These Christmas Cherry Bars are a delightful holiday treat that combines a buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and a crumbly topping. They’re easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter, softened | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 2 cups |
| Eggs | 4 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Cherry pie filling | 1 can (21 ounces) |
Optional Glaze Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
| Milk | 2 tbsp |
| Vanilla extract | 1/2 tsp |
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Layer and Bake: Spread two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down firmly to create the base layer. Spread the cherry pie filling over the dough in an even layer.
- Create Crumb Topping: Take the remaining one-third of the dough and crumble it evenly over the cherry pie filling, creating a crumbly topping.
- Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
- Slice and Serve: Once the glaze has set, slice the Christmas Cherry Bars into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy the festive flavors!
