### Christmas Cherry Bars
**Introduction:**
Christmas Cherry Bars are a delightful holiday treat that brings together a beautiful blend of fruity, nutty, and buttery flavors. These bars are typically baked in a sheet pan, making them easy to slice and serve for large gatherings or festive occasions. The vibrant red cherries add a festive touch, making them perfect for Christmas, yet they are versatile enough to enjoy year-round.
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### Origin and Cultural Significance:
The exact origin of Cherry Bars is hard to pinpoint, as they are a variation of traditional fruit bars that have been baked in various forms for generations. Fruit bars with nuts or other add-ins have been a common treat in many Western cultures, especially during the winter holidays when seasonal fruits like cherries were preserved in jars for use in baking. The use of cherries, in particular, has symbolic ties to celebrations and abundance, making them an ideal ingredient for festive recipes like these.
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### Ingredients and Quantities:
– **Butter**: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened
– **Granulated Sugar**: 1 cup
– **Eggs**: 2 large
– **Vanilla Extract**: 1 tsp
– **Flour**: 1 ½ cups
– **Baking Powder**: 1 tsp
– **Salt**: ½ tsp
– **Chopped Maraschino Cherries**: 1 cup, drained and patted dry
– **Chopped Walnuts or Pecans**: ½ cup (optional)
– **Red and Green Sprinkles**: for garnish (optional)
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### Optional Additions:
– **Chocolate Chips**: ½ cup for a richer flavor
– **Coconut Flakes**: ½ cup for added texture and flavor
– **Almond Extract**: ½ tsp for a different nutty profile
– **Cinnamon or Nutmeg**: a pinch for added warmth in flavor
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### Tips for Success:
1. **Properly Drain the Cherries**: Ensure that the maraschino cherries are drained well to avoid excess moisture in the bars, which can make them soggy. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. **Use Room Temperature Butter**: Softened butter ensures the batter mixes evenly and results in a smooth, rich texture.
3. **Don’t Overmix**: Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense bars.
4. **Customize the Toppings**: The sprinkles, nuts, or even a drizzle of white chocolate can enhance both the appearance and taste of the bars.
5. **Test for Doneness**: Use a toothpick to check the center of the bars. If it comes out clean, they are done.
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### Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
5. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and optional nuts (if using).
6. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares. Garnish with sprinkles or additional cherries, if desired.
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### Description:
These Christmas Cherry Bars are a soft, slightly chewy treat, with the sweet-tart flavor of maraschino cherries complementing the rich buttery base. The nuts add a delightful crunch, while the bright red cherries make each bite visually festive. The bars are perfectly balanced in flavor and texture, making them a hit at any holiday gathering.
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### Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate):
– **Calories**: 180
– **Protein**: 2g
– **Carbohydrates**: 25g
– **Fat**: 8g
– **Saturated Fat**: 4g
– **Cholesterol**: 40mg
– **Sodium**: 120mg
– **Fiber**: 1g
– **Sugar**: 16g
– **Vitamin A**: 6%
– **Calcium**: 2%
– **Iron**: 4%
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### Conclusion:
Christmas Cherry Bars are a wonderful way to indulge in the holiday spirit with a treat that’s as festive as it is delicious. With the vibrant color of maraschino cherries and the flavor of buttery cake-like bars, they’re perfect for gifting, holiday parties, or enjoying with family at home. The combination of simple ingredients makes them easy to prepare, while the optional add-ins allow for customization to suit any taste.
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### Recommendation:
For those who want to embrace a healthful indulgence, consider swapping some of the ingredients. Use whole grain flour for a boost of fiber, or substitute coconut oil for butter to reduce saturated fats. While these bars are a decadent treat, they can be made with slight tweaks to better align with health-conscious goals without sacrificing taste. Regardless of how you customize them, Christmas Cherry Bars are a festive treat worth baking and sharing this holiday season.