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Absolutely! Here’s a detailed, step-by-step article about Christmas Cherry Bars:

Christmas Cherry Bars: A Festive Holiday Treat

The holiday season is the perfect time for sweet treats, and nothing embodies festive cheer quite like Christmas Cherry Bars. These bars are a delicious combination of buttery crust, sweet-tart cherry filling, and a crisp topping, making them a crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply a cozy treat with a cup of cocoa. Here’s a unique, step-by-step guide to making these delightful bars from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Crust and Topping:

1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cherry Filling:

2 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for a festive touch)

Equipment Needed

9×13-inch baking pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk and spatula
Saucepan
Parchment paper (optional for easy removal)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later. This ensures your bars don’t stick and come out cleanly.

Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract.
Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens and the cherries release their juices, about 8-10 minutes.
Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the crust.

Tip: If you prefer a smoother filling, you can lightly mash the cherries with a fork.