Dessert

Christmas Cherry Bars Recipe

ByLily Monroe January 4, 2026January 4, 2026

Introduction

These Christmas Cherry Bars are a delightful holiday treat combining tart dried cherries with sweet white chocolate in a tender buttery crust. Perfect for festive gatherings or a cozy winter snack, they offer a lovely balance of flavors and textures.

The image shows a plate with six pieces of rectangular pastry bars, each having three visible layers. The bottom layer is a light golden brown crust, firm and crumbly in texture. The middle layer contains a mixture of small red berries inside a soft, moist filling that looks pale yellow with red berry spots. The top layer is a golden pastry draped with thick white icing that drips down the sides. There are thin red icing stripes across the top and small round red candy decorations scattered on the white icing. The white plate sits on a wooden table with a red and white checkered cloth partially visible beneath it, all set against a white marbled textured background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
½ teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
1 large egg yolk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract
1 cup dried tart cherries, roughly chopped
½ cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
Step 3: Add the chilled butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Stir in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until a soft dough forms; it may be slightly crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
Step 5: Reserve about one-third of the dough for the crumble topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the base.
Step 6: Bake the crust for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is still pale. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Step 7: Meanwhile, toss the dried cherries and white chocolate chips in a small bowl to distribute them evenly. Sprinkle the fruit-and-chocolate mixture over the warm crust.
Step 8: Crumble the reserved dough over the cherries and chocolate layer, breaking it into small pieces so that the filling peeks through.
Step 9: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling slightly.
Step 10: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out, then cut into squares or rectangles.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
Substitute dried cranberries for the cherries if preferred, or mix both for more variety.
Chill the dough briefly before pressing it into the pan if it feels too soft.
Use bittersweet or milk chocolate chips instead of white chocolate for a different flavor profile.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, warm in a low oven or microwave briefly to soften the chocolate and refresh the texture.

How to Serve

The image shows square pieces of cherry dessert bars arranged on a metal tray. Each piece has three layers: a golden-brown crust on the bottom, a thick layer of bright red cherry filling with visible cherries in the middle, and a light golden cookie-like top layer with a slightly cracked texture. The top layer is decorated with thin, white icing drizzled in diagonal lines across each bar. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries?

Fresh cherries have more moisture and may alter the texture of the bars. If using fresh, pit and chop them, then drain any excess juice. You may also need to reduce other liquid ingredients slightly.

Can these bars be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the cooled bars in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving for best results.