Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe

Christmas Cherry Bars recipe with buttery base, cherry filling, and sweet glaze. Perfect holiday dessert ready in 40 minutes for festive gatherings.

Hi, I’m Linda, and welcome to Tasty at Home—where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens. Well, let me tell you about the Christmas morning that changed everything. Picture this: snow falling outside my grandmother’s kitchen window in Vermont, the smell of cinnamon wafting through the air, and me desperately trying to salvage what looked like cherry pie filling disaster.

You see, I had volunteered to bring dessert for our family’s Christmas brunch. Furthermore, I wanted something that screamed holiday magic but wouldn’t keep me chained to the kitchen all morning. That’s when my grandmother whispered her secret: Christmas cherry bars.

One bite of these ruby-red beauties took me straight to dessert heaven. The buttery base melted on my tongue, while the tart cherries provided the perfect contrast to the sweet, vanilla-kissed glaze. Moreover, these bars looked absolutely stunning on the holiday table—like little jewels sparkling under the Christmas lights.

After testing this recipe countless times (and yes, I burned a few batches learning the perfect timing), I’ve finally cracked the code. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or need a foolproof dessert for gift-giving, these Christmas cherry bars deliver every single time.

Tasty at Home – Where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens.

About This Recipe: Why These Cherry Bars Rule the Holiday Table

What makes these Christmas cherry bars absolutely irresistible? First, they combine the best of both worlds—the simplicity of bar cookies with the elegance of a fruit tart. Additionally, the recipe uses common pantry staples, making it accessible for home bakers of all skill levels.

The secret lies in the three-layer construction. A rich, buttery base provides the foundation, while the cherry pie filling creates a vibrant, festive center. Finally, the vanilla-almond glaze adds that professional bakery finish that makes everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredient Breakdown: Your Holiday Shopping List

Here’s what you’ll need to create these show-stopping bars:

Shopping Tips for Success

When shopping for these Christmas cherry bars, focus on quality ingredients. Choose cherry pie filling with whole cherries rather than mushy pieces—this creates better texture and visual appeal. Furthermore, select brands with minimal artificial additives for the cleanest flavor.

For the butter, opt for European-style if available. It contains slightly less water, resulting in a richer, more tender base. However, regular unsalted butter works perfectly fine too.

Smart Substitutions

Need to accommodate dietary restrictions? Here are some tested alternatives:

Gluten-free option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture remains remarkably similar.

Dairy-free version: Substitute butter with vegan butter sticks (not margarine tubs). The bars maintain their rich flavor profile.

Egg-free alternative: Use 1 cup unsweetened applesauce instead of eggs. This creates slightly denser but equally delicious bars.

Equipment You’ll Need (Plus Kitchen Hacks)

Success with Christmas cherry bars starts with the right tools. Don’t worry—you probably have everything already.

Essential Equipment

15×10-inch sheet pan: This size ensures proper thickness. In a pinch, use a 9×13-inch pan but expect thicker bars and longer baking time.

Electric mixer: A stand mixer works best, but a hand mixer gets the job done. Even a wooden spoon and some elbow grease can cream butter effectively.

Large mixing bowl: Choose one with high sides to prevent flour explosions during mixing.

Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy matters in baking, so use proper measuring tools rather than coffee cups or random spoons.

Pro Equipment Upgrades

Offset spatula: Perfect for spreading cherry filling evenly. A regular butter knife works as a substitute.

Wire cooling rack: Allows air circulation for proper cooling. Alternatively, prop your pan on overturned coffee mugs.

Bench scraper: Makes removing bars from the pan effortless. A large, thin spatula serves the same purpose.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Path to Cherry Bar Perfection

Step 1: Prep Your Kitchen Like a Pro

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures even baking without burning the delicate top layer. Next, spray your 15×10-inch sheet pan with baking spray, making sure to coat the corners thoroughly.

Pro tip: Line your pan with parchment paper for foolproof removal later. Leave some overhang for easy lifting.

Step 2: Create the Perfect Butter Base

Using your electric mixer, cream the softened butter, sugar, and salt until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes on medium speed. The mixture should look pale yellow and noticeably increased in volume.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This prevents curdling and ensures smooth incorporation. Then, stir in the vanilla and almond extracts until just combined.

Common mistake alert: Oops! I used to add all the eggs at once, which always resulted in a separated, lumpy mixture. Take your time with this step—your patience pays off in texture.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour Gently

Gradually mix in the flour until a cohesive dough forms. Don’t overmix—stop as soon as you no longer see dry flour streaks. Overmixing develops too much gluten, resulting in tough, chewy bars instead of tender ones.

The finished dough should feel soft and slightly sticky, similar to sugar cookie dough.

Step 4: Build Your Foundation Layer

Press 3 cups of the prepared dough into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even layer. The dough should reach all corners and maintain consistent thickness.

Make sure the base layer connects completely—any gaps allow cherry filling to seep through during baking.

Step 5: Add the Star Attraction

Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over your dough base, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges. This prevents overflow and messy cleanup.

Take spoonfuls of the remaining dough and drop them randomly over the cherry filling. Don’t worry about perfect coverage—the rustic, dotted appearance adds visual charm and allows the cherries to peek through.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the visible dough portions turn golden brown and the edges pull slightly from the pan sides. The cherry filling should bubble gently around the dough drops.

