Irresistible Ruby Red Cherry Bars Recipe for Summer Bliss

Intro and Brief Recap

Have you ever tasted a dessert that bursts with vibrant flavors and offers a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness? Ruby Red Cherry Bars deliver just that experience. These luscious bars combine the rich, tangy essence of fresh cherries with a buttery crust, creating an indulgent treat that is both satisfying and refreshing.

As the warm aroma wafts through your kitchen, memories of summer picnics and family gatherings come flooding back. This recipe is perfect for sharing at potlucks, birthday parties, or simply as a sweet way to end any meal. With each bite, you’ll enjoy the crunchy base paired harmoniously with the juicy cherry filling. Prepare to impress your family and friends with these Ruby Red Cherry Bars—the ideal dessert to celebrate any occasion!

Key Ingredients For Ruby Red Cherry Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Cherries: Opt for ripe, juicy cherries to give your bars their signature flavor. Pitting them is essential for a smooth texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached all-purpose flour for the crust to ensure it holds together well and has a nice texture.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar will sweeten both the crust and filling; adjust according to your taste preference.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter for superior control over the saltiness in your recipe; it adds richness to the crust.
• Eggs: Large eggs help bind the ingredients together while providing moisture and structure.

For the Topping:

• Powdered Sugar: A dusting of powdered sugar enhances sweetness without overpowering the cherry flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions For Ruby Red Cherry Bars

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

First Step: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Second Step: Prepare the Crust

In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add in flour and one egg until combined. Press this mixture into an even layer at the bottom of your prepared pan.

Third Step: Make the Filling

In another bowl, combine pitted cherries with remaining sugar, corn starch, and a splash of lemon juice. This mixture gives you a fresh filling bursting with flavor.

Fourth Step: Assemble

Spread the cherry filling evenly over your crust. If desired, crumble any remaining dough on top for added texture.

Fifth Step: Bake

Place in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top and bubbly around the edges.

Final Step: Cool & Serve

Allow cooling completely before slicing into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.

Expert Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Select Fresh Cherries: The quality of cherries greatly impacts flavor; choose ones that are firm and vibrant red.
• Let Them Cool Completely: Allowing your bars to cool thoroughly ensures they set properly and are easier to cut without falling apart.
• Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding almond extract or vanilla for additional depth in your cherry filling.

Presentation Ideas

This Ruby Red Cherry Bars is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Fresh Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream enhances the sweetness of the Ruby Red Cherry Bars, creating a delightful contrast. This creamy topping complements the tart cherry flavor beautifully.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve Ruby Red Cherry Bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream adds a rich creaminess that balances the fruity tartness, making every bite indulgent.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of melted chocolate over Ruby Red Cherry Bars elevates the dessert’s presentation and adds an extra layer of flavor. The combination of chocolate and cherries is truly irresistible.

How to Store Ruby Red Cherry Bars

To keep your Ruby Red Cherry Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigeration works well too, where they can last up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Make sure to wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds.

Tips for Perfecting Your Ruby Red Cherry Bars

To achieve perfectly baked Ruby Red Cherry Bars, follow these helpful tips:

– Use fresh or frozen cherries: While fresh cherries offer the best flavor, frozen cherries work just as well when fresh ones aren’t available. Just ensure they are pitted and drained properly before use.

– Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Gently fold your ingredients together until just combined for a tender texture.

– Bake until golden: Keep an eye on your bars as they bake. They are done when the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Serving Suggestions

Ruby Red Cherry Bars pair beautifully with various accompaniments. You can serve them as a delightful dessert after dinner or enjoy them as an afternoon snack with tea or coffee. For brunch gatherings, cut them into smaller squares and present them on a platter alongside other pastries for a charming display.

FAQs:

What are the best cherries to use for Ruby Red Cherry Bars?

The best cherries to use for Ruby Red Cherry Bars are sweet varieties, such as Bing or Rainier cherries. These types provide a luscious sweetness that enhances the overall flavor of the bars. If fresh cherries are not available, frozen cherries can be used instead; just remember to thaw and drain them thoroughly before mixing into your batter.

Can I make Ruby Red Cherry Bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily adapt Ruby Red Cherry Bars to be gluten-free by substituting regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour. Ensure that you choose a blend that contains xanthan gum or baking powder for proper structure and texture in your bars.

How long do Ruby Red Cherry Bars last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, Ruby Red Cherry Bars typically last about three days. Refrigeration can extend their freshness up to one week. For longer storage, consider freezing them wrapped individually; they can last several months in the freezer without losing quality.

Can I add nuts to my Ruby Red Cherry Bars?

Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds can provide additional crunch and flavor to your Ruby Red Cherry Bars. Simply fold in half a cup of your preferred nuts into the batter before spreading it in the baking dish for added texture and taste enhancement.

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Ruby Red Cherry Bars

• Author: jenny
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Ruby Red Cherry Bars are a delightful dessert that perfectly balances the sweetness of fresh cherries with a buttery crust. Each bite offers a burst of flavor reminiscent of summer picnics and family gatherings. Ideal for potlucks or as a sweet ending to any meal, these bars are not only easy to make but also visually appealing when dusted with powdered sugar. Impress your loved ones with this refreshing treat that captures the essence of ripe cherries.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups fresh pitted cherries
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add flour and one egg, mixing until combined.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
4. In another bowl, combine pitted cherries with remaining sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
5. Spread cherry filling over the crust. If desired, crumble any remaining dough on top.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
7. Allow cooling completely before slicing into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (70g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 75mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: - Use ripe cherries for best flavor; frozen cherries work well if fresh ones aren’t available. - Experiment by adding almond extract or vanilla for depth in flavor. - For added texture, consider folding in chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds.