Description
Rich Christmas Cherry Bars bring festive cheer to holiday dessert tables. Layers of buttery crust, sweet cherries, and crumbly topping create a delightful treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour (crust)
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened (crust)
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar (crust)
- ¼ tsp salt (crust)
- 1 can (21 oz/600 g) cherry pie filling
- ¼ tsp almond extract
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour (topping)
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar (topping)
- ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted (topping)
- ¼ tsp cinnamon (topping)
Instructions
- Crust Preparation: Combine softened butter and sugar until fluffy, then fold in flour and salt to create a uniform dough. Press evenly into parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan, creating a smooth foundation.
- Initial Baking: Slide the pan into a preheated 350F (175C) oven, baking the shortbread base until edges turn delicately golden, approximately 15 minutes.
- Filling Enhancement: While the crust bakes, elevate cherry pie filling with a splash of almond extract, stirring to harmonize flavors and create a vibrant fruit layer.
- Layer Assembly: Remove crust from oven and generously spread the aromatic cherry mixture across the golden surface, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Crumble Creation: Whisk together flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then drizzle melted butter to form a textured, rustic topping with subtle granular characteristics.
- Final Baking: Sprinkle the crumble across the cherry layer, then return to the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping achieves a rich, bronzed appearance.
- Cooling and Serving: Let the bars rest completely in the pan, then utilize parchment edges to transfer to a cutting board. Slice into precise rectangular portions, serving at room temperature to maximize flavor complexity.
Notes
- Butter Temperature Matters: Use room temperature butter for smoother mixing and better texture in the shortbread crust, avoiding cold or melted butter that can disrupt the dough’s consistency.
- Even Pressing Technique: When creating the base layer, use the back of a spoon or flat-bottomed measuring cup to press the dough uniformly, ensuring a compact and level crust.
- Crumble Coverage Strategy: Distribute the crumble topping generously but gently, aiming for complete coverage without pressing down, which helps create a light, crispy texture.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the bars cool completely in the pan to allow the layers to set properly, preventing crumbling and ensuring clean, precise cuts when serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg