Name: Sweet and Tart Christmas Cherry Bars for Holiday Cheer
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened); 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar; 1 cup All-Purpose Flour; 1/4 teaspoon Salt; 1 cup Dried Cherries; 1/2 cup White Chocolate Chips; 1/2 cup Oats; 1/2 cup Brown Sugar; 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (optional); 1/4 cup Additional Flour

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As I pulled the warm Christmas Cherry Bars from the oven, the aroma of buttery shortbread and sweet cherries filled my kitchen, instantly melting away the winter chill. These festive treats not only boast a rich, buttery base and the delightful tang of dried cherries, but they are also topped with creamy white chocolate and a delicate crumble that adds just the right touch of texture. What I love most about these Christmas Cherry Bars is their simplicity and adaptability; they’re quick to prepare, making them perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges. Plus, they can easily be customized—try swapping in pistachios for a pop of color or dark chocolate for a richer experience. Curious about how to make these irresistible bars and surprise your guests this holiday season? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why Are Christmas Cherry Bars a Must-Make?

Simplicity Meets Flavor: With just a few basic ingredients, these bars come together quickly, making them a go-to for busy holiday schedules.

Adaptable Recipes: Want to mix things up? Substitute dried cherries with cranberries for a tangy twist or add chopped pistachios for a festive touch.

Perfect for Gifting: Beautifully packaged, they make delightful gifts for friends and family, spreading holiday cheer with every bite.

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These bars are sure to impress at cookie exchanges or festive gatherings, where everyone will be reaching for seconds.

From Oven to Table: Bake them ahead of time, store in an airtight container, and enjoy the flavors melding—your future self will thank you!

Try serving these alongside my other favorites like Cherry Cheese Danish or Maple Donut Bars for a delightful dessert spread.

Christmas Cherry Bars Ingredients

• Dive into the delightful world of Christmas Cherry Bars with these essential ingredients!

For the Shortbread Base

Unsalted Butter – Provides a rich, creamy texture; feel free to substitute with margarine if needed.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the base for a delightful foundation; try using coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
All-Purpose Flour – Creates the sturdy structure; be cautious not to overmix for best results.
Salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness; a pinch can make a world of difference.

For the Filling

Dried Cherries – Offers a sweet-tart burst; substitute with dried cranberries for a different flavor profile.
White Chocolate Chips – Adds creaminess and lush sweetness to your bars; dark chocolate chips can be swapped for a richer taste.

For the Crumble Topping

Oats – Contributes a chewy texture and natural flavor; quick oats can work in a pinch.
Brown Sugar – Enhances the crumble’s taste with a hint of caramel; adjust for personal sweetness preference.
Ground Cinnamon – Gives a warm, aromatic touch; you can omit it if preferred.
Additional Flour – Combines with other crumble ingredients for a perfect texture; this can be adjusted based on your taste.

Now that you have the ingredients, you’re all set to create these Christmas Cherry Bars that will undoubtedly bring joy to your holiday celebrations!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Cherry Bars

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, prepare a 9×9-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal. This step ensures your Christmas Cherry Bars have a beautifully baked base and don’t stick to the pan.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Base
In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and ½ cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add 1 cup of all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt, mixing until the dough comes together. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth layer that serves as the foundation for your festive bars.

Step 3: Add the Fillings
Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of dried cherries and ½ cup of white chocolate chips over the shortbread base you’ve just pressed down. Gently press them into the dough for even distribution, ensuring every bite of your Christmas Cherry Bars is loaded with flavor. This step adds a delightful contrast of sweet and tart that perfectly complements the buttery base.

Step 4: Prepare the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, combine the remaining base ingredients: ½ cup of oats, ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ cup of flour. Mix until crumbly, then scatter this topping generously over the cherries and chocolate layer. This crumble will provide a crispy texture, beautifully enhancing your Christmas Cherry Bars with its delightful crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your assembled baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges; they should turn golden brown while the center appears set. The aroma wafting from the oven will surely give you a festive feeling as your Christmas Cherry Bars come to life.

Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. This essential step helps ensure clean cuts. After cooling, slice the bars into squares. These Christmas Cherry Bars are now ready to be served! Enjoy the crispy crumble and the sweet-tart filling as a delicious holiday treat.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Cherry Bars

Room Temperature: Store your Christmas Cherry Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their delightful texture and flavor.

Fridge: For longer freshness, refrigerate the bars in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. This helps keep them moist and delicious throughout the holiday season.

Freezer: If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the bars in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating: For a warm treat, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back the soft, buttery goodness of the Christmas Cherry Bars!

Christmas Cherry Bars Variations

Feel free to explore creativity in the kitchen with these delightful twists on your Christmas Cherry Bars!

