Christmas Cherry Bars: A Festive Holiday Delight Recipe

This festive season, you need a dessert that practically screams joy and indulgence, and Christmas Cherry Bars fit the bill perfectly. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery base layered with sweet, tart cherries, all topped off with a crumbly streusel that dances on your taste buds. The aroma wafts through the house, creating an irresistible invitation to gather around with your loved ones to share this delightful treat. For more inspiration, check out this Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls recipe.

I remember the first time I made these bars; my kitchen was transformed into a holiday wonderland. My family couldn’t get enough of them and even started negotiating who would get the last piece. Trust me, these Christmas Cherry Bars are not just desserts; they are memories in the making, the perfect companion for cozy evenings by the fire or festive gatherings where everyone wants a slice of happiness. perfect dip for holiday gatherings.

I distinctly recall my grandma’s delighted laughter when she discovered these bars at our family Christmas gathering—they disappeared faster than you could say “more please.”

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious party dip.

• All-Purpose Flour: A staple in most kitchens that provides structure to your bars; sifting helps create lighter treats.

• Granulated Sugar: This sweetens your base and crumb topping; opt for organic sugar for an added touch of flavor.

• Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for that perfect flaky texture in your crust—don’t forget to cut it into small cubes!

• Fresh Cherries: Choose ripe cherries; frozen can work too, but fresh is unbeatable in taste and texture.

• Baking Powder: This leavening agent gives your bars a lightness that balances the richness of the butter.

• Rolled Oats: Provides texture in the topping; quick oats can be used but rolled oats offer better chewiness.

• Cinnamon: Just a dash enhances flavors beautifully—think cozy winter vibes with each bite.

• Salt: A pinch enhances sweetness and balances flavors; don’t skip it!

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

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your ingredients. This ensures even baking from start to finish.

Prepare Your Baking Dish: Grease an 8×8-inch square baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will keep those delicious bars from sticking.

Create the Base Mixture: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix thoroughly until well-blended before adding butter.

Add Cold Butter and Mix Well: Toss in those cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until it resembles coarse crumbs—don’t be afraid to dig in!

Add Oats for Texture: Stir rolled oats into the mixture until evenly dispersed. This adds that lovely chewy texture we all crave in baked goods.

Layer with Cherries and Top Off**: Spread half of your mixture into the baking dish as a base layer. Evenly distribute fresh cherries on top before sprinkling remaining mixture over them.

Bake Until Golden Brown**: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top—the kitchen should smell heavenly! Let cool slightly before cutting into squares.

These Christmas Cherry Bars will have everyone asking for seconds (and possibly thirds). Enjoy every moment spent making them as much as eating them!

You Must Know

• Christmas Cherry Bars are not just a treat; they bring warmth and joy to your holiday gatherings
• The blend of sweet cherries and buttery crust creates a mouthwatering experience
• Remember, the aroma alone will have everyone wandering into the kitchen for seconds

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by mixing the crust ingredients first, then bake until golden while preparing the cherry filling. This ensures everything bakes evenly and flavors meld beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cherries with cranberries or blueberries for a tangy twist. Adding nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate flavors to new heights.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. main course option Reheat gently in the oven to maintain that delightful texture. impressive dinner recipe.

Chef's Helpful Tips

• Use fresh or frozen cherries for best results; just ensure they’re well-drained
• Avoid overmixing the crust to keep it flaky
• Allow bars to cool completely before slicing for clean edges

The first time I made Christmas Cherry Bars, my family devoured them so quickly I barely got a taste! Now, they’re a holiday tradition that sparks joy every year.

FAQ

Can I use other fruits in Christmas Cherry Bars?

Absolutely! Try using cranberries or raspberries for a different flavor profile.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Look for a golden brown crust and bubbling cherry filling; this signals they’re ready.

What’s the best way to cut these bars?

Ensure they cool completely before cutting for neat, even squares without mess.

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Delightful Christmas Cherry Bars

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• Author: Remy Berengar
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

These Christmas Cherry Bars are the ultimate holiday dessert, blending a buttery crust with sweet-tart cherries and topped with a crumbly streusel. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights by the fire, this treat is sure to create sweet memories with every bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Add cubed cold butter and blend until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in rolled oats until evenly combined.
5. Spread half of the mixture in the prepared baking dish as the base layer.
6. Evenly distribute fresh cherries over this layer and sprinkle the remaining mixture on top.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool before cutting into squares.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square (50g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 20mg