Discover mouthwatering Christmas Bars recipes filled with festive flavors perfect for holiday baking and sharing with loved ones! These delightful treats combine rich textures and seasonal spices to create the ultimate sweet snack that captures the spirit of the holidays. Whether you enjoy classic fruit-filled Christmas Bars or want to try nutty, chocolatey alternatives, this guide will have you baking happily and impressively in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Flavors: Every bite bursts with holiday spices and seasonal ingredients that evoke warm memories and joyful celebrations.
Easy to Make: Simple steps and straightforward ingredients make these Christmas Bars perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Perfect for Sharing: These bars are ideal for gifting or bringing to holiday parties — they cut easily and serve beautifully.
Customizable: You can tailor the fillings and toppings to include nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate to fit any taste preference.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance to save time during busy holiday days without sacrificing freshness or flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Christmas Bars recipes rely on simple, essential ingredients that combine to create a perfect harmony of taste and texture. Each component adds something special, whether it’s the buttery crust, luscious fillings, or crunchy toppings.

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy but tender base for the bars, ensuring they hold their shape.
Brown Sugar: Adds warmth and subtle molasses notes that enhance the festive spice blend.
Butter: Brings richness and melts into a perfect flaky crust and crumb topping.
Dried Fruits: Classic cranberries, cherries, or raisins offer chewy bursts of holiday cheer.
Chopped Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and complement the sweetness beautifully.
Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create that signature Christmas Bars aroma and flavor.
Jam or Preserves: Often raspberry or apricot, these act as a fruity, tart layer brightening the entire bar.
Vanilla Extract: A splash adds depth and rounds out the sweetness perfectly.

Variations for Christmas Bars

One of the best parts about Christmas Bars is how easy they are to customize. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs or just liking to mix things up each holiday season, consider these creative variations.

Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious, celiac-friendly option.
Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top for extra indulgence.
Nut-Free Adaptation: Omit nuts and increase dried fruit or seeds to keep texture without allergens.
Vegan Christmas Bars: Use plant-based butter and flax eggs to enjoy this treat without animal products.
Citrus Twist: Incorporate orange zest or swap spices for a brighter, fresh flavor profile.

How to Make Christmas Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Topping

Begin by mixing flour, brown sugar, and your chosen spices in a large bowl. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—reserve about half for the crust and half for the topping.

Step 2: Press the Crust

Take half of your crumb mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined baking pan, creating an even layer that will hold the filling.

Step 3: Add the Filling

Spread your fruit preserves or jam evenly over the crust. Then, sprinkle dried fruits and chopped nuts on top if using, layering flavors and textures.

Step 4: Apply the Crumb Topping

Scatter the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the fruit layer, gently pressing down to help it adhere and form a beautiful, golden top once baked.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in a preheated oven (usually 350°F/175°C) and bake for approximately 30 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling bubbles around the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the Christmas Bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares or rectangles. This step ensures clean cuts and that the bars hold together.

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Bars

Use Cold Butter: Keep butter chilled for crumbly textures that don’t turn greasy when baked.
Don’t Skip Cooling: Cooling fully gives the jam layer a chance to set and prevents soggy bars.
Even Layers: Press the crust firmly and spread fillings evenly for the best taste and appearance.
Test for Doneness: Look for a golden top and bubbling edges to know the bars are perfectly baked inside out.
Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg deliver stronger, more vibrant holiday aromas.

How to Serve Christmas Bars

Garnishes

Top Christmas Bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snow-kissed effect or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice to add flavor contrast and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a steaming cup of hot cocoa, mulled cider, or your favorite holiday coffee blend for a cozy, festive treat time. A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream also complements them beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Christmas Bars on rustic wooden boards, festive platters, or line them up in decorative tins tied with ribbon for gifting. Wrapping individual pieces in wax paper and twine also makes charming stocking stuffers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store Christmas Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week to keep them fresh and moist.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or placed in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Warm leftover Christmas Bars in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 5-10 minutes to refresh their texture and flavors, or zap a square in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for a quick cozy treat.

FAQs

Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit in Christmas Bars?

Fresh fruit tends to release more moisture during baking, which can make the bars soggy, but using fruit preserves or jams with pieces of fresh fruit is a better option for maintaining texture.

How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?

Greasing your baking pan well or lining it with parchment paper ensures the bars release easily after baking.

Are Christmas Bars difficult to make?

Not at all! They are straightforward and suitable for beginners, requiring only basic baking skills and simple ingredients.

What is the best way to cut Christmas Bars neatly?

Use a sharp knife and wait until the bars are completely cooled to prevent crumbling; wiping the knife clean between cuts helps keep edges tidy.

Can I make Christmas Bars vegan?

Yes! Substitute butter with plant-based margarine and replace eggs (if used in variations) with flax eggs or other plant-based alternatives.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Bars are a heartwarming, delicious addition to any holiday baking lineup. Their combination of buttery crusts, fruity fillings, and crunchy toppings brings joy to both the kitchen and the table, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family. With their versatility and easy preparation, they truly embody the spirit of festive baking. Happy baking and happier holidays!

Christmas Bars

Print Recipe

Delicious and festive Christmas Bars featuring a buttery crust, fruity fillings, and a crumbly topping infused with warm holiday spices. Perfect for sharing, gifting, and customizable for different dietary needs, these bars combine seasonal flavors with easy preparation to bring holiday cheer to your baking table.

Author: Judy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour)

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Wet Ingredients

1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces (or plant-based butter for vegan option)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling and Toppings

1 cup jam or preserves (raspberry or apricot recommended)
½ cup dried fruits (cranberries, cherries, or raisins)
½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans; omit for nut-free version)

Instructions

Prepare the Crust and Topping: In a large bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve half of this crumb mixture for the topping and half for the crust.
Press the Crust: Firmly press half of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking pan to create a sturdy base.
Add the Filling: Spread the jam or preserves evenly over the crust layer. Then sprinkle dried fruits and chopped nuts over the jam to add flavor and texture.
Apply the Crumb Topping: Scatter the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the fruit layer and gently press down to help it adhere and form a golden crust when baked.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling bubbles around the edges.
Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares or rectangles to ensure clean cuts and bars that hold together well.

Notes

Use cold butter for crumbly texture that avoids greasiness.
Allow bars to cool fully for the jam layer to set and prevent sogginess.
Press the crust firmly and spread layers evenly for best results.
Look for a golden top and bubbling edges to confirm the bars are baked through.
Use freshly ground spices for stronger holiday aromas.
Grease or line the pan well to prevent sticking.
Sharp knife and wiping between cuts yields neat bars.
For vegan bars, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use flax eggs if eggs are used in variations.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 180 kcal
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 60 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 20 mg

Keywords: Christmas Bars, holiday baking, festive dessert, fruit bars, crumb bars, gluten-free dessert, vegan bars, holiday treats