Irresistible Christmas Cherry Bars That Everyone Will Love

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Aniela Recipes Team

The holiday season always brings back the sweetest memories of spending time in the kitchen, surrounded by the delightful scents of baking. Picture this: trays lining the counter, laughter echoing among family and friends, and the oven revealing a treasure trove of festive treats. One standout star in my holiday lineup is the Christmas Cherry Bars, a treat that not only brightens up any gathering but also offers an easy solution to satisfy that festive sweetness craving.

Whenever I m looking to put a smile on faces, these bars come to mind. They re a beautiful balance of buttery dough and tangy cherry pie filling, crowned with a delicate glaze that glistens like fresh snow. What I love most about this recipe is its versatility; it s equally at home on a holiday dessert table or simply enjoyed with a hot cup of cocoa while cozied up by the fire. Trust me, once you taste these cherry bars, you ll understand why they hold a special place in my heart. So, let s dive into creating this delightful treat that captures the true spirit of the season!

Why are Christmas Cherry Bars a must-try?

Irresistible flavor: The combination of buttery dough and tart cherry filling creates a flavor explosion that s hard to resist!

Festive appeal: These bars are the perfect treat to bring along to holiday gatherings, making them a crowd favorite.

Quick and easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip these up in no time a real game-changer during the busy holiday season!

Versatile delight: Whether served warm with ice cream or at room temperature, they adapt to any occasion beautifully.

A family tradition: This recipe often becomes a cherished part of holiday celebrations, ensuring sweet memories are made in the kitchen.

Pair these bars with some warm beverages, like a cozy hot cocoa, for an unforgettable treat!

Christmas Cherry Bars Ingredients

For the Dough

• Butter 1 cup, softened; this creates a rich, buttery base for your Christmas Cherry Bars.
• Sugar 2 cups; adding sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the tart cherries.
• Salt 1 teaspoon; enhances flavors and balances the sweetness of the dough.
• Large Eggs 4, at room temperature; these contribute to the bar s tender texture.
• Vanilla Extract 1 teaspoon; gives a warm, inviting flavor that s essential for baking.
• Almond Extract 1/4 teaspoon; a little goes a long way in adding subtle depth to the batter.
• Flour 3 cups; a must for creating the dough that will cradle the luscious cherry filling.

For the Cherry Filling

• Cherry Pie Filling 2 cans (21 oz each); brings that delightful fruity tartness that makes these bars irresistible.

For the Glaze

• Confectioners Sugar 1 cup; creates a sweet coating that enhances the festive look of your bars.
• Vanilla Extract 1/2 teaspoon; adds a lovely aromatic quality to the glaze.
• Almond Extract 1/2 teaspoon; similarly to the dough, it enriches the glaze s flavor.
• Whole Milk 2-3 tablespoons; adjust to achieve the perfect drizzle consistency for your glaze.

Gather these ingredients, and you re one step closer to creating delightful Christmas Cherry Bars that will surely enchant your holiday gatherings!

How to Make Christmas Cherry Bars

1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Prepare a 15×10-inch sheet pan by spraying it with baking spray to ensure easy removal of the bars later on.

2. Cream the butter, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which may take about 3-5 minutes.

3. Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in both the vanilla and almond extracts for that festive aroma.

4. Mix in the flour gradually until a soft dough forms, ensuring it s well combined, but be careful not to over-mix it. The dough should be smooth and tender.

5. Press 3 cups of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer to hold the cherry filling. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over this base, making sure to cover it completely.

6. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherry filling, allowing some of the filling to peek through for a rustic look.

7. Bake the bars for 35 to 40 minutes until they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once baked, allow them to cool completely in the pan.

8. Prepare the glaze by whisking together the confectioners sugar, vanilla and almond extracts, and just enough milk to reach a smooth, drizzleable consistency.

9. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars, letting it create a festive finish that enhances the appearance of your Christmas Cherry Bars.

Optional: Serve warm topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Cherry Bars are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Additionally, the assembled bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking, ensuring the flavors marry beautifully while keeping the crust fresh. To finish, simply bake as directed when you re ready to enjoy these delicious treats. Just remember to allow them to cool completely before drizzling the glaze, as this will keep each bar just as delightful and festive as when they were freshly made!

