Festive Cherry Delight Bars
Celebrate the joy of the holiday season with these Festive Cherry Delight Bars, a nostalgic treat that brings back sweet memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations. Inspired by my aunt’s cherished recipe, these delightful squares combine the sweetness of candied cherries with a buttery almond-infused base, making them a perfect addition to your holiday dessert table. With their vibrant colors and comforting flavors, these bars are sure to impress your guests and become a new tradition in your own home. Each bite melts in your mouth, delivering a delightful mix of textures and tastes that echo the spirit of joy and togetherness.
40
Servings
80
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
1 cup (granulated)
butter
1 cup (softened)
almond extract
1/2 teaspoon (pure)
egg
1 (large)
flour
2 cups (all-purpose)
candied red cherries
3/4 cup (coarsely chopped)
salt
1/4 teaspoon
green candy-coated chocolate candies
1/3 cup (coarsely chopped)
powdered sugar
1 cup
warm water
5-6 teaspoons (to achieve desired glaze consistency)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, softened butter, almond extract, and egg. Blend the ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
3
Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, followed by 1/2 cup of the coarsely chopped candied red cherries and salt. Mix until thoroughly combined.
4
Spread the batter evenly into a 15 1/2 x 10-inch jelly roll pan that has not been greased, smoothing the top with a spatula.
5
Evenly sprinkle the remaining chopped candied red cherries and the chopped green candy-coated chocolate candies over the top of the batter, pressing them down lightly to ensure they adhere during baking.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until the edges are very light brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
8
To prepare the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and warm water until you achieve a smooth consistency. Adjust with more water or powdered sugar as needed.
9
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars before cutting them into squares to serve.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
8g
Carbs
0.75g
Protein
4.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Festive Cherry Delight Bars?
They are a nostalgic holiday bar cookie featuring candied cherries, an almond-infused base, and a sweet glaze.
What size pan should I use for this recipe?
You should use a 15 1/2 x 10-inch jelly roll pan.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
No, the instructions specify using a jelly roll pan that has not been greased.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 300°F (150°C).
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 40 servings.
What is the primary flavoring used in the dough?
Pure almond extract is used to give the bars their distinct flavor.
What type of cherries are required?
The recipe calls for candied red cherries, coarsely chopped.
How are the green colors incorporated into the bars?
The festive look comes from 1/3 cup of coarsely chopped green candy-coated chocolate candies sprinkled on top.
How many calories are in one Festive Cherry Delight Bar?
Each bar contains approximately 80 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each bar?
Each serving contains 8g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of these bars?
Each bar provides 0.75g of protein.
How much sugar is in a single serving?
There are 4.5g of sugar per bar.
How long do the bars need to bake?
Bake them for 30 to 35 minutes.
How do I know when the bars are finished baking?
They are done when the edges are very light brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
How do I prepare the cherries for the batter versus the topping?
1/2 cup of chopped cherries is stirred into the batter, while the remaining cherries are sprinkled on top.
What should I do to ensure the toppings adhere to the bars?
Press the chopped cherries and green candies down lightly into the batter before baking.
What are the ingredients for the glaze?
The glaze is made from 1 cup of powdered sugar and 5-6 teaspoons of warm water.
When should I apply the glaze?
The glaze should be drizzled over the bars after they have cooled completely.
How do I achieve the desired glaze consistency?
You can adjust the consistency by adding more water or more powdered sugar as needed.
Should the bars be cut while warm?
No, the bars should cool completely in the pan and be glazed before being cut into squares.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
How many eggs are needed?
One large egg is required.
What is the preparation for the butter?
The butter should be softened before blending with the sugar.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 10 ingredients in total.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
What category of dessert does this fall into?
It is categorized as a Bar Cookie.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by the creator's aunt’s cherished holiday recipe.
What should I use to cool the pan?
Place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely.
Are these bars suitable for a holiday dessert table?
Yes, they are specifically designed as a festive treat for holiday celebrations and gatherings.