Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe: A Classic Holiday Favorite

If you love traditional holiday baking, these Christmas Cherry Bars are a must-add to your festive dessert lineup. With a buttery shortbread base, a sweet homemade cherry filling, and a golden crumb topping, every bite captures the flavor and nostalgia of classic Christmas treats. These bars are perfect for cookie exchanges, potlucks, and gifting to friends and neighbors. They slice beautifully, travel well, and bring that old-fashioned charm that modern desserts often miss.

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made with real cherries for a deep, authentic flavor
• Shortbread crust that melts in your mouth
• Easy to slice and serve — ideal for holiday platters
• Stays fresh for days and freezes beautifully

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust and Topping:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Homemade Cherry Filling:

• 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

1. Make the Cherry Filling

1. In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, water, and lemon juice.
2. Cook over medium heat until the cherries begin to release their juices.
3. Stir in cornstarch and continue cooking until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Shortbread Base

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy.
3. Add flour, salt, and vanilla. Mix until crumbly.
4. Press two-thirds of the dough firmly into the bottom of the pan.

3. Assemble and Bake

1. Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust.
2. Crumble the remaining dough on top.
3. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Let cool completely before slicing into bars.

Serving Suggestions

These cherry bars are perfect on their own, but they can be elevated even more with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of almond glaze, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For gifting, wrap individual bars in parchment paper and tie with twine for a rustic holiday presentation.

Storage and Freezing

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. These bars freeze very well — wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Cherry Bars are a timeless recipe that deserves a place in every family’s holiday tradition. With their bright red filling and rich buttery crust, they bring both beauty and flavor to any dessert table. Make a batch this season, and they just might become the treat everyone asks for year after year.

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