Chef's Essential Tips

Ingredient Quality: Use fresh, ripe cherries when possible, as they will provide the best flavor. If using frozen, ensure they are well-drained to prevent sogginess.
Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking. An oven thermometer can help maintain accurate temperatures.
Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance, and they often taste even better after sitting overnight as the flavors meld.
Cutting Bars: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean after each slice to prevent sticking.
Storage: Keep the cherry bars in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions: Serve these bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Essential Ingredients Selection

All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the structure and texture of the crust, giving it a tender yet crumbly feel. You can substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and flavor to the crust, crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth quality. Vegan butter can be used for dairy-free options.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the crust and the filling, balancing flavors. Brown sugar could be used in the crust for a deeper flavor.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor, balancing sweetness while preventing the crust from tasting bland.
Fresh or Frozen Cherries: The primary fruit component here, they offer a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. Frozen cherries require thawing and draining before use.
Cornstarch: Thickens the cherry filling, preventing it from being runny. All-purpose flour can be used as a substitute but may change the texture slightly.
Almond Extract: Adds a lovely nutty flavor that pairs exceptionally well with cherries, making the bars uniquely festive.
Sliced Almonds: Provides a crunchy topping, enhancing both flavor and texture. You can omit them for nut allergies or use other nuts.
Oats: Adds a wholesome, chewy texture to the topping, making it more filling. Quick oats work best for this recipe.
Brown Sugar: Contributes a caramel-like sweetness to the topping and pairs beautifully with cherries.

Creating Your Masterpiece

Presentation Tips:

Dusting the bars with powdered sugar before serving adds a touch of elegance, making them perfect for festive occasions. Think about using colorful plates or platters to enhance the visual appeal.

Storage and Freshness:

Proper storage in an airtight container will keep these bars fresh for several days. They can also be frozen for longer storage, maintaining flavor and texture if wrapped well.

Serving Suggestions:

These bars can be served plain or with additional toppings like whipped cream or ice cream. Their festive colors make them perfect for holiday parties, and garnishing with fresh cherries or mint can elevate their presentation.

Cutting Techniques:

Using a sharp knife helps achieve clean cuts. Wiping the knife between cuts prevents sticking and preserves the appearance of the bars.

Cooling the Bars:

Allowing the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting lets the filling set, making them easier to slice. This step is crucial for achieving neat edges and maintaining the bar's shape.

Baking Instructions:

Baking the crust first before adding the filling helps set the structure and prevents sogginess. The second baking allows the cherry filling to bubble slightly and the topping to become golden and crispy.

Creating the Topping:

Combining oats, nuts, and sugar for the topping should be done gently to maintain the integrity of the sliced almonds. This mixture should then be spread evenly over the cherry filling to ensure every bite contains a delightful crunch.

Preparing the Cherry Filling:

Mixing the cherries with sugar and cornstarch is vital for flavor balance and proper thickening. The sugar draws out the cherries' natural juices, while the cornstarch prevents the filling from becoming too watery, resulting in perfectly set bars.

Preparing the Crust:

To achieve a tender yet sturdy base, it's crucial to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly. This process incorporates air into the mixture, leading to a light and fluffy texture. Pressing the dough evenly into the pan ensures uniform baking, preventing any undercooked spots.

The Complete Guide to Mastering Easy Cherry Christmas Bars

Presentation Tips:

Dusting the bars with powdered sugar before serving adds a touch of elegance, making them perfect for festive occasions. Think about using colorful plates or platters to enhance the visual appeal.

Storage and Freshness:

Proper storage in an airtight container will keep these bars fresh for several days. They can also be frozen for longer storage, maintaining flavor and texture if wrapped well.

Serving Suggestions:

Cutting Techniques:

Using a sharp knife helps achieve clean cuts. Wiping the knife between cuts prevents sticking and preserves the appearance of the bars.

Cooling the Bars:

Allowing the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting lets the filling set, making them easier to slice. This step is crucial for achieving neat edges and maintaining the bar's shape.

