Christmas Cherry Bars

If you’re looking for an easy holiday dessert that looks as beautiful as it tastes, these Christmas Cherry Crumble Bars are it. They’re buttery, crumbly, sweet, and just a little bit nostalgic — everything you want in a holiday treat.

The magic starts with a golden-brown crust that doubles as the topping, then a layer of gooey cherry pie filling that adds that festive pop of color. The best part? They come together in minutes and bake up beautifully. Perfect for cookie swaps, holiday dessert tables, or wrapping up as edible gifts.

Let’s get baking!

Instructions

Step 1: Prep your pan
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper so you can easily lift the bars out later.

Step 2: Make the crumble mixture
In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter and sugar until well combined. Add in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix with a fork or your hands until the mixture looks crumbly — it should hold together slightly when pressed.

Step 3: Build the crust
Scoop out about ¾ cup of the crumble mixture and set it aside for topping later. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan to form a buttery crust.

Step 4: Add the filling
Spread your cherry pie filling evenly over the crust. If you want to boost the flavor, stir in a few drops of almond extract into the cherries before spreading — it gives that classic bakery taste.

Step 5: Crumble and bake
Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the top. Bake for 23–25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and your kitchen smells amazing.

Step 6: Cool and garnish
Let the bars cool completely before cutting (this helps them set). For an extra festive touch, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate before serving.

Notes & Tips

• For extra richness: Swap the granulated sugar for brown sugar — it gives the crust a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
• Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and make sure your cherry pie filling is gluten-free.
• Flavor twist: Add a dash of almond extract or even a sprinkle of cinnamon to the filling for cozy holiday flavor.
• Mix it up: Try this recipe with blueberry, apple, or raspberry pie filling for variety.
• Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week.

FAQ

1. Can I use canned cherry pie filling?
Yes, absolutely! Store-bought filling works perfectly here, but you can also use homemade if you prefer a fresher flavor.

2. Can I double this recipe?
Definitely! Just use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for an extra 5–10 minutes until golden.

3. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! Once cooled, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

4. How do I make the topping extra crunchy?
Add a handful of chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans) to the crumble mixture for a little crunch and nutty flavor.

5. Can I use another fruit filling?
Of course! Blueberry, raspberry, or even mixed berry fillings are all delicious alternatives.