Christmas Cherry Bars always seem to come together during the busiest stretch of December, when the kitchen calendar is just as full as the dining room table. One snowy afternoon, the oven was already warm from earlier baking, holiday cards were stacked near the window, and a playlist of familiar carols hummed in the background.
Someone was wrapping gifts at the counter, another was sneaking cherries from an open bag, and the light outside faded faster than expected. The dough came together quietly, chilled butter pressed into flour while conversation drifted between cookie exchanges and weekend plans. Almond extract added its gentle aroma, subtle but unmistakably seasonal.
As the crust baked, the smell filled the house, drawing everyone closer, even those who claimed they were “just passing through.” Christmas Cherry Bars emerged golden and inviting, their ruby-red cherries peeking through a soft crumble topping.
They didn’t stay on the rack for long. A few were sliced for tasting, others were wrapped carefully for neighbors, and the rest waited patiently for the evening gathering. These bars have a way of fitting into the rhythm of the season without needing much attention.
Short Description
Christmas Cherry Bars are buttery layered dessert bars filled with tart dried cherries and white chocolate, finished with a golden crumble topping that feels perfect for the holidays.
Key Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup dried tart cherries, roughly chopped
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
Tools Needed
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Pastry cutter or fingertips
- 8×8 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Sharp knife
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the chilled butter to the bowl. Use a pastry cutter or fingertips to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Stir in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until a soft dough forms. It may appear crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
Step 5: Create the Crust
Reserve about one third of the dough. Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the base.
Step 6: Prebake the Crust
Bake the crust for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set and lightly golden while the center remains pale. Remove from the oven and cool slightly.
Step 7: Add the Filling
In a small bowl, toss the dried cherries and white chocolate chips together. Sprinkle evenly over the warm crust.
Step 8: Add the Crumble Topping
Crumble the reserved dough over the filling, leaving some cherries visible through the topping.
Step 9: Final Bake
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden and the filling bubbles gently.
Step 10: Cool and Slice
Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Lift out using the parchment overhang and cut into bars.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Balanced sweetness with tart cherry flavor
Easy to slice and share
Sturdy texture that travels well
Festive look without extra decoration
Straightforward ingredients and steps
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Butter too warm
This can make the dough greasy.
Solution: Use butter straight from the fridge and work quickly.
Overbaking the crust initially
Leads to a dry base.
Solution: Remove the crust while the center is still pale.
Uneven crumble topping
May cause inconsistent baking.
Solution: Break the topping into small, even pieces.
Cutting bars too soon
Causes crumbling.
Solution: Let bars cool completely before slicing.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled
Pair with hot tea or coffee
Arrange on a holiday dessert platter
Slice into small squares for cookie exchanges
Serve with lightly sweetened whipped cream
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days
Refrigerate for up to 5 days for longer freshness
Freeze cut bars for up to 2 months
Thaw at room temperature before serving
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
Dried cherries work best to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they hold their texture well when made a day ahead.
3. Is almond extract necessary?
It adds depth, but you can omit it if preferred.
4. Can I use dark chocolate instead of white?
Yes, dark chocolate pairs nicely with tart cherries.
5. Why is my dough crumbly?
That texture is expected. It should hold when pressed.
Tips & Tricks
Chop cherries evenly for consistent bites
Line the pan for easier removal
Use a sharp knife for clean slices
Let flavors settle overnight for best taste
Recipe Variations
Chocolate Cherry Bars
Replace white chocolate chips with semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
Orange Cherry Bars
Add ½ teaspoon orange zest to the dough for a bright citrus note.
Nutty Holiday Bars
Mix ¼ cup finely chopped almonds into the crumble topping.
Spiced Cherry Bars
Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the dry ingredients for warmth.
Final Thoughts
Christmas Cherry Bars settle easily into the flow of holiday baking. They don’t demand elaborate decoration or extra time, yet they still feel intentional and festive. From pressing the dough into the pan to slicing the cooled bars, each step feels steady and familiar.
These bars often end up shared more than planned, tucked into tins or passed across tables during busy evenings. Their balance of buttery crumb and tart filling suits both quiet afternoons and lively gatherings. Christmas Cherry Bars carry the spirit of the season in a simple, generous way.
Delicious Christmas Cherry Bars
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter chilled and cubed
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup dried tart cherries roughly chopped
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment.
- Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cut in chilled butter until mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Mix in egg yolk, vanilla, and almond extract until dough forms. Reserve ⅓ for topping.
- Press remaining dough into pan for the base.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are set. Cool slightly.
- Toss chopped dried cherries and white chocolate chips together, then sprinkle over crust.
- Crumble reserved dough on top, leaving some filling visible.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and gently bubbling.
- Cool completely, lift out using parchment, and slice into bars.
