The aroma swirling in my kitchen is enough to transport me back to childhood holiday gatherings, where sweet treats played a starring role. Today, I’m excited to share my beloved Christmas Cherry Bars—a delightful medley of buttery shortbread, tart dried cherries, and creamy white chocolate that makes them a must-have for any festive occasion. Not only are these bars incredibly easy to whip up, but they also bring a customizable touch to your dessert table. Feel free to swap out the white chocolate for dark chocolate or toss in some crunchy pistachios for an even more festive flair! Whether you’re hosting a cookie exchange or simply craving a slice of holiday magic, these bars are sure to impress. Ready to create a dessert that will brighten your holiday spread? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why are Christmas Cherry Bars a must-try? Festive Flavor: Your holiday dessert table will shine with these vibrant bars, combining sweet cherries and creamy chocolate for an irresistible treat. Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, you’ll have these bars ready in no time, making them perfect for last-minute holiday baking! Customizable Delight: Switch things up! Substitute dried cherries with cranberries or try dark chocolate for a richer taste. Appealing Presentation: Their chewiness and beautiful colors will make them the star of any party, from cookie exchanges to family gatherings. For another delightful treat, don’t miss my Carrot Cake Bars—they’re equally festive and sure to impress! Christmas Cherry Bars Ingredients • Get ready to make magic! For the Base Butter – Provides a rich, creamy base. Use unsalted for better control over saltiness. Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with the structure; brown sugar can deepen the flavor. Flour – Gives the necessary structure to the bars; all-purpose flour is recommended. Salt – Enhances flavor; kosher salt works well for even distribution. For the Filling Dried Cherries – Adds a tangy sweetness; substitute with dried cranberries for a different flavor profile. White Chocolate Chips – Contributes creaminess and sweetness; dark chocolate chips can offer a more intense flavor. Eggs – Binds the ingredients together; ensure they are at room temperature for even mixing. For the Topping Butter – Use remaining butter to create a crumbly topping for added texture and richness. Sugar – Sweetens the crumble topping; brown sugar will give it a slight caramel taste. Flour – Helps achieve a perfect crumble; ensure it’s evenly mixed with the other ingredients. With these simple yet essential ingredients, your Christmas Cherry Bars will be the highlight of your festive dessert lineup! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Cherry Bars Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it helps set the perfect baking environment for your Christmas Cherry Bars, ensuring a lovely golden finish. As the oven warms up, gather your ingredients and line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later. Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish Once the oven reaches temperature, prepare your baking dish by greasing it lightly with butter or lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent the bars from sticking and make them easy to lift out once baked. A well-prepared dish is essential for achieving the ideal texture in your festive treat. Step 3: Make the Shortbread Base In a mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter and sugar, creaming them together until light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Gradually mix in all-purpose flour and a pinch of kosher salt until combined. This buttery base will provide the perfect foundation for your Christmas Cherry Bars. Step 4: Press Base into Dish Once your shortbread mixture is ready, firmly press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring even coverage. Use your fingers or a flat measuring cup to compact it. Bake this layer in the oven for 15 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden, creating a deliciously crisp base for your bars. Step 5: Mix Topping Ingredients While the base bakes, mix together your dried cherries, white chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of flour in a separate bowl. The flour will help prevent the cherries and chocolate from sinking into the base. This colorful mixture will add delightful bursts of flavor to your Christmas Cherry Bars. Step 6: Add Topping After removing the base from the oven, evenly spread the cherry and chocolate mixture over the pre-baked crust. Ensure each bite will be packed with flavor by distributing the topping as evenly as possible. This step will create a beautiful layer of tart and sweet goodness atop your shortbread base. Step 7: Prepare Crumble Topping In a fresh bowl, combine the remaining butter, flour, and sugar to create a crumble topping. Mix these ingredients together until crumbly, being careful not to overmix. This crumbly layer will add a delightful texture to your Christmas Cherry Bars, complementing the chewy filling underneath. Step 8: Bake Again Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the filled layer of cherries and chocolate. Place the baking dish back into the oven, and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the bars, and remove them when the top turns golden brown, signaling they’re perfectly baked and ready to cool. Step 9: Cool and Slice Once baked, take the Christmas Cherry Bars out of the oven and allow them to cool completely in the dish. Patience is key here, as cooling them entirely will ensure clean slices. Once they’re cool, lift the bars out using the parchment paper, and slice them into squares for serving. What to Serve with Christmas Cherry Bars Indulging in these festive treats? Let’s enhance your holiday spread with delightful pairings that will elevate your dessert experience. Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a smooth contrast to the chewy, textured bars, making every bite indulgently satisfying. Fresh Berries: Bright, tangy berries like raspberries or strawberries add a refreshing burst of flavor that beautifully complements the sweetness of the cherry bars. Hot Cup of Tea: A warm cup of spiced chai or herbal tea balances the sweetness and brings a cozy touch to your dessert table, perfect for holiday gatherings. Chocolate Drizzle: Enhance your bars by drizzling melted dark chocolate on top for an extra rich flavor and a touch of elegance when serving. Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a light, airy texture and balances the flavors, creating a delightful contrast with the bars. Festive Fruit Platter: Pair your bars with a colorful platter of seasonal fruits. The freshness of fruits like oranges and pomegranates provides a vibrant burst of color and flavor. Nutty Hot Chocolate: A warm, nutty hot chocolate enhanced with a dash of cinnamon pairs wonderfully with the tartness of the cherries, creating a cozy winter treat. Christmas Cookies: Offer a platter of various homemade cookies alongside your cherry bars for a delightful variety and a source of nostalgia during holiday celebrations. Embrace the festive spirit by combining these pairings with your Christmas Cherry Bars for a truly delightful holiday feast! Expert Tips for Christmas Cherry Bars Chill Ingredients First: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for even mixing. Cold ingredients can lead to an inconsistent batter. Don’t Skip the Flour: When mixing the topping, sprinkle flour over the chocolate and cherries to prevent them from sinking into the base. Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting; this helps maintain their shape and makes slicing easier. Variate Wisely: Feel free to switch dried cherries for cranberries or use dark chocolate chips instead, but balance flavors for the best Christmas Cherry Bars. Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on baking times; ovens can vary. The top should be golden brown, a sign of perfectly baked bars! Make Ahead Options These Christmas Cherry Bars are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy festive baking without the time crunch! You can prepare the shortbread base up to 24 hours in advance; simply store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Additionally, mix the topping ingredients (dried cherries, white chocolate chips, and flour) and refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, add the topping to the pre-baked base and follow the final baking steps. This way, you’ll have deliciously sweet and tart Christmas Cherry Bars on hand, ensuring your holiday treats are just as delightful when you finally serve them! Christmas Cherry Bars Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative with these Christmas Cherry Bars—let your taste buds be your guide! Pistachio Crunch: Add chopped pistachios to the topping for an added nutty flavor and festive color. Tart Twist: Substitute dried cherries with tart cranberries for a zingy contrast to the sweet chocolate. Dark Chocolate Delight: Use dark chocolate chips instead of white for a richer, more decadent flavor profile. Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour for almond flour to create a gluten-free version that doesn’t skimp on taste. Coconut Dream: Incorporate shredded coconut into the filling for a tropical twist that brightens up the holiday treat. Maple Sweetness: Replace sugar with maple syrup in the base for a unique, caramelized flavor and a hint of holiday warmth. Spiced Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the base or topping for a warm, festive flavor that enhances your Christmas spirit. Chewy Variation: For a chewy texture, consider folding in some oats into the topping for a delightful crunch. Whether you’re sticking to the classic recipe or experimenting with one of these fun variations, each bite of your Christmas Cherry Bars is sure to be a holiday hit! For even more sweet inspiration, check out my delicious Chocolate Chip Bars. How to Store and Freeze Christmas Cherry Bars Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This will keep your Christmas Cherry Bars fresh and delicious for drop-ins and snacks. Fridge: For longer freshness, you can refrigerate the bars. They will stay good for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent drying out. Freezer: Freeze your Christmas Cherry Bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheating: To enjoy chilled or frozen bars, allow them to come to room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving. Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe FAQs How do I select the best dried cherries for my Christmas Cherry Bars? Absolutely! Look for dried cherries that are plump and moist, without dark spots or a hardened texture. Avoid overly dry cherries, as they may result in a tough filling. If you prefer, you can soak them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes prior to baking to enhance their flavor and texture. How should I store leftover Christmas Cherry Bars? Very! You can store your Christmas Cherry Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer freshness, refrigerate them and they will stay delicious for up to 2 weeks. Just ensure they are well wrapped to retain moisture and flavor. Can I freeze my Christmas Cherry Bars? Yes, you can! To freeze, wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or foil for extra protection. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just allow them to thaw at room temperature, or microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm slightly. What should I do if my crumble topping turns dense or hard? Oh no! If your crumble topping is hard, it’s likely because it was overmixed or the butter wasn’t cold enough. To avoid this, mix the crumble until it just comes together for a lighter texture. If it has already baked and turned out dense, consider adding some whipped cream or ice cream on top when serving for a delightful contrast! Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind for Christmas Cherry Bars? Yes! If you’re making these for guests with allergies, remember that they contain flour, butter, and eggs. For a gluten-free version, you can substitute almond flour and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. Additionally, you may want to use dairy-free chocolate options if catering to dairy sensitivities. Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried for Christmas Cherry Bars? While fresh cherries can be tempting, they’re not ideal for this recipe! Dried cherries hold their shape better during baking and provide a concentrated flavor. If using fresh, you’ll need to reduce moisture, so let them sit in a colander above a bowl to drain excess juices and use them sparingly—perhaps no more than half of the dried amount used. Christmas Cherry Bars - Festive, Easy Treats for Everyone These Christmas Cherry Bars are a delightful mix of sweet cherries and creamy chocolate, perfect for any festive occasion. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 40 minutes minsCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins Servings: 16 barsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 200 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Base1 cup unsalted butter softened1/2 cup sugar can use brown sugar2 cups all-purpose flour1/4 teaspoon kosher saltFor the Filling1 cup dried cherries can substitute with dried cranberries1 cup white chocolate chips can substitute with dark chocolate chips2 large eggs at room temperatureFor the Topping1/4 cup unsalted butter remaining, softened1/2 cup sugar can use brown sugar1 cup flour Equipment 9x9-inch baking dishmixing bowlParchment papermeasuring cupsspatula Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Christmas Cherry BarsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9 inch baking dish with parchment paper.Grease the baking dish lightly with butter or line it with parchment paper.Cream together softened unsalted butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually mix in all-purpose flour and kosher salt until combined.Press the shortbread mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish evenly and bake for 15 minutes.In a separate bowl, mix together the dried cherries, white chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of flour.After removing the base from the oven, spread the cherry and chocolate mixture evenly over the shortbread base.In a fresh bowl, mix the remaining butter, flour, and sugar until crumbly.Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the filled layer, then bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until golden brown.Allow the bars to cool completely in the dish before lifting out and slicing into squares. Nutrition Serving: 1barCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesThese bars keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
