Celebrate the holiday season with these irresistible cherry Christmas bars, a dessert that will add festive cheer and warmth to any gathering. With their rich cherry pie filling sandwiched between a buttery crust and crumbly topping, these bars are a cheerful ode to the spirit of the season.Their bright red hue, a symbol of joy and abundance, makes them a visually stunning addition to your holiday table. Whether you enjoy them around a cozy fire, at a lively gift exchange, or as part of a festive buffet, these cherry bars are sure to delight.
Ingredients:
1 cup softened butter
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 can (21 ounces) cherry cake filling
For the optional vanilla frosting:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat and Preparation: Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Cremation Process : In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until mixture is light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then add the vanilla extract.Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine flour and salt.
Mix: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the cream mixture and mix well.
Layers: Spread 3 cups of batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Carefully place the cherry pie filling on this base. Form small balls from the remaining dough and place them on the cherry layer.Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top turns a nice golden brown.
Cooling: Allow the bars to cool completely on a rack before continuing with glazing.
Vanilla Frosting (optional):
Prepare the frosting: Mix powdered sugar, milk and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
Final touch: Drizzle glaze over the cooled cherry bars. Allow glaze to set before serving
servings. Suggestions:
Serve these cherry Christmas bars as a stand-alone treat, dusted with powdered sugar, or alongside vanilla ice cream for a decadent touch.Enhance the holiday experience by combining them with hot chocolate, mulled wine or milk. For added luxury, you can add a drizzle of dark chocolate on top before adding the frosting.
Have fun making and sharing these delicious Christmas cherry bars, a dessert that captures the essence of the holiday season and makes your celebrations even more unforgettable.