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Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe

Creamy Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe for Holiday Bliss

Delight in these Christmas Cherry Bars, a festive dessert perfect for holiday gatherings, blending a buttery crust, creamy layer, and tart cherry topping.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 24 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter Opt for European-style for superior flavor.
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the dough.
  • 2 Large Eggs Fresh eggs are key for best results.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Always choose pure for the best taste.
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Can be swapped for a gluten-free blend.
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder Check expiration for best results.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness.
For the Cream Cheese Layer
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Full-fat is essential for the right consistency.
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar Sweetens the cream cheese layer.
  • 1/4 cup Whole Milk Adjusts consistency.
  • 1 teaspoon Almond Extract Adds a unique flavor.
For the Cherry Topping
  • 1 can Cherry Pie Filling Consider brands with whole cherries.
  • 3/4 cup Reserved Dough Used as a rustic topping.

Equipment

  • 10x15-inch baking pan
  • electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 10x15-inch baking pan by greasing it and lining with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
  5. Spread three-quarters of the dough into the prepared pan to form a solid base.
  6. In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, almond extract, and whole milk until smooth, then spread over the base.
  7. Spoon cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
  8. Drop spoonfuls of reserved dough over the cherry filling for texture.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and edges start to pull away from the pan.
  10. Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack for about 2 hours before cutting into 24 squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

For clean cuts, chill bars in the fridge for about 30 minutes before slicing. Store leftovers in an airtight container.

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