Introduction

Christmas Cherry Bars are a festive holiday treat featuring buttery layers with a sweet cherry filling. Easy to make and perfect for gatherings, these bars bring cherry pie warmth in a convenient, grab-and-go form.

A close-up of a white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered cherry dessert. The bottom layer is a dark red cherry filling with whole cherries visible. On top, there is a layer of light brown crumbly streusel and scattered small chunks of pale dough. The dessert is sprinkled with white powdered sugar, creating a dusted effect over the cherries and streusel. The background features a white marbled texture and a blurred red and white item in the distance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 teaspoon salt
1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling

For the glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Step 3: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet until just combined.
Step 5: Scoop out about 1 cup of batter and set aside. Press the remaining batter evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust.
Step 6: Spread the cherry pie filling over the crust. It’s okay if the layer is uneven; it adds character.
Step 7: Drop spoonfuls of the reserved batter over the cherries, allowing peaks and valleys to form naturally.
Step 8: Bake for 35–40 minutes, until edges are light golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
Step 9: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm bars in a back-and-forth motion. Allow glaze to set for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

Try swapping cherry pie filling with blueberry or raspberry for a mixed-berry twist.
Add a chocolate drizzle by melting ½ cup dark chocolate chips and zig-zagging it over the bars before glazing.
Stir in ½ cup shredded coconut into the batter to introduce a light tropical flavor.
Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the cherry layer before adding the reserved batter for a nutty crunch.

Storage

Store the bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to one week. To freeze, layer bars between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently at 300°F for 5–7 minutes if you prefer them slightly warm.

How to Serve

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered cherry dessert is shown. The bottom layer is a thick, red cherry filling with whole dark red cherries scattered throughout. Above this is a crumbly, pale beige streusel topping with small and medium chunks spread unevenly. The dessert is dusted lightly with white powdered sugar, adding a soft texture to the top. The background has a white marbled surface and a blurry red and white object in the distance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?

Yes, pit about 3 cups of fresh cherries and toss with ¼ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Simmer until thickened, then fully cool before layering in the bars.

How do I know when the bars are done?

The bars are done when the edges turn light golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

What if I want the bars less sweet?

You can reduce the sugar to 1½ cups, but lowering it further may affect the texture, making it gummy. The tartness of the cherries helps balance the sweetness well.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. You might need to add a minute or two extra baking time.

Do I have to add the glaze?

The bars are delicious on their own. The glaze adds a touch of sweetness and a pretty vanilla finish but is optional.