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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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

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.