Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe

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Cozy Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe, Made Simple

There’s something truly special about baking this Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe in the quiet glow of winter afternoons. I love how the tart cherries and sweet white chocolate come together, creating a nostalgic mix of flavors that feel both festive and comforting. It’s the kind of treat you make when you want to share warmth and buttery goodness with friends or keep a little joy all to yourself. You’ll find the soft crumble, the toasty golden edges, and that subtle almond aroma invite you to take just one more bite. These bars are not only delicious but easy enough to slot into a busy holiday schedule, so you still have time to savor the moments that matter most. If you’re anything like me, these bars quickly become a go-to for last-minute gifts or a cozy addition to your dessert spread. So grab your apron and let’s get started on this Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe that feels like a warm kitchen hug.

Ingredient Lowdown

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the bars their perfect, tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a lovely crust on the edges.
• Unsalted butter: Chilled and cubed to blend in for that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
• Baking powder: Just a touch to lighten the texture without puffing up too much.
• Salt: A pinch to balance sweetness and enhance flavors.
• Egg yolk: Adds richness and binds the dough beautifully.
• Vanilla extract: The warm, familiar note that makes the bars inviting.
• Almond extract: A subtle, seasonal twist that pairs perfectly with cherries.
• Dried tart cherries: The star ingredient — tangy, chewy, and bursting with holiday vibes.
• White chocolate chips: Creamy pockets of sweetness that contrast deliciously with cherries.

Set Up for Success

Before you start mixing, take a moment for mise en place — measuring each ingredient carefully helps this Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe turn out just right. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and prep your baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper, which makes lifting out the bars a breeze later on. Having everything ready means you can focus on the joyful part: assembling your bars with ease.

Step-by-Step: Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe

1. Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 8×8-inch pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until everything is evenly blended. This ensures even rising and balanced flavor.
3. Cut in the butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to rub it into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits. The cold butter is key to achieving that crisp, buttery texture.
4. Add the wet ingredients: Stir in the egg yolk, vanilla, and almond extracts. Mix gently until a soft, slightly crumbly dough forms—don’t overwork it or your bars can turn tough.
5. Reserve topping dough: Set aside about one-third of the dough for the crumble topping, then press the remaining two-thirds evenly into your prepared pan to form the crust base. Press firmly but evenly for a solid layer.
6. Bake the crust: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges look set and golden, but the center is still pale and soft. This pre-bake sets the stage for a tender base that won’t get soggy under the filling.
7. Prepare filling: Toss the dried tart cherries and white chocolate chips together so they’re evenly mixed, then sprinkle this fragrant, colorful mix over the warm crust.
8. Add the crumble topping: Crumble the reserved dough over the cherry-chocolate layer, breaking it into small chunks and letting some of the filling peek through. This contrast in texture is part of what makes the bars so delightful.
9. Final bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden top and slightly bubbling filling—that’s your cue that the bars are perfectly baked.

Flavor Twists for Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe

• Swap dried cherries for dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a fresh fruit twist.
• Add a sprinkle of orange zest to the dough for a bright, festive citrus note.
• Use dark chocolate chips instead of white for a richer, deeper flavor contrast.
• Mix a handful of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the topping for extra crunch.
• Try a dash of cinnamon or ginger powder in the base dough for warm holiday spice.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the bars in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
• Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to bring back that freshly-baked warmth.
• You can prepare the dough base and crumble topping a day ahead; keep refrigerated and bake fresh the next day.

Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe FAQs

• Can I use fresh cherries? Fresh cherries can be very juicy, which might make the bars soggy. Dried tart cherries hold up better, but if you want fresh, drain and pat them dry well first.
• What if I don’t have almond extract? You can leave it out or replace it with a tiny bit more vanilla extract. It’s a nice subtle flavor but not essential.
• Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check texture. The dough might need slightly less flour if it feels too dry.
• How do I know when the bars are done? The edges should be golden and set, the top golden brown with spots bubbling from the filling. The center should be firm but tender.
• Any tips for neat cutting? Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out, and slice with a sharp knife. Wiping the knife clean between cuts helps keep edges tidy.

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