Christmas Cherry Dessert Bars are buttery, soft dessert bars layered with bright cherry pie filling and finished with a sweet vanilla-almond glaze. The ruby-red cherries make them especially festive for Christmas, while the golden buttery base gives every square a rich, homemade flavor.
These bars have a texture somewhere between a soft sugar cookie and a tender cake. Most of the dough forms the base, while spoonfuls of the remaining dough bake into golden patches over the cherry filling.
These bars look festive without requiring complicated decorating. The bright cherry filling naturally shows between the golden pieces of dough, and a simple white glaze finishes everything beautifully.
They’re also much easier to serve to a crowd than a traditional cherry pie. Once completely cooled, you can cut the pan into neat squares and arrange them directly on a dessert platter.
The recipe is easy to prepare ahead too. Bake and cool the bars first, then drizzle them with glaze once they’re completely cool.
I especially like the little bit of almond extract in this recipe. Cherry and almond are a classic pairing, and just a small amount gives both the bars and glaze a warm bakery-style flavor without overpowering the fruit.
They’re also made for sharing. One large sheet pan produces plenty of squares for Christmas parties, cookie trays, potlucks, or homemade holiday gifts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the bars, you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Salt
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract
- All-purpose flour
- Cherry pie filling
For the glaze:
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract
- Milk
How To Make Christmas Cherry Dessert Bars
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 15×10×1-inch baking pan.
Step 2: Add the softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt to a large mixing bowl. Cream together until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition so each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 4: Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract until evenly combined.
Step 5: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing just until a thick, soft dough forms.
Step 6: Measure approximately 3 cups of dough and spread it evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Take the dough all the way into the corners to create an even base.
Step 7: Spoon both cans of cherry pie filling over the dough and gently spread the cherries into an even layer.
Step 8: Drop the remaining dough by teaspoonfuls over the cherry filling. Leave some cherries visible between the pieces rather than trying to completely cover the surface.
Step 9: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the exposed dough is set and golden brown. Since ovens vary, use the appearance and doneness of the bars rather than relying only on the clock.
Step 10: Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the bars cool completely before adding the glaze.
Step 11: Whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and 2 tablespoons milk. Add additional milk gradually until the glaze reaches a smooth drizzling consistency.
Step 12: Drizzle the glaze over the completely cooled bars. Let it set before cutting into squares and serving.
Christmas Cherry Dessert Bar Variations
Cherry Vanilla Bars
Leave the almond extract out and slightly emphasize the vanilla for a straightforward cherry-and-vanilla flavor.
Extra-Almond Cherry Bars
Increase the almond flavor very slightly in the glaze if you especially enjoy the cherry-almond combination.
Blueberry Dessert Bars
Replace the cherry pie filling with blueberry pie filling while keeping the buttery dough and glaze the same.
Cherry Chocolate Bars
Drizzle a little melted chocolate over the cooled bars in addition to or instead of the vanilla-almond glaze.
Mixed Berry Holiday Bars
Use a berry pie filling for a slightly more tart fruit variation while keeping the same buttery bar base.
Storing Christmas Cherry Dessert Bars
Once the glaze has set, keep the bars tightly covered or transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well at room temperature for about 1–2 days or refrigerated for about 4 days.
If stacking them, place parchment between the layers to protect the glaze and prevent the cherry filling from sticking to other bars.
Why Do I Need To Cool The Bars Before Glazing?
A warm surface will melt the glaze and cause it to disappear into the bars. Cooling completely keeps the white drizzle visible across the top.
Do I Spread The Remaining Dough Over The Cherries?
No. Drop small teaspoonfuls across the surface. Leaving some cherry filling exposed gives the finished bars their characteristic appearance.
Why Use Almond Extract?
A small amount of almond extract complements cherries particularly well and gives the bars a more pronounced bakery-style flavor.
Can I Make These Bars Ahead?
Absolutely. Bake them the day before, cool completely, and keep them covered. You can glaze them ahead or closer to serving.
How Do I Know The Bars Are Done?
Look for golden-brown exposed dough and a base that appears completely baked. Oven temperatures and hot spots vary, so visual doneness is more reliable than time alone.
Can I Use A Different Pie Filling?
Yes. Blueberry, raspberry, or apple pie filling can create easy variations, although cherry is particularly festive for Christmas.
What To Serve With Christmas Cherry Dessert Bars
- Hot coffee: Coffee provides a slightly bitter contrast to the sweet cherries and buttery bar base.
- Black tea: A simple cup of tea pairs beautifully with the subtle almond and cherry flavors.
- Vanilla ice cream: Serve a slightly warmed bar with a small scoop for a more indulgent plated dessert.
- Fresh berries: Strawberries or raspberries add something fresh and slightly tart alongside the sweet cherry filling.
- Whipped cream: A small spoonful adds a light, creamy contrast without covering up the fruit.
- Christmas cookie platter: Cut the bars into smaller squares and serve them alongside shortbread, chocolate cookies, and other holiday treats.
Don’t completely cover the cherry filling with the remaining dough. Those irregular golden patches with bright red cherries showing between them are part of what makes these bars look so festive.
And add the milk to the glaze gradually. Start with 2 tablespoons and only add more as necessary—you want a glaze that drizzles easily but remains thick enough to stay visible.
Christmas Cherry Dessert Bars
Ingredients
For The Bars
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 21-ounce cans cherry pie filling
For The Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 –3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 15×10×1-inch baking pan.
- Cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Gradually add the flour and mix until combined.
- Spread 3 cups of dough evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Spread both cans of cherry pie filling evenly over the dough.
- Drop the remaining dough by teaspoonfuls over the cherry filling.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the exposed dough is golden brown.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, almond extract, and 2–3 tablespoons milk until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars, let it set, then cut into squares and serve.
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