Some desserts just scream “holiday season,” and Christmas Cherry Bars are one of them. They’re festive, colorful, and impossibly delicious. This recipe combines a buttery, tender base with luscious cherry pie filling, all topped off with a delicate drizzle of vanilla glaze. These bars are the perfect mix of indulgent and comforting, making them a fantastic addition to your holiday table—or honestly, just a cozy winter afternoon snack.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of the way my mom used to make these cherry bars every Christmas Eve. I’d sneak into the kitchen while they were cooling, drawn by the sweet smell of cherries and vanilla, hoping to snag a little corner piece before dinner. To this day, the smell of these bars baking in the oven fills me with that same holiday magic.

So, whether you’re baking for a party, putting together cookie trays, or just treating yourself to something festive, these cherry bars are about to become your new holiday favorite.

🎄 A sweet slice of holiday tradition

Christmas Cherry Bars aren’t just tasty—they’re a dessert with roots in classic holiday baking traditions. Their buttery shortbread-like crust is reminiscent of old-fashioned cookie bars, while the vibrant red cherry filling makes them a seasonal showstopper. Cherry pie filling became a kitchen staple in the 20th century when home bakers started favoring convenient, ready-to-use ingredients for family desserts. These bars take that simple pantry staple and turn it into something spectacular.

Over the years, I’ve added a personal twist with the vanilla glaze. It’s not traditional, but I find that the drizzle of sweetness ties everything together and gives the bars a polished, bakery-worthy finish. The result is a dessert that’s as gorgeous as it is nostalgic!

Let’s talk ingredients: cherries, butter, and holiday magic

Butter

Butter is the star of the show here, lending a rich and tender texture to the bar base. Softened butter mixes seamlessly with sugar to create that light and fluffy foundation. If you’re out of butter, margarine can work in a pinch, but nothing beats the flavor of the real thing. Pro tip: Always use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the final product.

Sugar

Granulated sugar sweetens the base, balancing the tart cherry filling perfectly. If you like your bars a little less sweet, you can reduce the sugar to 1 ¾ cups without compromising the texture.

Cherry pie filling

This is where the magic happens! The vibrant cherry pie filling provides a juicy, tangy contrast to the buttery base. If cherries aren’t your thing, you can swap this out for blueberry, apple, or even raspberry pie filling. For the best quality, look for pie fillings with whole fruit pieces—trust me, it makes a difference!

Flour

All-purpose flour forms the structure of the bars. Make sure to measure carefully to avoid a dense or dry texture. For a gluten-free option, try substituting with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour mix.

Vanilla extract

A splash of vanilla enhances the flavors and gives the bars a warm, aromatic undertone. If you’re feeling fancy, almond extract is also a lovely alternative—it pairs beautifully with cherries.

Essential kitchen tools: Keeping it simple

You don’t need a ton of gadgets for this recipe, which is part of why I love it! Here’s what you’ll want on hand:

Mixing bowls: One large for the wet ingredients and one medium for the dry.
Electric mixer: This is key for creaming the butter and sugar. A hand mixer works too, but if all else fails, good old-fashioned elbow grease will do!
9×13 baking pan: This is the perfect size for even baking. Glass, ceramic, or metal all work—just make sure to grease it well.
Offset spatula or rubber spatula: Super handy for spreading the batter and filling evenly.
Whisk: Essential for mixing up that dreamy glaze.

Step-by-step: My foolproof method for cherry bar perfection

Alright, let’s get baking! Picture us in the kitchen, holiday music playing in the background, as we whip up these festive treats together. Here’s how I do it:

1. Preheat and prep

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 pan. (I like to use butter for greasing—it gives the bars an extra hint of flavor.)

2. Cream butter and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is important—it creates tiny air pockets that give the bars their tender texture.

3. Add eggs and vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time. This ensures they’re evenly distributed. Stir in the vanilla extract. Don’t skip this step—mixing too quickly can make the batter dense.

4. Combine dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Overmixing here is a no-go—you want tender bars, not tough ones!

5. Layer it up

Spread 3 cups of batter evenly into your greased pan. This will be your base layer. Then, spoon the cherry pie filling over the top, spreading it gently so it doesn’t sink into the batter. Finally, drop small clumps of the remaining batter over the cherries. It’s okay if some of the filling peeks through—that’s part of the charm.

6. Bake

Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing by now.

7. Cool completely

Patience, my friend! Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to glaze or cut them.

Variations and tweaks: Make them your own

These bars are endlessly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to experiment! Here are some ideas:

Gluten-free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.
Vegan: Use plant-based butter and a flaxseed egg substitute (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).
Chocolate twist: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cherry filling before adding the top layer of batter.
Citrusy spin: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter for a bright, tangy note.
Nutty topping: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans over the glaze for extra crunch.

How to serve these bars with flair

To make these bars feel extra special, cut them into squares or rectangles and arrange them on a festive platter. Dust with a little powdered sugar for a snowy effect or garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of green. For a holiday party, pair them with other seasonal treats like gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark.

Drinks to pair with your cherry bars

These bars go beautifully with:

Coffee: A hot cup of coffee balances the sweetness.
Hot cocoa: The ultimate holiday indulgence! Top with whipped cream for extra cheer.
Red wine: A light, fruity red like Pinot Noir complements the cherries perfectly.

Storing and reheating tips

These bars keep well, so you can make them ahead of time:

Storage: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for a week.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: Pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked taste.

Scaling the recipe up or down

Need more or fewer bars? No problem!

Double batch: Use two 9×13 pans. Rotate the pans halfway through baking for even results.
Half batch: Use an 8×8 pan and reduce the bake time slightly.

Encouragement to try the recipe

There’s something so satisfying about creating a dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious. These Christmas Cherry Bars are easy enough for beginner bakers but impressive enough to wow your holiday guests. So grab your apron, queue up your favorite holiday playlist, and let’s bake some magic!

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade cherry filling?
Absolutely! If you have the time, homemade cherry filling will make these bars even more special.

2. Can I make this without the glaze?
Of course! They’re still plenty delicious without it, but the glaze does add a nice finishing touch.

3. Why did my batter sink into the cherry filling?
This happens if the filling is too thick or if the batter is spread too thin. Be gentle when layering!

4. Can I freeze these bars with the glaze on?
Yes, just let the glaze set completely before wrapping and freezing.

5. What other pie fillings can I use?
Blueberry, raspberry, or even peach pie filling work wonderfully.