Pistachio Swap: Replace dried cherries with chopped pistachios for a pop of vibrant green and a nutty crunch.
Dark Chocolate Bliss: Opt for dark chocolate chips instead of white for a richer, more decadent treat that balances perfectly with the tart cherries.
Cranberry Surprise: Substitute dried cherries with dried cranberries for a tangy flavor explosion that adds a festive touch to your bars.
Nutty Delight: Mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans along with the cherries to elevate the texture and add a lovely crunch to your bars.
Tropical Twist: Swap out the dried cherries for dried pineapple or mango; the fruity sweetness will transport your taste buds to a sunny paradise.
Spiced Crumble: Add a touch of nutmeg or ginger to the crumble topping for an extra layer of warmth that perfectly complements the holiday spirit.
Lower Sugar Option: Use a sugar alternative in both the base and crumble topping for a lighter version that still delivers on flavor.
Lemon Zest Infusion: Incorporate lemon zest into the shortbread base for a refreshing citrus kick that brightens the entire bar.

Curious about pairing ideas? These bars are fabulous alongside a cup of coffee or tea. Serve them at your holiday gatherings, and don’t forget to check out my other festive favorites like Blueberry Cheesecake Bars for a delightful dessert spread!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Cherry Bars are perfect for meal prep and can easily fit into your busy holiday schedule! You can prepare the shortbread base and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply cover the pressed base tightly with plastic wrap to maintain freshness. You can also chop the dried cherries and white chocolate chips in advance and keep them in separate airtight containers—this ensures they remain fresh. When you’re ready to bake, just assemble the layers, sprinkle on the crumble topping, and pop them in the oven. By making these bars ahead of time, you’ll enjoy delicious treats that are just as delightful as fresh-baked on the day of your gathering!

Expert Tips for Christmas Cherry Bars

Even Base: Ensure the shortbread base is evenly pressed in the pan. This helps prevent uneven cooking and ensures every bite is delicious.

Full Cooling: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This crucial step prevents the filling from oozing out and allows for clean, perfect squares.

Flavor Enhancements: Feeling adventurous? Consider drizzling melted chocolate on top after baking for an added touch of elegance and flavor to your Christmas Cherry Bars.

Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re short on dried cherries, dried cranberries or even apricots work beautifully. This flexibility helps keep your bars festive and exciting!

Watch Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the bars during the final minutes of baking. Overbaking can lead to dryness, while underbaking can result in a gooey texture.

What to Serve with Christmas Cherry Bars

As you prepare to delight your guests with these festive treats, consider pairing them with a few complementary side dishes and beverages to create a truly memorable holiday feast.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The rich, smooth texture of mashed potatoes creates a comforting contrast to the chewy bars, making for a satisfying meal.
Sparkling Cranberry Punch: This refreshing drink balances the sweetness of the bars, offering a tangy twist that enhances their flavors.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream will melt over the warm bars, creating a lovely blend of cold and warm sensations.
Holiday Fruit Platter: Vibrant seasonal fruits like citrus and pomegranates bring a fresh, light touch to your dessert table, enhancing the tart cherries within the bars.
Nutty Charcuterie Board: A selection of nuts and cheeses adds a savory dimension, providing a delightful balance to the sweetness of the Christmas Cherry Bars.
Spiced Cider: The warm spices in mulled cider enrich the festive atmosphere and complement the warm flavors found in the bars.
Chocolate Drizzle: Elevate your bars by drizzling melted chocolate on top. This simple touch offers visual appeal and extra indulgence.
Gingerbread Cookies: For a classic holiday treat pairing, serve alongside gingerbread cookies; their spiced flavor complements the seasonal theme beautifully.

With these tasty companions, your Christmas Cherry Bars will shine even brighter during your holiday celebrations!

Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe FAQs

What type of cherries should I use for the best flavor?
Absolutely! I recommend using dried cherries for that perfect sweet-tart balance. If you can’t find them or prefer something different, dried cranberries also work beautifully and provide a delightful variation.

How should I store my Christmas Cherry Bars?
To keep your Christmas Cherry Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For extended freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure they’re sealed well to prevent any moisture loss!

Can I freeze Christmas Cherry Bars?
Very! To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. This way, they’ll retain their delicious flavors and textures.

What can I do if my bars are too crumbly and won’t hold together?
If you find your bars are crumbling more than you’d like, it may be due to too much flour or an insufficiently mixed butter and sugar base. Make sure to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly before adding any dry ingredients. If the dough seems too dry, you can add a touch more butter or a sprinkle of water to moisten it.

Are these bars safe for pets or those with nut allergies?
If you’re concerned about allergies, always double-check the specific ingredients you’re using. While the traditional recipe doesn’t include nuts, adding any toppings like pistachios can pose a risk for nut allergies. It’s always best to verify with your guests if they have dietary restrictions, as dried fruits can also irritate some pets.

Can I make these bars in advance, and how will the flavors develop?
Definitely! Preparing your Christmas Cherry Bars a day in advance is a great idea. The flavors meld beautifully when they sit for a bit, enhancing the overall taste. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to preserve moisture and freshness.