Old Fashioned Christmas Cherry Bars: A Nostalgic Delight for the Holidays

The holiday season is a time for family gatherings, festive decorations, and of course, delicious treats. Among the array of Christmas desserts, Old Fashioned Christmas Cherry Bars stand out as a classic favorite that brings both nostalgia and joy. These bars, with their buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and crumbly topping, have been a staple in holiday baking for generations. This article will delve into the history, ingredients, preparation, variations, and much more, ensuring you have everything you need to bake the perfect batch of Christmas Cherry Bars this holiday season.

History and Origin of Old Fashioned Christmas Cherry Bars

The origins of Old Fashioned Christmas Cherry Bars can be traced back to the early 20th century, when home baking was an essential part of holiday celebrations. In many households, Christmas baking began weeks before the holiday, with recipes passed down from generation to generation. The cherry bar, a simple yet flavorful treat, quickly became a favorite due to its ease of preparation and the availability of ingredients.

Cherries have long been associated with Christmas in various cultures. In Europe, cherries were often preserved in syrup or brandy to be used in winter desserts. The combination of sweet cherries and buttery pastry was a natural fit for Christmas baking, leading to the creation of various cherry desserts, including the beloved cherry bar.

As the recipe traveled across continents, it adapted to local ingredients and tastes. In the United States, the use of canned cherry pie filling became popular in the mid-20th century, making the recipe even more accessible to home bakers. The simplicity and versatility of the recipe have ensured its place in holiday traditions around the world.

Ingredients Overview

To create the perfect Old Fashioned Christmas Cherry Bars, it’s essential to understand the role of each ingredient. Here’s a breakdown of the key components that make these bars so irresistible.

Butter

Butter forms the base of the crust and the crumbly topping. It provides a rich, buttery flavor that complements the sweetness of the cherry filling. For the best results, use unsalted butter to control the salt level in the recipe.

Sugar

Granulated sugar is used in the crust and topping, while powdered sugar may be used for a light dusting on the finished bars. The sugar not only sweetens the dessert but also helps achieve the desired texture.

Flour

All-purpose flour is the standard choice for this recipe. It forms the structure of the crust and topping. To make the bars gluten-free, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.

Eggs

Eggs help bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the bars. They also add richness and moisture to the crust.

Cherry Pie Filling

The star of the show, cherry pie filling, adds a burst of fruity flavor. While canned cherry pie filling is convenient, you can also make your own using fresh or frozen cherries, sugar, and cornstarch.

Almond Extract

Almond extract enhances the cherry flavor and adds a subtle nutty note. This ingredient is optional but highly recommended for an authentic taste.

Optional Additions

Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Nuts: Chopped almonds or pecans can be added to the topping for extra crunch.
Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness.

Understanding these ingredients and their roles will help you create bars with the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Now, let’s move on to the step-by-step guide for making these delectable treats.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Old Fashioned Christmas Cherry Bars

Making Old Fashioned Christmas Cherry Bars is a straightforward process that even novice bakers can master. Follow this detailed guide to ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time.

Preparation

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the bars bake evenly.
Prepare the Baking Pan: Use a 9×13 inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Alternatively, you can grease the pan with butter or non-stick spray.
Gather Your Ingredients: Measure out all your ingredients and have them ready. This includes softening the butter and bringing the eggs to room temperature.

Mixing and Baking

Make the Crust and Topping:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the almond extract (and vanilla extract, if using).
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
- Reserve about 1 ½ cups of the dough for the topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Add the Cherry Filling:
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust. If you’re using homemade filling, ensure it’s cooled to room temperature before spreading.
- Dollop the reserved dough over the filling, creating a crumbly topping. Don’t worry about covering the filling completely; some cherries peeking through add to the appeal.
Bake the Bars:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan on a wire rack.

Final Touches

Cool and Slice:
- Once the bars are completely cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan.
- Transfer the bars to a cutting board and slice them into squares or rectangles.
Optional Decoration:
- Dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
- You can also drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

And there you have it—delicious Old Fashioned Christmas Cherry Bars ready to be enjoyed by family and friends!

