Easy Homemade Reindeer Cherry Bakewell Bars Recipe

Nothing says holiday cheer quite like a batch of homemade treats, and these reindeer cherry bakewell bars are the perfect festive indulgence. They combine the classic almond flavor of Bakewell with a bright cherry filling, all dressed up with a whimsical reindeer design to make your holiday baking truly special.

this Recipe

You’ll love how easy it is to whip up these bars, which are great for sharing at parties or gifting to friends and family. Once you try this recipe, the reindeer cherry bakewell bars will become a holiday favorite you’ll look forward to year after year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously festive with a unique cherry and almond flavor combo.
• Easy to make with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Perfect for holiday parties, gift boxes, or cozy winter snacking.
• Beautiful reindeer design adds a charming seasonal touch.
• Moist, tender bars that balance sweetness and tartness perfectly.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your reindeer cherry bakewell bars come to life. The recipe uses pantry staples and a few special touches to create that perfect holiday flavor.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/3 cup cherry jam (preferably tart cherry)
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Chocolate chips or melted chocolate for reindeer eyes and nose decoration

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 12 bars
• Calories: Approximately 280 per bar

How to Make Easy Homemade Reindeer Cherry Bakewell Bars – The Best Holiday Treats!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the almond extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and almond flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending just until combined.
5. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Carefully spoon the cherry jam over this layer, then top with the remaining batter, smoothing the top.
6. Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the surface, gently pressing them into the batter.
7. Bake for 28-30 minutes, or until the bars are golden around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before removing.
9. Once cooled, use melted chocolate or chocolate chips to pipe reindeer faces on each bar—two eyes and a nose—adding a festive touch. Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use fresh eggs and softened butter for the creamiest batter texture.
• Don’t overmix once you add the flour to keep the bars tender.
• Choose a tart cherry jam to balance the sweetness and add vibrant flavor.
• Let the bars cool completely before decorating with chocolate to avoid melting.
• Toast the sliced almonds lightly before sprinkling to enhance their crunch and flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Store your reindeer cherry bakewell bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They keep well and maintain their moist texture.

If you want to freeze them, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in a low oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes for a freshly baked feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other fruit jams instead of cherry?

Absolutely! Raspberry or strawberry jam work well and provide a similar tartness that complements the almond flavor. Just pick a jam you enjoy for baking.

Are these bars gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. To make it gluten-free, substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend and check for any additional ingredient sensitivities.

How do I make the reindeer decoration?

Simply melt chocolate chips and use a small piping bag or toothpick to add two eyes and a nose on each bar. You can get creative with candy eyes or colored icing if you prefer.

Can I prepare these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars hold up well when made a day or two in advance. Just store them covered at room temperature or refrigerated, and add the chocolate decorations right before serving for the best look.