Christmas Cherry Bars

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When the holiday season rolls around, few treats are as festive and irresistible as Christmas Cherry Bars. These buttery, almond-kissed bars are layered with vibrant maraschino cherries and a sweet glaze that makes them sparkle on any dessert table. They slice up beautifully, perfect for gifting or serving at gatherings, and every bite tastes like holiday magic.

What makes these bars so special is their texture: soft and tender with just the right hint of chewiness, thanks to the rich batter and fruity cherries. Whether you’re baking a batch for a cookie swap, holiday party, or just to cozy up with a mug of cocoa, these cherry bars deliver that nostalgic Christmas flavor with a touch of elegance.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe

You’ll fall in love with how simple they are to whip up and how stunning they look once baked. With a base that combines almond extract and butter, and a crown of chopped cherries, they are a sweet-scented crowd-pleaser. They’re also incredibly versatile: serve them plain, drizzled with glaze, or even dusted with powdered sugar for that snowy finish. Best of all, they stay moist for days, making them ideal for make-ahead baking.

What Kind of Cherries Work Best in Christmas Cherry Bars?

For that bright, festive red pop and sweet flavor, maraschino cherries are the classic go-to. They chop up easily and bring the signature holiday hue. If you want a little tartness to balance the sweetness, you can swap in dried cherries or even use a mix. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid if using jarred cherries so your bars don’t turn soggy.

Ingredients for the Christmas Cherry Bars

What makes Christmas Cherry Bars truly shine is the simple combination of ingredients that create such a comforting holiday treat. Each element has its place in bringing flavor, texture, and beauty to these buttery bars.

• Unsalted Butter
• Granulated Sugar
• Eggs
• Almond Extract
• All-Purpose Flour
• Baking Powder
• Salt
• Maraschino Cherries
• Powdered Sugar
• Milk

The unsalted butter creates a rich, tender base while sugar adds just enough sweetness without overpowering. Eggs bind everything together, and almond extract offers that nostalgic holiday scent. Flour, baking powder, and salt create the light structure. The star, of course, is the maraschino cherries, chopped and gently folded into the batter. Finally, a drizzle made from powdered sugar and milk adds the perfect finishing touch.

How To Make the Christmas Cherry Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Pat your maraschino cherries dry on a paper towel and chop them into halves or quarters.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This gives the bars a delicate, cake-like texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Almond Extract

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the almond extract. The almond adds warmth and holiday depth to the flavor.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in Cherries

Gently fold in the chopped cherries, distributing them evenly through the batter without overmixing.

Step 6: Spread and Bake

Spread the thick batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Let the bars cool completely before drizzling a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Let the glaze set, then slice into festive squares.

How to Serve and Store These Festive Bars

These cherry bars are best served once the glaze has set and they’ve been cut into neat squares. Their pretty pink-red centers and snowy glaze make them a showstopper on cookie platters. This recipe yields around 24 bars, perfect for sharing.

To store, keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze (unglazed) for up to 2 months. If frozen, thaw and glaze before serving for best results.

What to Serve With Christmas Cherry Bars?

Hot Cocoa with Whipped Cream

The rich chocolate and creamy topping pair wonderfully with the sweet almond-cherry combo.

Spiced Apple Cider

Warm spices and tart apple notes add balance and a cozy vibe to these bars.

Creamy Eggnog

A sip of traditional eggnog elevates the holiday spirit and matches the sweet, festive flavors.

Cheese Plate with Brie

A soft, creamy brie or tangy goat cheese offers a delightful savory contrast.

Sparkling Wine or Champagne

Perfect for a holiday toast and light enough to complement rather than compete.

Coffee or Espresso

Bitter coffee cuts the sweetness, making each bite of the cherry bar even more satisfying.

Chocolate Fondue

Dip the edge of a cherry bar in melted chocolate for a decadent dessert pairing.

Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If you love these Christmas Cherry Bars, you might also want to try these other treats from Luna Meals:

• Easy Banana Cream Pie Recipe for a classic and creamy twist.
• Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches if you love indulgent fruit-forward flavors.
• Rhubarb Shortbread Bars for a tart and buttery contrast.
• Blueberry Cheesecake Heaven Rolls when you want a soft and luscious dessert.
• Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies for a no-bake sweet crunch.

Save This Recipe For Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you drizzle with extra glaze or add a sprinkle of coconut? Did you sneak in some chopped nuts?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Christmas Cherry Bars are everything you want in a holiday dessert: festive, flavorful, easy to bake, and even easier to share. The almond and cherry combination is timeless and loved by all ages, making these bars a holiday staple. Whether you’re making them for the first time or returning to a family tradition, one thing is certain—your kitchen is about to smell amazing.

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