Use your nose as a guide too—you’ll smell a sweet, buttery aroma when they’re nearly done. If the tops brown too quickly, tent with aluminum foil for the final 10 minutes.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze for the Finale

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan—this takes about 2 hours. Meanwhile, prepare your glaze by whisking together confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and enough milk to achieve a smooth, drizzle-able consistency.

The glaze should coat the back of a spoon but still flow freely. If it’s too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time. Too thin? Add more confectioners’ sugar.

Once cooled, drizzle the glaze over the entire surface using a spoon or squeeze bottle. Let the glaze set for 15 minutes before cutting into squares.

Expert Tips for Next-Level Christmas Cherry Bars

Temperature Control Secrets

Room temperature ingredients mix more easily and create superior texture. Take your eggs and butter out of the refrigerator 2 hours before baking. In a hurry? Place eggs in warm water for 10 minutes to bring them to room temperature quickly.

Flavor Enhancement Techniques

Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for bright, citrusy notes that complement the cherries beautifully. Similarly, a pinch of cinnamon in the base layer creates subtle warmth perfect for the holiday season.

Professional Presentation Tips

Cut your bars with a sharp, clean knife wiped between cuts. This prevents dragging and ensures clean edges. For perfectly uniform squares, use a ruler to mark cutting lines before slicing.

Creative Variations to Wow Your Guests

Regional Holiday Twists

Southern Pecan Version: Add 1 cup chopped pecans to the dough and substitute peach pie filling for a Down South holiday flavor.

Pacific Northwest Style: Use marionberry or mixed berry pie filling and add a tablespoon of coffee to the glaze for sophisticated depth.

Midwest Comfort: Replace cherry filling with apple pie filling and add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for classic American flavors.

Dietary-Friendly Options

Keto Christmas Bars: Substitute almond flour for regular flour and use sugar-free cherry preserves thinned with water.

Vegan Holiday Treats: Replace eggs with flax eggs (3 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 1/2 cup water) and use plant-based butter.

Gourmet Upgrades

Chocolate Cherry Decadence: Add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to the dough and drizzle finished bars with melted dark chocolate alongside the vanilla glaze.

Almond Lover’s Dream: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract throughout and top with sliced almonds before baking.

Storage and Make-Ahead Magic

These Christmas cherry bars store beautifully and actually taste better the next day as the flavors meld together. Here’s your complete storage guide:

Make-Ahead Strategy

Prepare the bars completely up to 2 days before your event. Store covered at room temperature, then add fresh glaze the day of serving for the most attractive presentation.

Alternatively, prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bring to room temperature before assembling and baking.

Cherry Bars Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Christmas cherry bars shine alongside classic holiday beverages and complement both casual gatherings and formal celebrations.

Serve with hot coffee, spiced cider, or eggnog for the ultimate holiday experience. The bars also pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert presentation.

Create a stunning dessert table by arranging these bars alongside pumpkin oatmeal cookies and apple cinnamon sheet cake for variety that appeals to every taste.

For gift-giving, wrap individual bars in cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons. They transport beautifully and make thoughtful neighbor gifts or potluck contributions.

Christmas Cherry Bars FAQs

Your Holiday Baking Success Story Starts Here

Man, oh man, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling a pan of perfect Christmas cherry bars from your oven. The way they fill your kitchen with that irresistible aroma of butter, vanilla, and sweet cherries creates instant holiday magic.

These bars represent everything wonderful about holiday baking—they’re approachable enough for beginners yet impressive enough to wow experienced bakers. Moreover, they capture the essence of Christmas in every bite, from the festive red color to the comforting, homey flavors.

Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, these Christmas cherry bars will become your go-to holiday dessert. Pair them with strawberry pound cake for a beautiful dessert spread, or enjoy them alongside caramel apple cheesecake dip for the ultimate holiday indulgence.

Don’t forget to share your creations! Tag us @tastyathome on social media—we love seeing how these recipes bring joy to your holiday celebrations. After all, the best recipes are the ones that create lasting memories with the people we love most.

Christmas Cherry Bars

Festive Christmas cherry bars with a buttery base, sweet cherry filling, and vanilla-almond glaze. These holiday treats combine the elegance of a fruit tart with the simplicity of bar cookies, perfect for holiday gatherings and gift-giving.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Cooling Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24 bars

Equipment

• 15×10-inch sheet pan
• Electric mixer
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Offset spatula
• Wire cooling rack

Ingredients

  

Cherry Bars

• 1 cup butter softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• 3 cups flour
• 2 cans cherry pie filling 21 oz each

Glaze

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 2-3 tablespoons whole milk

Instructions

 

• Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 15×10-inch sheet pan with baking spray.
• To make the dough use a mixer to cream the butter, sugar and salt until it becomes light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. Gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms.
• Next press 3 cups of the dough into the bottom of your pan. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough. Take spoonfuls of the remaining dough. Drop them over the filling.
• Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Until golden brown. Once done allow it to cool completely while still in the pan.
• In order to prepare the glaze combine confectioners sugar, vanilla and almond extracts and milk until you achieve a smooth consistency.
• Finally drizzle this glaze over your cooled bars, for a touch of sweetness.

Notes

These bars store beautifully and actually taste better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store covered at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week. For best results, use real butter and quality cherry pie filling with whole cherries.

Keyword Bars, Cherry, Christmas, dessert, Holiday