Irresistible Ruby Red Cherry Bars – A Nostalgic Delight

Intro and Brief Recap

Have you ever tasted something that instantly transported you back to your childhood? Ruby Red Cherry Bars do just that with their luscious cherry filling and buttery crust. These bars boast a delightful balance of sweet and tart, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. The vibrant ruby red color not only pleases the eye but also hints at the burst of flavor waiting to be savored.

As you take your first bite, the soft yet crumbly texture melts in your mouth, while the rich aroma of cherries fills the air. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these bars are sure to impress. Imagine them served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Your taste buds will thank you for this delightful experience!

Key Ingredients For Ruby Red Cherry Bars

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

• Fresh Cherries: Opt for ripe cherries for the best flavor; pitting them is essential to avoid any undesirable bites.
• Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the cherries; adjust according to your taste preference.
• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the buttery crust; ensure it is sifted for even mixing.
• Unsalted Butter: Using high-quality butter enhances flavor; make sure it’s softened for easy blending.
• Eggs: They bind the ingredients together, providing structure and richness to the bars.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps create a light texture in the bars; ensure it’s fresh for best results.

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 and Prepare

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

Second Step: Make the Crust

In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in one egg at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour and baking powder until fully combined.

Third Step: Spread the Base

Press two-thirds of the dough mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan to form an even layer. This will serve as your crust base.

Fourth Step: Prepare Cherry Filling

In another bowl, combine pitted cherries with sugar and mix gently. Spoon this cherry mixture over your crust layer evenly.

Fifth Step: Crumble Topping

Take the remaining dough mixture and crumble it over the cherry filling. Aim for an even distribution so every bite has that buttery goodness.

Sixth Step: Bake

Place in preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let cool completely before slicing into bars.

Transfer to plates and enjoy these Ruby Red Cherry Bars warm or at room temperature!

Expert Tips

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

• Choose Ripe Cherries: Always select ripe cherries for maximum flavor; underripe ones may not provide sufficient sweetness.
• Sift Flour Before Measuring: This ensures an airy texture in your crust by preventing clumps from forming.
• Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allowing your bars to cool fully makes slicing easier and prevents messiness.

Presentation Ideas

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

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm Ruby Red Cherry Bars with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor. The rich creaminess of the ice cream complements the tartness of the cherries beautifully.
• Fresh Whipped Cream: Top each Ruby Red Cherry Bar with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. This adds a light and airy texture to the dessert, enhancing its presentation and taste.
• Coffee or Tea: Pair these cherry bars with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. The warm flavors of the baked goods blend well with both beverages, making it an ideal snack time option.

Storage Tips

To keep your Ruby Red Cherry Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them, where they can last for up to a week. If you want to enjoy these bars later, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will maintain their taste and texture for up to three months.

Variations

You can customize your Ruby Red Cherry Bars to suit different tastes. Consider adding nuts like walnuts or almonds for added crunch and flavor. Alternatively, mix in some coconut flakes for a tropical twist. You might also experiment with different fruits such as blueberries or raspberries if cherries are not available.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Ruby Red Cherry Bars provides essential nutrients while satisfying your sweet tooth. They offer carbohydrates mainly from the crust, which provides energy. Cherries add antioxidants and vitamins that are beneficial for health. Just be mindful of portion sizes, especially if you’re watching sugar intake.

FAQs

What makes Ruby Red Cherry Bars special?

Ruby Red Cherry Bars stand out due to their vibrant color and unique flavor profile. The combination of sweet and tart cherries creates a delightful balance that appeals to many palates. Additionally, their easy-to-make nature makes them an attractive choice for bakers of all levels who want a delicious dessert without extensive effort.

Can I use frozen cherries to make Ruby Red Cherry Bars?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries work well in this recipe as they retain their flavor during freezing. Just ensure you thaw them before use and drain any excess liquid to maintain the right consistency in your batter. This way, you can enjoy Ruby Red Cherry Bars year-round, even when fresh cherries are out of season.

How do I know when my Ruby Red Cherry Bars are done baking?

To determine if your Ruby Red Cherry Bars are fully baked, look for a golden-brown crust around the edges and a firm center that springs back when lightly pressed. Additionally, inserting a toothpick into the center should come out clean or with only a few crumbs attached; this indicates they are ready to be removed from the oven.

Can I make Ruby Red Cherry Bars gluten-free?

Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe by substituting regular flour with gluten-free flour blends available at most grocery stores. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well so everyone can enjoy these delicious Ruby Red Cherry Bars without worry about gluten content.

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Ruby Red Cherry Bars

• Author: Natalia
• 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

Indulge in the nostalgia of Ruby Red Cherry Bars, where sweet, juicy cherries meet a buttery, crumbly crust. This delightful treat boasts a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion. Served warm with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream, these bars will transport you back to carefree summer days and family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp baking powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. Gradually mix in flour and baking powder until combined.
4. Press two-thirds of the dough into the prepared pan as the crust base.
5. In another bowl, mix pitted cherries with sugar and spoon over the crust.
6. Crumble remaining dough on top of the cherry filling evenly.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before slicing into bars.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Use ripe cherries for optimal sweetness. For added crunch, consider mixing in walnuts or almonds. Store in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature or freeze for up to three months.