Looking for a sweet Christmas treat? Try these easy festive cherry bars made with fresh cherries and a homemade crust, perfect as a quick family favorite breakfast or brunch option, save for later

Festive Cherry Bars Recipe for Christmas Morning Delights

Introduction

Imagine waking up on Christmas morning to the sweet aroma of freshly baked Festive Cherry Bars, a delightful treat that embodies the joy and warmth of the holiday season. This recipe is designed to be easy, flavorful, and creative, using everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. The combination of tender pastry, sweet cherry filling, and crunchy streusel topping creates a delightful harmony of textures and flavors that will make your Christmas morning truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a little extra festive cheer to their holiday celebrations.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes a perfect balance between sweet and tart, with ingredients that are easily found in most supermarkets.
Ease of preparation: The steps are straightforward, and the dough comes together quickly, making it a great option for busy holiday mornings.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the Festive Cherry Bars recipe yields a beautifully presented and delicious dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include a flaky pastry crust made with all-purpose flour, cold butter, and ice-cold water, a sweet and tangy cherry filling made with cherry jam and fresh or frozen cherries, and a crunchy streusel topping made with rolled oats, brown sugar, and chopped almonds. You can substitute the cherries with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries if you prefer, and use gluten-free flour to make the pastry crust gluten-free. The streusel topping can also be customized with different types of nuts or seeds to suit your taste preferences.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Then, prepare the pastry crust by whisking together the flour, salt, and cold butter in a bowl until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice-cold water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Roll out the chilled pastry dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish and trim the edges to fit. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent it from bubbling up during baking. Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
Step 3: Prepare the streusel topping by mixing together the rolled oats, brown sugar, and chopped almonds in a bowl. Add the cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry blender to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cherry filling.
Step 4: Bake the Festive Cherry Bars for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the streusel topping is crispy and golden. Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

Handy Tips

Make sure to chill the pastry dough for at least 30 minutes to help it hold its shape and prevent it from shrinking during baking.
Don’t overmix the streusel topping, as this can cause it to become tough and dense.
If using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw them first and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Heat Control

To achieve the perfect texture and flavor, it’s essential to control the heat during baking. The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C), and the Festive Cherry Bars should be baked for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the streusel topping is crispy and golden. Keep an eye on the bars during the last 10 minutes of baking, as the streusel topping can quickly go from golden to burnt.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this recipe comes from the streusel topping, which adds a delightful texture contrast to the soft and flaky pastry crust and the sweet and tangy cherry filling. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure to bake the streusel topping until it’s golden brown and crispy, and avoid overmixing it during preparation.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use a pastry blender to work the cold butter into the dry ingredients when preparing the streusel topping, as this will help to create a crunchy and evenly textured topping.
Chill the pastry dough for at least 30 minutes to help it hold its shape and prevent it from shrinking during baking.
Don’t overbake the Festive Cherry Bars, as this can cause the crust to become tough and the streusel topping to become burnt.

Storage Tips

Store the Festive Cherry Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freeze the bars for up to 2 months, and thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave or oven when needed.
Use a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid to store the bars, and keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Gift Packaging Ideas

The Festive Cherry Bars are a perfect gift for friends and family during the holiday season. To package them as a gift, simply place the bars in a decorative tin or jar, and wrap with a ribbon or gift tag. You can also add a few fresh cherries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top of the bars for a extra-special touch.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Try using different types of fruit, such as blueberries or raspberries, to create a unique and delicious flavor combination.
🌟 Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the streusel topping for a warm and spicy flavor.
🌟 Use gluten-free flour to make the pastry crust gluten-free, and substitute the cherries with other fruits or nuts to create a different flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the pastry crust is too dense or tough, try adding a little more ice-cold water to the dough. If the streusel topping is too crunchy, try baking it for a few minutes less.
Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have cherries, try using other fruits or nuts as a substitute. If you don’t have gluten-free flour, try using all-purpose flour instead.
Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on the Festive Cherry Bars during the last 10 minutes of baking, as the streusel topping can quickly go from golden to burnt. If the crust is not golden brown, bake for a few minutes more.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the Festive Cherry Bars for up to 2 months, and thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave or oven when needed.
Is it gluten-free? No, the recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute it with gluten-free flour to make the pastry crust gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch of Festive Cherry Bars. Simply multiply the ingredients and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Festive Cherry Bars recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for Christmas morning or any other special occasion. With its flaky pastry crust, sweet and tangy cherry filling, and crunchy streusel topping, this recipe is sure to become a new holiday tradition. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delightful flavors and textures of these Festive Cherry Bars with your loved ones.

Festive Cherry Christmas Morning Dessert Bars