Christmas Cherry Bars

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Spread the Batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the batter, then drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top of the cherries.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan.
Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bars.
Slice and Serve: Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your festive treats!

✨ Tips and Variations

For an extra festive touch, consider adding some finely grated lemon or orange zest into the batter. You can also substitute the cherry filling with other fruit fillings to suit your taste!

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Cherry Bars are a delicious way to celebrate the holiday season! They are simple to make and sure to impress your guests. Enjoy the sweetness of Christmas in every bite!