Variations of Christmas Cherry Bars

While the traditional recipe is delightful on its own, there are numerous ways to tweak the recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some popular variations:

Traditional vs Modern Recipes

Traditional Recipe: This version sticks to the classic ingredients—simple, rich, and focused on the natural flavors of butter and cherries. No bells and whistles, just pure, nostalgic flavor.
Modern Twists: Today’s bakers experiment with adding chocolate chips, different types of nuts, or even a layer of cream cheese for extra indulgence.

Healthy Alternatives

Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the baking powder used is also gluten-free.
Reduced Sugar: Replace part of the sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. Alternatively, use less sugar in the cherry filling.
Low-Fat Version: Use a mixture of butter and Greek yogurt to reduce the fat content. This will result in a slightly different texture but still delicious.

These variations allow you to customize the bars to meet your family’s preferences or accommodate any dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation and pairing can elevate your Old Fashioned Christmas Cherry Bars from a simple treat to a holiday showstopper. Here are some ideas:

Pairing with Beverages

Hot Beverages: Serve the bars with a cup of hot cocoa, mulled wine, or spiced cider. The warmth of the drink complements the buttery crust and sweet cherry filling.
Cold Drinks: If you prefer something cold, consider pairing the bars with a glass of cold milk, a cherry-flavored mocktail, or even champagne for a festive flair.

Presentation Ideas

Festive Platters: Arrange the bars on a holiday-themed platter, perhaps with a dusting of powdered sugar shaped into stars or snowflakes.
Individual Servings: For a more elegant presentation, place each bar in a decorative cupcake liner and serve them on a tiered dessert stand.

These serving ideas will make your Old Fashioned Christmas Cherry Bars the highlight of any holiday dessert table.

Storing and Freezing Christmas Cherry Bars

Whether you’re making these bars ahead of time or have leftovers, proper storage is key to maintaining their freshness and flavor.

Best Practices for Storing

Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the bars within 2-3 days, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Be sure to keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the bars in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container.

Freezing Tips

Freezing the Bars: Old Fashioned Christmas Cherry Bars freeze well, making them a great option for preparing ahead of the holiday rush. To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thawing the Bars: When ready to serve, thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight. To refresh the texture, you can warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

Proper storage and freezing ensure that you can enjoy these delightful bars long after the holiday season has passed.

FAQs

As with any classic recipe, there are always a few common questions. Here are some FAQs about Old Fashioned Christmas Cherry Bars:

What are the key ingredients in Christmas Cherry Bars?

The key ingredients are butter, sugar, flour, eggs, and cherry pie filling. Optional ingredients like almond extract and nuts can enhance the flavor.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these bars gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free.

How long do these bars stay fresh?

When stored at room temperature, the bars will stay fresh for 2-3 days. In the refrigerator, they can last up to a week, and in the freezer, they can be kept for up to 3 months.

These FAQs address some of the most common concerns and help ensure your cherry bars turn out perfectly every time.

Nutritional Information

While Old Fashioned Christmas Cherry Bars are a treat, it’s helpful to know their nutritional content, especially if you’re watching your intake during the holiday season.

Calories: Approximately 200-250 calories per bar, depending on the size and ingredients used.
Fat: Each bar contains about 10-15 grams of fat, mainly from butter.
Protein: The bars have about 2-4 grams of protein per serving.
Carbohydrates: Expect around 30-35 grams of carbohydrates, with sugar contributing a significant portion.

For a lighter version, consider reducing the sugar or substituting some of the butter with a lower-fat alternative. This way, you can enjoy the bars without too much guilt.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Christmas Cherry Bars are more than just a dessert—they’re a beloved tradition that brings back memories of Christmases past. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with modern twists, these bars are sure to delight your family and friends. With their buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and crumbly topping, they’re the perfect treat to share during the holiday season.

So this Christmas, take a step back in time and bake a batch of Old Fashioned Christmas Cherry Bars. They’re not just a dessert; they’re a piece of history, a taste of nostalgia, and a surefire way to spread holiday cheer.