Christmas Cherry Bars Variations

Feel free to get creative with these delightful bars to make them truly your own!

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version just ensure it s a 1:1 replacement.

• Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough for an added crunch and earthy flavor.

• Lemon Zest: Incorporate a tablespoon of fresh lemon zest into the batter for a zesty, refreshing contrast to the cherries.

• Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol to create a sugar-free version that still satisfies your sweet tooth without the calories.

• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the glaze for a rich chocolate-flavored twist that complements the cherry beautifully.

• Coconut Flakes: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical flavor that adds delightful texture.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for an unexpected spicy undertone that balances the sweetness.

• Fruit Swap: Replace cherry pie filling with raspberry or blueberry filling for a delicious alternative that still keeps the festive spirit alive.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Cherry Bars

Room Temperature: Store your Christmas Cherry Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture and flavor.

Fridge: If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can store the bars in the fridge for up to 7 days. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent drying out.

Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the bars wrapped in plastic wrap and then an additional layer of foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating: You can warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy that fresh-out-the-oven taste, perfect for serving with a scoop of ice cream!

What to Serve with Christmas Cherry Bars?

Create a celebratory spread that complements the scrumptious flavors of these delightful bars.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture and mild sweetness of vanilla ice cream balance the tart cherry flavor beautifully. It s like a warm hug for your taste buds!

• Hot Cocoa: This cozy drink, topped with marshmallows or whipped cream, enhances the festive spirit perfect for sipping alongside your cherry bars.

• Coffee: A rich cup of coffee offers a delightful contrast to the sweetness, making every bite of cherry bars even more satisfying.

• Whipped Cream: Light, airy whipped cream adds a touch of elegance and extra creaminess, perfect for serving atop a warm cherry bar!

• Cheesecake Parfaits: Layering cheesecake filling with crumbled cherry bars creates a decadent dessert that dazzles your guests.

• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast, adding texture and brightness to each bite simply delightful!

• Festive Punch: Serve a fruity holiday punch to bring a burst of flavor and color to your dessert table, pairing beautifully with every slice.

• Nutty Biscotti: For a crunchy texture, consider pairing these bars with almond or walnut biscotti a delicious dip with your coffee!

• Chocolate Drizzle: Elevate the cherry bars by drizzling melted chocolate over them because everything s better with chocolate, right?

• Cinnamon Tea: A warm and fragrant cup of cinnamon tea can soothe the soul and complements the sweet-tart notes of cherry filling perfectly!

Expert Tips for Christmas Cherry Bars

• Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temperature ensures they blend more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture for your Christmas Cherry Bars.

• Don t Overmix: When combining the flour, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of the tender treat you want.

• Check for Doneness: Start checking the bars around 35 minutes. If a toothpick comes out clean, remove them from the oven to prevent them from drying out.

• Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before applying the glaze. This helps the glaze adhere better and prevents it from melting into the warm bars.

• Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They ll stay fresh for several days, but they won t last long trust me!

Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe FAQs

What type of cherries should I use for the filling?
Absolutely, while this recipe calls for canned cherry pie filling for convenience, you can substitute with fresh pitted cherries. If you choose fresh cherries, cook them down with sugar, a bit of cornstarch, and water until thickened, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. This allows for a more vibrant, homemade flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery dough.

How should I store leftover Christmas Cherry Bars?
You can store your Christmas Cherry Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to 7 days, ensuring they are well-wrapped to keep moisture at bay. If temperatures rise, the fridge is your best bet, as it helps maintain that delicious texture!

Can I freeze Christmas Cherry Bars?
Yes! For those delightful desserts that last beyond the holidays, wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge, and if you d like, warm them up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!

What should I do if my bars are too crumbly?
If your Christmas Cherry Bars turn out too crumbly, this might be due to overmixing the flour or not enough moisture in the dough. To troubleshoot for next time, ensure you mix the dough just until combined and consider adding a splash more vanilla or almond extract to enhance the moisture balance.

Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Very! To make gluten-free Christmas Cherry Bars, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture. Additionally, check the labels on your cherry pie filling to ensure no gluten ingredients sneak in. Enjoy your delightful gluten-free treat!