Christmas Cherry Bars Classic (Print Version)
Buttery bars layered with cherry filling and sweet vanilla glaze, perfect for holiday celebrations.
# Ingredients:
→ Dough
01 -
1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
02 -
2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
03 -
4 large eggs
04 -
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
05 -
3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
06 -
1 teaspoon fine salt
→ Filling
07 -
1 can (21 ounces or 595 grams) cherry pie filling
→ Optional Glaze
08 -
1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
09 -
2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) whole milk
10 -
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
# Steps:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan.
02 -
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
03 -
Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Blend in the vanilla extract.
04 -
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
05 -
Spread approximately 3 cups of the prepared batter evenly into the bottom of the greased pan. Distribute the cherry pie filling evenly over the batter.
06 -
Using a spoon, drop small portions of the remaining batter over the cherry filling, leaving some of the filling exposed.
07 -
Transfer to the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
08 -
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely within the pan on a wire rack.
09 -
If glazing, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bars.
10 -
Cut into bars of desired size. Serve at room temperature.
# Notes:
01 -
Ensure bars are fully cooled before glazing or cutting for clean, defined portions.