Name: Christmas Cherry Bars Dessert
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed); 1 large egg (beaten); 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling; ¼ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

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The holidays are here, and nothing says festive quite like a batch of Christmas Cherry Bars Dessert. Picture this: a warm, gooey cherry filling nestled between layers of buttery, crumbly crust, all topped off with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Each bite is like a hug from grandma—sweet, comforting, and utterly delightful. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just indulging in some self-care (because we all deserve it), these bars are the perfect treat to deck your halls.

Now, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. I remember the first time I tried making Christmas Cherry Bars Dessert at my aunt’s house. The kitchen was filled with laughter and the intoxicating smell of cherries simmering away on the stovetop. As we eagerly awaited them to cool down (because patience is overrated), I couldn’t help but sneak a few spoonfuls of that luscious filling! If you’re looking for something that brings people together and warms hearts during this festive season, then these cherry bars are your answer!

Why You'll Love This Christmas Cherry Bars Dessert

This incredible Christmas Cherry Bars Dessert transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

Ease of Preparation: With straightforward instructions and common ingredients, this dessert is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.

Flavor Profile: The delightful combination of sweet cherries and buttery crust creates an irresistible flavor explosion in every bite.

Visual Appeal: The vibrant red cherries against the golden crust make these bars not only delicious but also stunning to behold—perfect for impressing guests.

Versatility: Enjoy these bars as a festive dessert, a sweet snack, or even breakfast (we won’t tell!)—they fit any occasion beautifully.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Christmas Cherry Bars Dessert:

All-Purpose Flour: A key player in creating that flaky crust; make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness to both the crust and filling; you can adjust based on your taste.
Baking Powder: This little helper gives your crust that lovely rise; ensure it’s not expired for maximum fluffiness.
Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter to create a tender texture; let it sit out for about 10 minutes before using.
Eggs: Just one egg binds everything together perfectly while adding richness to the crust.
Canned Cherry Pie Filling: This makes life easier—no pitting cherries required! Ensure you pick a brand you love.
Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top; it adds that final touch of sweetness and elegance.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Christmas Cherry Bars Dessert:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish (9×13 inches works great) with cooking spray or butter so those delectable bars don’t stick.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder until well combined. This will be the foundation of your scrumptious crust!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add cold butter (cut into small cubes) into the dry mixture and mix using your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. Then add in one beaten egg and mix until just combined.

Step 4: Create Your Crust

Press three-quarters of the mixture into the bottom of your greased baking dish evenly—this will be your base layer!

Step 5: Add Cherry Filling

Spread that glorious cherry pie filling over your crust layer evenly—don’t skimp here; cherries are the star!

Step 6: Crumble Topping

Take the remaining dough mixture and crumble it over the cherry filling generously like snowflakes on a winter day.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Pop those bars into your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell divine!

Finally, allow them to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar for that fancy finish. Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature—your friends and family will be begging for seconds!

This Christmas Cherry Bars Dessert isn’t just another recipe; it’s an experience wrapped up in sweetness. Every bite tells a story—a story of warmth, joy, and good company during this beautiful holiday season. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to create some delicious memories!

You Must Know About Christmas Cherry Bars Dessert

This showstopping Christmas Cherry Bars Dessert delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

To achieve the ultimate Christmas Cherry Bars Dessert, start by preheating your oven while preparing the crust. After that, mix the cherry filling while the crust bakes until golden brown. This sequence ensures everything comes together perfectly and saves you time.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to swap cherries for blueberries or raspberries for a unique twist on the classic Christmas Cherry Bars Dessert. You can also enhance flavor by adding almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the filling for an extra layer of warmth.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Christmas Cherry Bars Dessert in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Christmas Cherry Bars Dessert

This professional-quality Christmas Cherry Bars Dessert relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

I remember one holiday season when I decided to surprise my family with this delightful Christmas Cherry Bars Dessert. The joy on their faces was priceless when they took that first bite—I knew I had hit dessert gold!

FAQs

What is Christmas Cherry Bars Dessert?

Christmas Cherry Bars Dessert is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of cherries with a buttery, crumbly crust. Often enjoyed during the festive season, this dessert features layers of cherry filling and a soft, cookie-like base topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings and can be easily sliced into bars for serving. The vibrant red cherries not only add flavor but also provide a festive touch to your dessert table.

How do I make Christmas Cherry Bars Dessert?

To make Christmas Cherry Bars Dessert, start by preparing a simple crust using flour, butter, and sugar. Press half of this mixture into a baking pan as the base. Spread cherry pie filling over the crust, then crumble the remaining dough on top before baking until golden. Once cooled, cut into squares and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. This recipe is straightforward and yields delicious results that everyone will love.

Can I use fresh cherries in my Christmas Cherry Bars Dessert?

Yes, you can definitely use fresh cherries in your Christmas Cherry Bars Dessert! Simply pit and chop them before mixing with sugar and cornstarch to create a filling. Fresh cherries will give your dessert a burst of natural flavor and freshness. However, keep in mind that you may need to adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of the cherries to achieve the perfect balance in your bars.

How long do Christmas Cherry Bars Dessert stay fresh?

Christmas Cherry Bars Dessert can stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator if you prefer a chilled treat. For longer storage, consider freezing them; they can last up to three months in the freezer. Just be sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn and maintain their delicious flavor.

Conclusion

In summary, Christmas Cherry Bars Dessert is a festive treat that brings joy to any holiday gathering. With its delicious cherry filling and buttery crust, it’s easy to prepare and pleasing to all guests. Whether you choose fresh or canned cherries, this dessert is sure to delight everyone at your table. Make this delightful recipe part of your holiday traditions by incorporating it into your celebrations each year! Enjoy creating memories around this sweet treat!