich vanilla notes, a hint of almond, and that classic tart-sweet cherry goodness that tastes like pure Christmas magic. They’re quick to make, perfect for sharing, and look stunning on any holiday dessert platter. Whether you serve them at a cookie exchange, wrap them as edible gifts, or enjoy them with a cup of cocoa by the tree, these bars are guaranteed to bring the holiday spirit to your kitchen.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract (optional, but adds lovely depth)
- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
For the Cherry Layer
- 1 can (21 oz / 595 g) cherry pie filling
For the Glaze (Optional)
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla or almond extract
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Whisk and spatula
- Wire rack for cooling
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your pan with parchment for easy lifting later. - Make the Batter
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and almond extract.
Stir in flour and salt until you have a smooth, thick batter. - Layer the Bars
Spread two-thirds of the batter into the bottom of your pan.
Spoon cherry pie filling evenly on top.
Drop dollops of the remaining batter over the cherries don’t worry about covering everything; those red pops make it festive! - Bake to Perfection
Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden on top and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. - Add the Glaze (Optional)
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and extract until smooth.
Drizzle over the cooled bars, let set, then slice into neat squares.
Pro Tips
- Holiday Touch: Use almond extract for that classic Christmas bakery aroma.
- Make Ahead: Bars stay soft for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Party Perfect: Double the recipe for a crowd these are always the first to disappear!
- Festive Upgrade: Add white chocolate chips or chopped pistachios before baking for extra texture and color.
Nutrition
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| per bar | 210 | 2 g | 30 g | 9 g | 0.5 g | 19 g |