Description
Magical Christmas cherry bars bring festive cheer with sweet and tangy layers of buttery shortbread and rich cherry filling. Holiday bakers will love this simple dessert that delivers classic comfort and seasonal joy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (21 oz / 595 g) cherry pie filling
- 1 cup (227 g) butter, softened
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsps milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheating: Configure the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to facilitate easy removal.
- Creaming: Whip butter and sugar into a light, fluffy texture. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
- Dry Ingredients: Sift together flour and salt, then gradually fold into the butter mixture, ensuring a smooth, homogeneous batter.
- Layering: Spread three-quarters of the batter evenly across the pan’s base. Gently pour cherry pie filling over the initial layer, then dot the remaining batter in small, uneven patches across the fruity surface.
- Baking: Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Look for a golden-brown color and verify doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center, which should come out clean.
- Cooling and Glazing: Remove from oven and place on a cooling rack until completely cool. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract into a smooth glaze, then elegantly drizzle over the bars.
- Serving: Allow the glaze to set, then slice into individual servings, revealing the festive, layered interior.
Notes
- Precise Pan Preparation: Ensure complete pan coverage with grease to prevent sticking and guarantee easy bar removal.
- Creaming Technique: Whip butter and sugar until light and fluffy for a tender, delicate bar texture that melts in your mouth.
- Layering Strategy: Distribute batter carefully, creating an even base and strategic top layer to showcase beautiful cherry filling.
- Glaze Consistency Check: Adjust powdered sugar and milk quantities to achieve a smooth, drizzleable glaze that sets perfectly without being too thick or runny.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 25
- Calories: 236
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 151 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 37 mg