Christmas Cherry Bars a cozy tray of shortbread, cherries, and almond glaze

This cheerful traybake is everything you want at a holiday gathering—bright cherry filling on a buttery shortbread base finished with a glossy almond glaze and toasted almonds. These Christmas Cherry Bars are simple enough for a last-minute cookie exchange yet festive enough to stack on a holiday dessert table. If you love nostalgic fruit bars, they’re a natural companion to other seasonal treats like the recipe for Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars. Make them with friends or bring them to parties and watch how quickly the pan disappears.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

These bars win on speed and presentation. The shortbread base is forgiving—no chilling required—so you can press it into the pan and move straight to the cherry topping. A single can of cherry pie filling keeps the process smooth while delivering that jewel-toned pop that looks stunning on a platter. The almond glaze is a small finishing step that adds sweetness and a delicate nutty aroma, and the sliced almonds give a satisfying crunch and pretty visual contrast. They’re easy to scale up for larger crowds and travel well to potlucks. If you want to pair them with a richer bar for variety, try the Austrian Chocolate Cream Cheese Bars on the same dessert table for a lovely mix of flavors.

Flavor and Texture

Every bite starts with a tender, crumbly shortbread that melts on the tongue and gives way to a burst of tart-sweet cherries. The canned cherry filling holds its shape during baking, leaving those glossy pockets of fruit that are bright and familiar. The glaze ties everything together with a light almond scent that complements the cherries without stealing the show. Toasted sliced almonds on top add that toasty note and a gentle crunch so each mouthful has contrasting textures. Overall, these bars taste festive but not fussy comforting, colorful, and approachable.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon almond extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined to form the shortbread base.
4. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Spread the cherry pie filling over the shortbread base.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, almond extract, and enough milk to reach a drizzling consistency.
7. Drizzle the almond glaze over the cherry filling and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Let cool completely before cutting into bars. Enjoy at cookie exchanges and gatherings!

Tips for Best Results

Use room-temperature butter to ensure the shortbread dough comes together smoothly without overworking the flour. Press the base firmly and evenly into the pan so the cherry filling stays on top and doesn’t seep through thin spots. If you prefer a less sweet bar, drain a little of the cherry syrup from the can before spreading, or add an extra tablespoon of flour to the base for a firmer crust. Toast the sliced almonds briefly in a dry skillet until fragrant and golden to intensify their flavor. For a seasonal twist, stir a pinch of cinnamon into the powdered sugar glaze for a warm spice note.

Storage and Make Ahead

These bars keep well covered at room temperature for 1 to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week if you prefer them chilled. Slice and store in a single layer or with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. You can bake the base ahead of time, cool it completely, then assemble and bake with the filling when ready to serve. If you need to freeze, cut into bars and freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months thaw in the fridge before serving.

Final Thought

Christmas Cherry Bars are a fast, festive dessert that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. They’re perfect for sharing and make a cheery addition to any holiday spread. With just a few pantry staples and a can of cherries, you’ll have a tray of holiday-ready bars in under an hour.

Conclusion

For a similar cherry-forward treat and inspiration on presentation or variations, see this classic Cherry Bars recipe.

Cherry Bars

FAQ

Print