Festive Christmas Cherry Dessert Bars combine a buttery, shortbread-like crust and crumble topping with a sweet-tart red cherry filling, making them a vibrant and effortless holiday treat.
Ingredients & Prep
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The Crust & Crumble: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes), 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
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The Binder: 1 large egg.
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The Filling: 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or tart cherry filling for a less sweet contrast).
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The Glaze (Optional): 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons milk or fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for a sweet drizzle.
1.Prep Pan and Oven:Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it thoroughly with butter or cooking spray so the bars lift out easily.
2.Mix the Base and Topping:Cut in cold butter for a crumbly texture.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry blender (or your fingers) to work the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg until the mixture is crumbly and evenly combined.
3.Form the Crust:Press two-thirds firmly into the pan.
Reserve about 1 cup of the crumb mixture to use as the topping later. Press the remaining mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish to create a solid crust.
4.Add the Cherry Filling:Spread evenly across the base.
Spoon the cherry pie filling over the crust and use a spatula to spread it out into an even layer, leaving a small border around the edges.
5.Top, Bake, and Cool:Bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
Sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of crumb mixture evenly over the top of the cherry layer. Bake at 375°F for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust and crumble topping are lightly golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling. Let them cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. (Optional: whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, then drizzle over the cooled bars).
