Delicious Christmas Cherry Bars

This festive Christmas Cherry Bars recipe has become a staple in my kitchen each holiday season. With their buttery crust, tangy cherries, and sweet white chocolate, these bars are the ultimate treat that everyone loves during the celebrations.

I first prepared these as part of my holiday baking marathon and was instantly hooked. They vanish quickly every time I make them.

• All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups provides structure to the bars and keeps them soft
• Granulated sugar: ½ cup for the right level of sweetness in the crust
• Unsalted butter: chilled and cubed ½ cup ensures a tender buttery texture
• Baking powder: ½ teaspoon helps the crumb topping bake light and airy
• Pinch of salt: balances the sweetness and enhances flavor
• Large egg yolk: 1 binds the dough together adding richness
• Vanilla extract: ½ teaspoon boosts the warm cozy flavor
• Almond extract: ¼ teaspoon pairs beautifully with cherries and adds a festive note
• Dried tart cherries: roughly chopped 1 cup for their tangy bright flavor
• White chocolate chips: ½ cup bring creamy sweetness complementing the cherries

How to Make Christmas Cherry Bars

Prepare the Oven and Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350°F 175°C. Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Create the Dry Mixture:

In a medium-sized bowl whisk together the flour sugar baking powder and salt ensuring the ingredients are well combined.

Incorporate the Butter:

Add the chilled butter cubes to the dry mix. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend the butter into the mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Combine the Wet Ingredients:

Stir in the egg yolk along with vanilla and almond extracts until the dough forms. It may appear slightly crumbly but should press together easily.

Form the Base:

Set aside one-third of the dough for topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared pan to create the crust.

Pre-bake the Crust:

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are firm and the center remains pale. Allow to cool slightly before adding the layers.

Prepare the Filling:

Toss the chopped cherries and white chocolate chips together in a small bowl. Spread this mixture evenly onto the warm crust.

Add and Bake the Topping:

Crumble the reserved dough over the fruit and chocolate layer ensuring pieces are small enough to let the filling peek through. Return to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and bubbling slightly.

Cool and Slice:

Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out and cut into squares or rectangles.

I often sneak a few dried cherries directly from the package while preparing this recipe because of their addictive tangy flavor. My kids love to help sprinkle the chocolate chips and cranberries over the base making this a holiday tradition in our house.

Storage Tips

Store the bars in an airtight container for up to one week at room temperature. These bars can also be frozen for up to three months if wrapped tightly to maintain freshness.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a nutty twist replace the almond extract with hazelnut or omit it entirely for a simpler flavor. You can also substitute the white chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate options for a richer taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bars as part of a holiday dessert platter alongside cookies and truffles. Drizzle some melted white chocolate on top for an elegant finish or enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.

These Christmas Cherry Bars encapsulate the essence of the holidays with their vibrant flavors and joyful presentation. Every bite is a memory of cozy celebrations filled with love and laughter. Whether baked for a party or as a thoughtful homemade gift these bars are destined to become a cherished tradition in your house.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried tart cherries?

Fresh cherries can be used but ensure they are pitted and slightly dried to avoid excess moisture in the bars. Adjust the baking time as needed.

→ What substitutes work for white chocolate chips?

You can substitute white chocolate with dark or milk chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate after baking.

→ How do I store Christmas cherry bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

→ Can I omit the almond extract?

Yes, you can omit almond extract if you prefer or replace it with additional vanilla extract for subtle flavor.

→ What is the best way to achieve a crumbly topping?

Ensure the butter is chilled and the dough mixture is worked just enough to form coarse crumbs. Avoid overmixing to maintain a crumbly texture.

→ How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Pre-bake the crust for 10–12 minutes as directed to ensure it sets before adding the filling. Ensure the cherries are not overly moist.