Chef Mitchell preparing Delicious Holiday Cherry Bars
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this delicious holiday cherry bars recipe during a family gathering and it quickly became a holiday favorite. After perfecting the balance of flavors between the sweet cherries and buttery crust, I knew I had a winner. Sharing them with friends and family always brings joy during the festive season. It's a recipe that holds a special place in my heart and on my holiday table."

As a chef with over a decade of experience, I specialize in American cuisine, particularly desserts. My passion lies in creating sweet treats that bring people together. My background includes extensive training in culinary arts and a love for experimenting with classic recipes.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Delicious Holiday Cherry Bars served on a plate

Why This Delicious Holiday Cherry Bars Recipe Works

What makes this recipe special is the combination of fresh cherries and a buttery, tender crust. The balance of sweetness and tartness from the cherries creates a delightful flavor profile that is sure to please. Each bite melts in your mouth, making them the perfect dessert for holiday gatherings.

Using high-quality ingredients ensures that every bar is bursting with flavor. The technique of layering the cherry filling between the dough creates a lovely texture that contrasts beautifully. The result is a delicious dessert that looks as good as it tastes, making it a wonderful addition to any festive spread.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, use fresh cherries when they are in season. If using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw and drain them well. This prevents excess moisture from making the bars soggy. Additionally, allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting helps maintain their shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can make these cherry bars ahead of time! They store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you plan to make them more than a few days in advance, consider refrigerating them to prolong freshness. Just be sure to allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

If fresh cherries are not available, you can use frozen cherries or even canned cherries (drained). Just keep in mind that if using frozen cherries, they should be thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture. Canned cherries can work well, but look for those packed in juice rather than syrup to keep the sweetness balanced.

These bars are done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the dough comes out clean. A slight jiggle in the center is okay, as it will set as it cools. Keep an eye on the edges; they should be firm but not overly hard.

Absolutely! To freeze these cherry bars, allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and serve at room temperature.

These delicious holiday cherry bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of spiced cider. They also make a great addition to holiday dessert platters.

When stored in an airtight container, these cherry bars can last up to one week in the refrigerator. Be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. If they seem a bit dry after refrigeration, a quick microwave reheat will revive their deliciousness.

Yes, you can prepare the cherry bars in advance and store them for a later date. They can be made up to two days ahead of your event. Just be sure to keep them covered to maintain moisture. If making more than two days in advance, consider freezing them and thawing as needed.

To reheat these cherry bars, place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, about 10-15 seconds, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will help restore their original texture and flavor.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your cherry bars turn out too dry, it can be disappointing.

Solution: Ensure you measure your flour accurately and do not overmix the dough. Adding a tablespoon of milk can also help create a moister texture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: Sometimes, the crust may not achieve the desired crispiness.

Solution: To ensure a crispy crust, pre-bake the bottom layer for about 10 minutes before adding the cherry filling. This helps establish a firm base.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked cherry bars can turn tough and dry.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time. Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not clean.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: An undercooked center can result in a gooey texture.

Recovery: If you find your bars are undercooked, return them to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on the top to ensure it doesn't burn.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior while the interior remains uncooked is frustrating.

Prevention: To avoid burning, lower the oven temperature slightly and consider using an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the bars are too sweet, add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavor.

Too Salty: If they taste too salty, try serving them with a sweet topping to mask the saltiness.

Bland: If the bars are bland, increase the amount of vanilla extract or incorporate a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Fresh ingredients for Delicious Holiday Cherry Bars

Essential Ingredients for Delicious Holiday Cherry Bars

The key ingredients for these cherry bars include fresh cherries, all-purpose flour, and butter. Using ripe, sweet cherries elevates the flavor, while high-quality butter contributes to a tender, rich crust. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

It's essential to use quality ingredients in this recipe. Fresh cherries should be bright and firm, while flour should be freshly opened for the best results. Choosing unsalted butter allows you to control the salt in the recipe, enhancing the overall flavor without overpowering the cherries.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Fresh Cherries: Opt for ripe, sweet cherries for the best flavor in your bars. Look for bright color and firmness when selecting cherries. When pitting, ensure to remove the pits completely to avoid any unpleasant bites.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality all-purpose flour for a tender crumb. Be cautious not to pack the flour when measuring; spoon it into the measuring cup for accuracy. This helps prevent dense bars.
  • Unsalted Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the salt content. Make sure it's at room temperature to cream well with sugar. This step is crucial for achieving a light, fluffy texture.
Cooking process for Delicious Holiday Cherry Bars

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for these cherry bars is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all levels. Begin by preparing the filling and dough separately, allowing the flavors to meld. Layering the cherry filling within the dough creates a delightful contrast that ensures each bite is packed with flavor.

To achieve perfect results, be mindful of baking times and temperatures. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting; this ensures clean slices and maintains the shape. With practice, you’ll master this easy recipe, making it a go-to for your holiday gatherings.

Key Technique for Perfect Delicious Holiday Cherry Bars

The most important technique in this recipe is achieving the right texture in your dough. Creaming the butter and sugar properly introduces air into the mixture, creating a light and tender crust. Additionally, using the right amount of flour and avoiding overmixing ensures the bars remain soft and chewy.

Delicious Holiday Cherry Bars

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup sugar
    Granulated
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
    For thickening
  • 1/2 cup milk
    Whole milk preferred
  • 1 tsp almond extract
    For flavor

For the Sauce

  • 1 lb fresh cherries
    Pitted and halved
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    Sifted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
    Softened
  • 2 large eggs
    At room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1 tsp baking powder
    For leavening
  • 1/2 tsp salt
    To taste
  • 1/4 cup almond extract
    Enhances flavor
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts
    Optional, for crunch

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cherry Filling

    In a bowl, mix the pitted cherries with lemon juice, almond extract, and cornstarch. Set aside.

  2. Make the Dough

    In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.

  3. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

  4. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Stir in milk and chopped nuts until just combined.

  5. Prepare the Baking Dish

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

  6. Layer the Dough

    Spread half of the dough evenly in the prepared baking dish.

  7. Add the Cherry Filling

    Spread the cherry filling over the dough layer.

  8. Top with Remaining Dough

    Dot the remaining dough on top of the cherries.

  9. Bake the Bars

    Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until golden brown.

  10. Cool and Dust

    Allow the bars to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.

  11. Serve

    Cut into squares and serve at room temperature.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store these cherry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. To maintain freshness, cover them well to prevent them from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delicious holiday cherry bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat. They make a lovely addition to a dessert platter alongside cookies and other sweets. For added flavor, consider pairing with fresh whipped cream.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with different fruits, such as blueberries or sliced strawberries, to create your own version of these bars. You can also add spices like nutmeg or ginger for a seasonal twist. For a chocolatey variation, consider adding chocolate chips to the dough.