Chef Mitchell preparing Festive Cherry Dessert Bars
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this recipe during a holiday gathering with family. The bright flavors of cherries always remind me of festive celebrations. After perfecting the balance of sweetness and tartness, this recipe became a family favorite. It's a joy to share these bars with loved ones during the holidays."

Chef Mitchell has dedicated over a decade to mastering American cuisine, particularly desserts. With a background in culinary arts, he has created a multitude of recipes that showcase traditional flavors with innovative twists. His passion for baking shines through in every dish.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Festive Cherry Dessert Bars served on a plate

Why This Festive Cherry Dessert Bars Recipe Works

These Festive Cherry Dessert Bars stand out due to their perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. Using fresh cherries adds a burst of natural sweetness, while the buttery crust provides a satisfying texture. Each bite is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make them a hit at any gathering.

The technique in this recipe involves creaming the butter and sugar properly to ensure a light and fluffy texture. By folding in the cherries gently, you maintain their integrity, resulting in juicy bites throughout the bars. Baking at the right temperature allows the bars to achieve a golden exterior while keeping the inside soft and moist.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, use fresh, ripe cherries. If you can’t find fresh cherries, frozen ones can work too—just ensure they are thawed and drained. Additionally, let the bars cool completely before glazing for a smooth finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare these dessert bars a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The flavors will even deepen overnight, making them taste even better the next day.

If fresh cherries are unavailable, you can use frozen cherries. Ensure they are thawed and drained before mixing them into the batter. Alternatively, you could try this recipe with blueberries or raspberries for a different fruit flavor.

The dessert bars are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking.

Absolutely! These bars freeze well. Just allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

These bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, serve them with some fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top.

In the fridge, these dessert bars will last for about 5-7 days when stored in an airtight container. Be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Definitely! Preparing these bars a day ahead is a great idea. Just remember to glaze them right before serving for a fresh look and taste.

To reheat, simply place the bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, you can warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will help retain their texture.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your dessert bars come out dry, it may be due to overbaking or using too much flour.

Solution: To prevent this, always check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time and measure flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: Sometimes the bars may turn out too soft and not have a crispy edge.

Solution: Ensure you bake them long enough until the edges are golden brown. You can also increase the oven temperature slightly for the last few minutes of baking.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If the bars are overcooked, they may become hard and crumbly.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, keep a close eye during the last few minutes of baking and use an accurate oven thermometer to ensure your oven's temperature is correct.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of your bars is undercooked, they will be gooey and not hold together.

Recovery: If this happens, return the bars to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking frequently until they are set.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: Burnt edges can occur if the baking pan is too dark or if the temperature is too high.

Prevention: Use a light-colored baking pan and check the oven temperature with a thermometer to avoid burning.

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Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the bars are too sweet, consider adding a bit of lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: For too salty bars, increase the sweetness by adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top.

Bland: If they taste bland, try adding a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors or serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Fresh ingredients for Festive Cherry Dessert Bars

Essential Ingredients for Festive Cherry Dessert Bars

The key ingredients in this recipe are fresh cherries, which bring a sweet and tart flavor to the bars. A buttery crust made with all-purpose flour and sugar provides the perfect base. Together, these ingredients create a delightful dessert that is sure to impress.

Always opt for ripe cherries for the best flavor. The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the final result, so choose good-quality butter and fresh eggs for a superior texture.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Fresh Cherries: Using fresh, ripe cherries will enhance the sweetness and tartness of the bars. Look for cherries that are firm and shiny with a deep color for the best flavor.
  • Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the bars. Make sure it's at room temperature for easy mixing, resulting in a lighter texture.
  • All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour provides the structure for the bars. Be sure not to overmix when combining with wet ingredients to maintain a tender crumb.
Cooking process for Festive Cherry Dessert Bars

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

This recipe follows a simple yet effective method. Begin by preparing your ingredients, then cream the butter and sugar before gradually adding the dry ingredients. The key is to mix just until combined to avoid a tough texture.

To achieve the perfect result, be mindful of baking times and temperatures. Cooling the bars completely before glazing is crucial for allowing the glaze to set properly, enhancing both flavor and presentation.

Key Technique for Perfect Festive Cherry Dessert Bars

The most important technique in this recipe is to cream the butter and sugar well. This process incorporates air into the mixture, leading to a light and fluffy texture in the bars. Be sure to not overmix once you add the flour to ensure a tender result.

Festive Cherry Dessert Bars

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 2 cups sugar
    Granulated
  • 1/2 cup milk
    For the glaze
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
    Freshly squeezed
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
    For flavor

For the Sauce

  • 1 lb fresh cherries
    Pitted
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    For the base
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
    Softened
  • 1 large egg
    For binding
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    Flavor enhancer
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
    For additional flavor
  • 1 tsp baking powder
    Leavening agent
  • 1/2 tsp salt
    To balance flavors
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
    For the glaze
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
    To enhance glaze flavor
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
    For warmth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

  2. Make the Dough

    In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.

  3. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

  4. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

  5. Add Cherries

    Fold in the pitted cherries and chopped nuts if using, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

  6. Spread in Baking Pan

    Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan.

  7. Bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

  8. Cool and Glaze

    Allow to cool completely. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and lemon juice to create a glaze. Drizzle over the cooled bars.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store Festive Cherry Dessert Bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you wish to keep them longer, consider refrigerating or freezing them.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. They can also be garnished with fresh mint for a pop of color.

Recipe Variations

For a twist, try adding a layer of cream cheese or almond cream between the cherries and the dough. You can also experiment with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for different flavors.