Christmas Cherry Bars

These Christmas Cherry Bars have quickly become my go-to festive treat when I want something both sweet and a little tart with a comforting homemade feel. Their balance of chewy dried cherries and creamy white chocolate makes them a perfect holiday snack or gift.

Ingredients

• One and a half cups all-purpose flour all-purpose flour gives structure to the bars and ensures a tender crumb
• Half a cup granulated sugar adds just the right sweetness to balance the tart cherries
• Half a cup unsalted butter chilled and cubed butter brings richness and creates that irresistible crumbly texture
• Half a teaspoon baking powder helps the bars rise softly without becoming cakey
• A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness
• One large egg yolk binds the dough while keeping it tender
• Half a teaspoon vanilla extract for classic aromatic warmth
• Quarter teaspoon almond extract adds a subtle nutty depth that pairs beautifully with cherries
• One cup dried tart cherries roughly chopped for chewy bursts of fruity tartness in every bite
• Half a cup white chocolate chips adds creamy sweetness that melts slightly and contrasts the tart cherries

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:

Set your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit or one seventy-five degrees Celsius. Grease an eight by eight-inch baking pan lightly or line it with parchment paper leaving an overhang so you can easily lift the bars out later.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening and salt are evenly distributed for consistent texture and flavor.

Cut in the Butter:

Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits. Working quickly keeps the butter cold, which is key for that crumbly texture.

Mix in the Wet Ingredients:

Stir the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the crumbly mix. Continue mixing until a soft, slightly crumbly dough forms that holds together when pressed.

Prepare Base and Reserve Crumble:

Set aside about one-third of the dough for the topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan creating a firm base layer.

Partially Bake the Crust:

Bake the crust for ten to twelve minutes until the edges are set and slightly golden but the center remains pale. This pre-baking prevents sogginess once the toppings go on. Let it cool slightly after baking.

Add Cherry and White Chocolate Layer:

Toss the dried cherries and white chocolate chips gently in a small bowl so they mix well. Spread this mixture evenly over the warm crust layer.

Add Crumble Topping:

Break the reserved dough into small pieces and crumble it evenly over the cherry and chocolate layer allowing some of the fruit and chips to peek through for a rustic look.

Final Bake:

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional twenty to twenty-five minutes or until the top is golden and the filling bubbles slightly around the edges.

Cool and Slice:

Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab out. Cut into squares or rectangles once fully cooled.

Pin it

Storage Tips

Store completely cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep them fresh longer, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to one week. These bars freeze wonderfully—wrap them well with plastic wrap and foil or place them in a freezer bag for up to two months. Thawing at room temperature helps maintain their texture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find dried tart cherries, dried cranberries or chopped dried cherries can work well but may be slightly less tart. For white chocolate chips, you can use chopped white chocolate chunks or even substitute with milk chocolate if you prefer more sweetness. Almond extract adds subtle nutty flavor but if unavailable, just use an extra quarter teaspoon of vanilla extract instead.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are perfect with a cup of hot tea or coffee on a cozy afternoon. They also make lovely homemade gifts wrapped in parchment and tied with a ribbon. For a festive twist, sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the bars just before serving for a snow-dusted effect.

Cultural and Historical Context

Cherry and almond flavor pairings have long been popular in European baking, especially around the holidays. The combination of dried fruit and chocolate in crumb bars is a nod to classic American baking traditions where texture and contrasts are key. These bars bring together that heritage in a simple yet elegant form perfect for winter celebrations.

Pin it

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of cherries are best for these bars?

Dried tart cherries work best as they provide a tangy contrast to the sweet white chocolate, balancing the flavor.

→ Can I substitute white chocolate chips with other types?

Yes, bittersweet or milk chocolate chips can be used for a richer taste, though it will change the bar’s flavor profile.

→ What is the purpose of partially baking the crust before adding toppings?

Partially baking sets the crust so it holds the fruit and chocolate without becoming soggy, giving a firm base and pleasant texture.

→ How do the almond and vanilla extracts affect the bars?

They add layers of warm and nutty aroma, enhancing the depth of flavor without overpowering the cherries and chocolate.

→ What is the best way to store these bars after baking?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I prepare the bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them and refrigerate the unbaked bars overnight before baking to save time.