Name: Delicious Christmas Cherry Bars: A Festive Holiday Treat
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 170 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter (softened); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; ¾ cup Granulated Sugar (can substitute with brown sugar); 1 cup Dried Cherries (can substitute with cranberries or apricots); 1 cup White Chocolate Chips (can substitute with dark chocolate chips); ½ cup Pistachios (or any preferred nut)

The moment I pulled these festive Christmas Cherry Bars from the oven, the irresistible aroma of buttery goodness mixed with the sweet-tart scent of dried cherries filled my kitchen. This delightful dessert is not just visually beautiful; it’s also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect companion for holiday cookie exchanges and family gatherings. With a buttery shortbread base topped with bright dried cherries and velvety white chocolate chips, these bars offer a joyful twist on traditional holiday treats. Plus, you can easily adapt the recipe to include your favorite nuts or chocolates! Isn’t it exciting to have a versatile recipe that dazzles and keeps everyone coming back for more? Let’s dive into the details and bring a little magic to your holiday baking!

Why Are Christmas Cherry Bars a Must?

Festive Appeal: These Christmas Cherry Bars are not only colorful and eye-catching, but they also embody the spirit of the holiday season, making them a perfect addition to any celebration.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have delicious treats that come together in no time, leaving you more hours to enjoy the festivities!
Adaptable: You can easily swap in different nuts, chocolates, or dried fruits, like in our delightful Rhubarb Custard Bars recipe, creating a flavor profile to suit everyone’s taste.
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for cookie exchanges, these bars are sure to impress friends and family alike, as they combine sweetness with delightful tartness in every bite.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare these bars in advance, storing them for gatherings or quick snacks, ensuring you’re always ready for visitors during the busy holiday season!

Christmas Cherry Bars Ingredients

• For the Shortbread Base

Butter – Provides richness and structure; for a dairy-free option, substitute with margarine or coconut oil.
All-Purpose Flour – Acts as the base structure for the bars; can be replaced with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the bars; for a deeper flavor, you can use brown sugar.

• For the Topping

Dried Cherries – Adds a sweet-tart flavor; substitute dried cranberries or apricots for a delightful twist.
White Chocolate Chips – Contributes creaminess and sweetness; dark chocolate chips make a great alternative for a richer taste.

• Optional Add-ins

Pistachios – Adds extra texture and color; feel free to replace with any preferred nut for a unique twist.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Cherry Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a suitable baking pan. In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and ¾ cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and airy. Gradually mix in 2 cups of all-purpose flour until fully combined, ensuring not to overmix. This buttery shortbread base will set the foundation for your festive Christmas Cherry Bars.

Step 2: Spread the Mixture
Once your shortbread base is thoroughly mixed, transfer it to the greased baking pan. Using your fingertips or an offset spatula, press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. You want it to cover the entire base and create a smooth layer. This process should take about 5 minutes, ensuring an even distribution to provide a consistent texture throughout the bars.

Step 3: Add Toppings
Next, sprinkle 1 cup of dried cherries and 1 cup of white chocolate chips evenly over the pressed shortbread base. Make sure to distribute them generously, allowing for delightful bursts of flavor in every bite of your Christmas Cherry Bars. Press them slightly into the mixture for better adherence while baking, preparing for the next layer of deliciousness.

Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping
In a small bowl, combine any leftover flour with ½ cup of softened butter and ¼ cup of granulated sugar to create a crumble topping. Use your fingers to blend the mixture until crumbly. Once formed, evenly sprinkle this crumble over the layered cherries and chocolate, adding texture and rich flavor to the bars as they bake, enhancing that festive feeling.

Step 5: Bake
Carefully place the baking pan in your preheated oven and bake the Christmas Cherry Bars for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake; the top should turn a beautiful golden brown, indicating that the shortbread is perfectly cooked. This delightful aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait for the next step!

Step 6: Cool and Slice
After the bars have baked to a lovely golden finish, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. This is crucial for maintaining clean edges when slicing. Once cooled (about 1 to 2 hours), cut them into squares, revealing the beautiful layers of cherries and white chocolate, ready to enjoy during your holiday festivities.

What to Serve with Festive Christmas Cherry Bars

The perfect pairing can elevate your festive dessert from delightful to unforgettable, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.

Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The rich creaminess beautifully contrasts the tart cherries, making each bite an experience to savor.
Freshly Brewed Coffee: This classic combo creates a warm atmosphere, inviting conversation and connection around the table as you indulge in sweet treats.
Spiced Apple Cider: Serve warm; its spiced notes harmonize with the festive cherry flavor, providing comfort on chilly winter evenings.
Chocolate Dipped Fruit: Adding a touch of elegance, fruits like strawberries or bananas dipped in chocolate create a sweet side treat that delights both young and old.
Whipped Cream Topping: A dollop of airy whipped cream adds a luscious texture and sweetened brightness, making your bars even more decadent.
Nutty Granola: Sprinkled over bars, it provides a crunchy contrast, balancing the soft texture with a delightful bite that garners curiosity.
Pistachio Crumble: Directly complement the pistachios in your recipe variations by serving a drizzle of this delicious crumble on top, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Holiday Sangria: A fruity drink like sangria refreshes the palate and adds a cheerful splash of color to your festive table setting, inviting toasts and celebrations.

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Cherry Bars are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the festive flavors without last-minute stress! You can prepare the shortbread base up to 24 hours in advance, storing it wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Additionally, you can mix the topping ingredients (dried cherries, white chocolate chips, and crumble) and refrigerate them a day ahead. When you’re ready to bake, simply press the prepped mixture back into the pan, add the toppings, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll have delightful Christmas Cherry Bars, just as delicious and festive, ready to impress your family and friends during the busy holiday season!

Expert Tips for Christmas Cherry Bars

Room Temperature Butter: Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar, which leads to a light and fluffy base.
Do Not Overmix: Mix the shortbread base only until just combined; overmixing can result in dense bars. The key to tender Christmas Cherry Bars is a gentle touch!
Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps achieve clean, neat edges that are visually appealing for sharing.
Even Distribution: When adding cherries and chocolate chips, ensure an even sprinkle for balanced flavor in every bite. Press them slightly into the mixture to secure them during baking.
Storage Tips: Keep your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness to enjoy your delicious Christmas Cherry Bars!

Christmas Cherry Bars Variations

Get ready to customize your Christmas Cherry Bars and make them truly your own with these fun twists!

Nutty Delight: Add chopped pistachios or walnuts for a delightful crunch that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Chocolate Lovers: Swap white chocolate chips for rich dark chocolate chips to create a decadent treat your guests will adore. The deeper flavor pairs perfectly with the berries!
Berry Bliss: Replace dried cherries with dried cranberries or apricots for a fruity spin and varied flavor profile, making your bars even more exciting. The burst of tartness will lift your spirits!
Citrus Zing: Mix in some lemon or orange zest to the shortbread base for a refreshing citrus note that pairs wonderfully with the cherries. It adds a fragrant twist that’s uplifting during the holiday season.
Almond Joy: Try adding almond extract to the base for a lovely aromatic flavor. You can also sprinkle slivered almonds on top for an extra crunch.
Spice it Up: Incorporate ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, inviting spice that enhances the festive vibe. These spices will wrap your kitchen in cozy aromas!
Layered Surprise: Create layers by adding a layer of cream cheese frosting before adding the cherries, turning these bars into a creamy delight. It’s a sweet surprise that is sure to please everyone!
Fruity Fusion: Mix in other dried fruits like figs or dates for a medley of flavors. Each bite will offer a unique combination, making it a fun experience for your taste buds.

Remember, your kitchen is your playground! Don’t hesitate to explore these variations to create a festive treat everyone will love, just like our delightful Rhubarb Custard Bars!

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Cherry Bars

Room Temperature: Store Christmas Cherry Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them fresh and easy to grab for quick treats.

Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, store the bars in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Freezer: For longer preservation, freeze the bars wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in an airtight freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months, making holiday prep a breeze!

Reheating: If you want to enjoy them warm, simply reheat individual squares in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, allowing the white chocolate to soften once more.

Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best dried cherries for my Christmas Cherry Bars?
Absolutely! Look for dried cherries that are plump and vibrant in color, as they indicate freshness. Avoid cherries with dark spots all over, as they may be old or overly dried out. If possible, opt for unsweetened varieties to control the overall sweetness of your bars.

What is the best way to store leftover Christmas Cherry Bars?
The best method is to store your Christmas Cherry Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them fresh and available for snacking. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerating them can extend their life to about 2 weeks, but I recommend bringing them to room temperature before serving for the best texture!

Can I freeze Christmas Cherry Bars, and how do I do it?
Yes, indeed! To freeze, first, let the bars cool completely. Then, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply take one out, unwrap it, and reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat!

What should I do if my bars are too crumbly after baking?
If your Christmas Cherry Bars are crumbly, it usually means they were over-baked or the butter wasn’t fully creamed with the sugar. To troubleshoot, try baking at a slightly lower temperature next time, and ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy blending with sugar. Aim for 25-30 minutes of baking time and keep a close eye on them as they approach the end.

Are Christmas Cherry Bars suitable for people with nut allergies?
Yes, they can be! If you or your guests have nut allergies, simply omit the pistachios or any nuts you plan to add. The base and topping still provide delightful flavor and texture in the absence of nuts. Additionally, always check ingredient labels if you’re using store-bought chocolate chips to ensure they are nut-free.