Baking Instructions:

Creating the Topping:

Preparing the Cherry Filling:

Preparing the Crust:

Pro Tips for Perfect Cherry Bars

If you don’t like almonds, use chopped walnuts or pecans for the topping for a different but equally delightful nutty flavor.

Try adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cherry filling for a warm spice flavor that complements the cherries.

Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.

Cut into smaller squares for a bite-sized treat at parties, perfect for sharing.

Deliciously Easy Cherry Christmas Bars with Almonds and a Shortbread Crust

Name: Deliciously Easy Cherry Christmas Bars with Almonds and a Shortbread Crust
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the crust:; 1 cup all-purpose flour - Provides the main structure and texture of the bars.; 1/2 cup unsalted butter - Adds richness and flavor to the crust; can be substituted with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.; 1/4 cup granulated sugar - Sweetens the crust and contributes to its crumbly texture.; 1/4 tsp salt - Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.; For the filling:; 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries - The star ingredient that gives the bars their tart and sweet flavor; thaw frozen cherries and drain excess liquid.; 1/4 cup granulated sugar - Sweetens the cherry filling, adjusting for the tartness.; 1 tbsp cornstarch - Thickens the cherry filling and prevents it from being too runny.; 1 tsp almond extract - Adds a delightful nutty flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.; For the topping:; 1/2 cup sliced almonds - Provides a crunchy texture and enhances the overall flavor.; 1/4 cup oats - Adds a wholesome element to the topping, making it more filling.; 1/4 cup brown sugar - For a deeper sweetness and caramel flavor in the crumb topping.

Get ready to delight your taste buds with these Easy Cherry Christmas Bars, a festive treat that combines the tartness of bright, juicy cherries with the buttery richness of a classic shortbread crust. Featuring sweet almond extract, vibrant fresh cherries, and a crumbly topping, these bars are bursting with flavors that will enchant your holiday gatherings. Perfect for Christmas parties, cozy family get-togethers, or as a sweet gift to neighbors, these bars offer both a comforting texture and a burst of seasonal cheer. Each bite is a delicious interplay of sweet and tangy, with a satisfying crunch from the almond topping. The emotional warmth these bars bring will remind you of cherished holiday memories, making them a must-have treat on your festive dessert table. Indulge in the spirit of the season with this easy-to-make recipe that will become a cherished tradition in your home.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

30 Minutes

Total Time

50 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

For the crust:

1 cup all-purpose flour - Provides the main structure and texture of the bars.

1/2 cup unsalted butter - Adds richness and flavor to the crust; can be substituted with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.

1/4 cup granulated sugar - Sweetens the crust and contributes to its crumbly texture.

1/4 tsp salt - Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.

For the filling:

2 cups fresh or frozen cherries - The star ingredient that gives the bars their tart and sweet flavor; thaw frozen cherries and drain excess liquid.

1/4 cup granulated sugar - Sweetens the cherry filling, adjusting for the tartness.

1 tbsp cornstarch - Thickens the cherry filling and prevents it from being too runny.

1 tsp almond extract - Adds a delightful nutty flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.

For the topping:

1/2 cup sliced almonds - Provides a crunchy texture and enhances the overall flavor.

1/4 cup oats - Adds a wholesome element to the topping, making it more filling.

1/4 cup brown sugar - For a deeper sweetness and caramel flavor in the crumb topping.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2: In a bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar for the crust until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until a crumbly dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.

Step 4: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

Step 5: While the crust cools, prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and almond extract. Mix well until the cherries are evenly coated.

Step 6: Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the cooled crust, making sure to distribute it well.

Step 7: In another bowl, mix together the sliced almonds, oats, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt for the topping.

Step 8: Sprinkle this almond-oat mixture evenly over the cherry filling, ensuring good coverage.

Step 9: Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.

Step 10: Once done, remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.

Step 11: Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares.

Step 12: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to a week. Enjoy these delightful cherry bars as a festive holiday treat!