For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla and almond extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined.
Step 2: Assemble the Bars
- Spread about 3 cups of the batter into the prepared pan — the batter will be thick.
- Spoon cherry pie filling evenly over the batter.
- Drop small spoonfuls of the remaining batter randomly over the top (don’t worry about full coverage).
Step 3: Bake
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 4: Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and drizzle-able.
- Drizzle glaze over cooled bars.
Tips for Success
- Use almond extract for that classic cherry-almond holiday flavor.
- Don’t overbake — bars should be soft but set.
- Let cool fully before glazing to avoid melting.
Variations
- Use blueberry or raspberry pie filling instead of cherry.
- Add white chocolate chips for extra richness.
- Top with festive holiday sprinkles before glaze sets.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for 3–4 days.
- Refrigerate for longer shelf life (up to 1 week).
- Can be frozen (unglazed) for up to 2 months.
Nutrition (Per Bar, Approx. 24 Servings)
- Calories: ~210
- Carbs: ~30g
- Fat: ~9g
- Sugar: ~19g
- Protein: ~2g
Conclusion
These Holiday Cherry Bars bring together festive flair and old-fashioned flavor in one easy bake. Whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying with a mug of cocoa, they’re a colorful, crowd-pleasing treat that captures the spirit of the season.
