Christmas Cherry Bars

Christmas Cherry Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly blend buttery crust and sweet cherry filling. The almond extract adds a lovely touch of flavor, making these bars truly festive. This recipe is straightforward, allowing you to create a delicious dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

You should try this recipe because it’s easy to make and is a crowd-pleaser at holiday gatherings. The combination of cherries and almond creates a unique and refreshing flavor that sets it apart from other desserts. Plus, it’s a great way to bring the warmth of the holiday season right into your home.

How to Make Christmas Cherry Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 can cherry pie filling
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon almond flavoring (for glaze)

Equipment Needed

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until well combined.
4. Press half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
5. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust.
6. Add almond extract to the remaining dough and crumble the rest over the cherry filling.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
8. Allow to cool completely before mixing powdered sugar, milk, and almond flavoring to create a glaze.
9. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars before cutting into squares.

How to Serve Christmas Cherry Bars

Serve the Christmas Cherry Bars at room temperature or slightly chilled. They make a wonderful treat for dessert or a sweet snack during holiday celebrations. You can also pair these bars with a warm drink, like hot chocolate or coffee.

How to Store Christmas Cherry Bars

To store the bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. You can also freeze them for about 2 months; just make sure to wrap them well.

Tips & Tricks

• Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean edges.
• Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the glaze according to your taste.
• You can substitute other fruit fillings if cherries are not available.

Variations & Substitutions

• Use pear or peach pie filling for a different flavor.
• Swap almond extract for vanilla extract if you prefer that flavor.
• For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the cherry filling before adding the crumble.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries. Be sure to cook them with some sugar and cornstarch to thicken before using.

What can I substitute for butter?
You can use margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute if you’re looking for a non-dairy option.

Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! These bars hold up well, so you can make them a few days ahead of time. Just ensure they are stored properly.

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