If there’s one recipe that captures the festive warmth of the holidays, it’s these Christmas Cherry Bars. They’re soft, buttery, and layered with sweet, tart cherry pie filling—a little slice of holiday magic. Every bite feels like a cozy hug, perfect for a snowy afternoon with a cup of coffee or tea. These bars have been my family’s go-to dessert for Christmas gatherings for years. The best part? They’re so simple to make, yet they look (and taste!) like they came straight out of a bakery.

One year, I brought a batch of these cherry bars to a neighborhood cookie exchange, thinking they might fly under the radar with all the intricately decorated cookies around. But by the end of the night, everyone was asking for the recipe, and the plate was completely empty—glaze drips and all. That’s when I realized these cherry bars aren’t just good—they’re irresistible. Now, they’re a staple of my holiday baking lineup, and I couldn’t imagine December without them.

Let’s take a stroll through this festive recipe together. I promise you’ll be adding it to your holiday traditions in no time.

The sweet origin of Christmas cherry bars

Christmas desserts often carry a rich tradition, and while cherry bars might not be as ancient as fruitcake or gingerbread, they certainly bring the same holiday spirit to the table. Recipes like this gained popularity in the mid-20th century, when convenience items like canned pie fillings made baking quicker for busy holiday hosts. These bars blend old-fashioned, homemade charm with the efficiency of modern baking—a match made in dessert heaven.

The festive red of the cherry filling is another reason these bars scream “Christmas!” Some variations even add green sprinkles or white icing to heighten the holiday vibe. Over the years, home bakers have experimented with everything from different fillings to alternative crusts, but the classic buttery base and tart cherries remain the heart of this recipe.

Let’s talk ingredients: simple yet festive

This recipe uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand, making it perfect for last-minute holiday baking. Here’s what makes these bars so special:

Butter: The backbone of the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust. Use good-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, margarine will work, but it won’t be as rich.
Sugar: The sweetness ties the whole dessert together. Regular granulated sugar does the trick.
Eggs: They add structure and moisture. Make sure they’re room temperature for easier mixing.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor. For a more festive twist, try almond extract instead!
Flour and salt: The flour gives the bars their soft, cake-like texture, and a pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
Cherry pie filling: The star of the show! Store-bought filling is wonderfully convenient, but if you’ve got extra time, homemade cherry filling will make these bars truly unforgettable.
Powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla (for glaze): The optional glaze adds a sweet, delicate finish. Adjust the thickness with more or less milk based on your preference.

Must-have tools for the perfect cherry bars

The great thing about these bars is that you don’t need fancy equipment. Here’s what I recommend:

A 9×13-inch baking pan: The size is crucial for getting even layers. If you don’t have one, two smaller pans can work—just reduce the baking time slightly.
Hand or stand mixer: Creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy makes a big difference in the texture. If you don’t have a mixer, you can do it by hand, but it’s quite the workout!
Offset spatula or butter knife: Spreading the batter and filling evenly is much easier with a small, flat spatula.
Wire rack: Cooling the bars completely before glazing helps the topping set beautifully.

Step-by-step: how to make Christmas cherry bars

This recipe is straightforward, but there’s something magical about layering the ingredients and watching it come together. Let’s get baking!

Preheat and prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your 9×13-inch pan. I like using butter or baking spray to prevent sticking.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step takes about 2-3 minutes with a mixer and gives the bars their soft texture.
Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time. Don’t rush this step—each egg needs to be fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla.
Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Layer the base: Spread about 3 cups of batter into the prepared pan. Use an offset spatula for an even layer—it doesn’t need to be perfect!
Add the cherry filling: Spoon the cherry pie filling over the batter. Be gentle to avoid mixing the layers.
Top it off: Drop the remaining batter in small clumps over the cherry layer. It won’t cover everything, but that’s okay—the cherries peeking through are part of the charm.
Bake: Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
Cool completely: Let the bars cool on a wire rack before adding the glaze. Trust me, waiting is hard, but it’s worth it.

Variations and festive twists

One of the joys of this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
Try different fillings: Swap the cherry pie filling for blueberry, apple, or even lemon curd for a new flavor.
Go nutty: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans over the cherry layer for added crunch.
Holiday colors: Drizzle green icing alongside the vanilla glaze for a festive red-and-green effect.
Vegan-friendly: Use plant-based butter, an egg replacer, and almond milk for the glaze.

How to serve and make it shine

When serving these bars, presentation is key (especially during the holidays). I like cutting them into even squares or rectangles and arranging them on a festive platter. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze adds a polished touch. Pair them with a bowl of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

For garnishes, try a few fresh cherries or sprigs of mint—they’ll add a festive pop of color. These bars also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy eggnog latte.

Drinks that complement cherry bars

Pairing desserts with drinks is one of my favorite parts of hosting. For these cherry bars, here’s what I recommend:

Coffee: A dark roast balances the sweetness beautifully.
Tea: Earl Grey or chamomile are great choices for a lighter option.
Mulled wine: The spiced flavors of mulled wine complement the cherry filling perfectly.
Milk: Sometimes, the simplest option is the best—especially for kids!

Storage and reheating tips

These bars keep wonderfully, making them perfect for gifting or prepping ahead.

Room temperature: Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: They’ll last up to a week in the fridge. Just bring them to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: Freeze the bars (unglazed) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add the glaze before serving.

Scaling the recipe for any crowd

Whether you’re baking for two or twenty, this recipe scales well. For a smaller batch, halve the ingredients and bake in an 8×8-inch pan. For a crowd, double the recipe and use two 9×13-inch pans. Just keep an eye on the baking time—it might vary slightly with different pan sizes.

Troubleshooting tips

Dry bars: This usually means they were overbaked. Check for doneness around the 35-minute mark.
Sticky layers: Make sure the bars cool completely before slicing.
Runny glaze: Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.

Give these cherry bars a try!

I can’t wait for you to bake these Christmas Cherry Bars and experience the joy they bring to the holidays. They’re festive, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you follow the classic recipe or put your own spin on it, these bars are sure to become a holiday tradition in your home too. So grab your apron, preheat the oven, and let’s make some holiday magic!

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Absolutely! Cook fresh cherries with sugar and a bit of cornstarch on the stovetop to create a quick filling.

2. How do I make the glaze thicker?
Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! They taste even better the next day. Just store them in an airtight container.

4. What’s the best way to cut clean slices?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat squares.

5. Can I skip the glaze?
Of course! The bars are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness.