Ingredients You’ll Need
(Makes about 24 bars)
For the Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
How to Make Christmas Cherry Bars
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
Add the Eggs and Extracts
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add the flour to the mixture, mixing until fully combined and a soft dough forms.
Layer and Assemble
Spread about 3 cups of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough. Drop the remaining dough in small spoonfuls over the top of the cherries.
Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the dough is cooked through. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and just enough milk to create a smooth, drizzle-friendly consistency.
Drizzle and Slice
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars. Once set, cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style twist
- Wrap slices in festive parchment for edible holiday gifts
- Pair with mulled wine, hot cocoa, or eggnog
Tips for Success
- Don’t overbake—the bars should be lightly golden, not dry
- Use almond extract sparingly—it’s powerful but essential to the flavor
- Let bars cool fully before glazing or cutting for clean slices