The holiday season is all about indulging in delicious treats, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of festive Christmas Cherry Bars? These delightful bars feature a buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and a crumbly topping that’s sure to please everyone at your holiday gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a sweet treat, these bars are the perfect addition to any dessert table. Plus, with their simple ingredients and easy preparation, they’re a breeze to make. Let’s dive into the recipe and spread some holiday cheer!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract
- 1 (21 oz) can of cherry pie filling
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to adjust the amount of added salt in the recipe accordingly.
2. Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! If you have homemade cherry pie filling, feel free to use it instead of store-bought. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape when baked.
3. Can I substitute almond extract with vanilla extract?
While almond extract adds a delicious flavor to these bars, you can certainly use vanilla extract if you prefer. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
4. Can I make these bars in advance?
Yes, these bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
5. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the topping?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts or chocolate chips would make a delicious addition to the crumbly topping. Simply sprinkle them over the cherry filling before baking.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, flour, sugar, and almond extract until well combined.
- Press two-thirds of the dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Spread the cherry pie filling over the crust in an even layer.
- Crumble the remaining dough mixture over the cherry filling to form the topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.
- Serve the Christmas Cherry Bars at room temperature, and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar over the cooled bars before serving.
- Experiment with different flavors of pie filling, such as blueberry or raspberry, for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
- If you prefer a thicker crust, you can reserve more of the dough mixture for the bottom layer and use less for the topping.
Keto Versions and Low-Carb Options:
- While this recipe is not inherently keto-friendly or low-carb due to its use of flour and sugar, you can make some modifications to reduce the carbohydrate content. Consider using almond flour or coconut flour in place of all-purpose flour, and a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of sugar. Additionally, you can make your own sugar-free cherry pie filling using fresh or frozen cherries and a keto-friendly sweetener.
Christmas Cherry Bars are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. With their buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and crumbly topping, they’re sure to become a new holiday favorite. Whether you’re baking them for a party or simply enjoying them with your family, these bars are the perfect way to spread some holiday cheer. Give this recipe a try and make your holidays a little sweeter this year!
