Christmas Cherry Bars
These Christmas Cherry Bars are a festive and delicious treat that combines the sweet-tart flavor of cherries with a soft, cake-like base, all topped with a sweet glaze. Perfect for the holiday season, these bars are simple to make, easy to share, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for something to bring to a Christmas party, or just want to indulge in a seasonal dessert, these bars will brighten up any holiday table!
Ingredients:
For the Cherry Bar Base:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix (or you can use yellow cake mix)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (reserve some juice for the glaze)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for extra crunch)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (or milk, if you prefer a milder glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish (optional):
- Whole maraschino cherries
- Red or green sprinkles
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cherry Bar Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, softened butter, eggs, and sour cream. Mix well until smooth and fully combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries (be sure to drain them well before chopping) and the optional nuts, if using. The batter will be thick.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth it out into an even layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bars should be golden and firm to the touch.
- Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack.
2. Make the Glaze:
- While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of cherry juice, and vanilla extract. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more cherry juice, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be pourable but not too runny.
3. Glaze the Cherry Bars:
- Once the bars are completely cool, pour the glaze evenly over the top. You can use a spoon or a spatula to spread it out, making sure it covers the entire surface.
4. Garnish and Serve:
- For extra holiday flair, top the bars with whole maraschino cherries and sprinkle some red or green sprinkles on top. These small touches add a festive touch to the dessert.
- Slice the bars into squares or rectangles, and serve!
Tips for Success:
- Draining the cherries: Make sure to drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly before chopping. Excess liquid can make the batter too runny and affect the texture of the bars.
- Add-ins: Feel free to customize your cherry bars! If you want more fruit flavor, you can fold in some dried cranberries or even chopped candied cherries. For an extra pop of color, you could also add a handful of mini chocolate chips or colored sprinkles.
- Make them ahead: These bars are perfect for making ahead of time. They can be stored at room temperature for 3-4 days or kept in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to a month.
These Christmas Cherry Bars are a quick, festive, and incredibly delicious dessert that’s sure to brighten your holiday season. With the sweetness of maraschino cherries, a soft cake base, and a lovely glaze, they’re an irresistible treat everyone will enjoy!
