When the holidays roll around, nothing brings back memories of my grandmother’s baking quite like the aroma of buttery cherry bars wafting through the kitchen. These Christmas Cherry Bars are rich, fruity, and drizzled with a sweet almond glaze that makes them taste just like something off a festive cookie tray.
They’re the perfect blend of nostalgic flavor and easy preparation—ideal for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Holiday Flavors: Sweet cherries and almond extract make every bite taste like Christmas
- Feeds a Crowd: Made in a sheet pan, it’s perfect for parties or gifting
- Easy Glaze on Top: A simple almond-vanilla drizzle adds that bakery-style finish
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars store beautifully for up to 5 days
- Visually Festive: Red cherries pop against the golden crust—no decorating needed!
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
FAQs
Can I use homemade cherry filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own, go for it—just make sure it’s thick enough not to run.
Do these freeze well?
Yes, they freeze beautifully. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I swap out the fruit?
Sure! Try blueberry, raspberry, or a holiday cranberry blend for a fun variation.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Cherry Bars are one of those timeless holiday treats that look stunning, taste incredible, and are ridiculously easy to pull off. From the tender vanilla-almond dough to the jammy cherry filling and sweet drizzle on top, they’re a guaranteed hit at any holiday table.
Share Your Creation
Baked a batch of these merry cherry bars? Tag your festive masterpiece with #CherryBarMagic on Instagram or Pinterest—I’d love to see your holiday spin!
Christmas Cherry Bars
Ingredients
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
Instructions
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.
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