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Ruby Red Cherry Bars

Hey there, friend! I have to tell you about these scrumptious Ruby Red Cherry Bars that have become a total hit in my kitchen. Picture this: a lovely blend of sweet and tart cherries nestled in a soft, chewy bar, perfectly baked to golden perfection. Trust me; every bite will leave you squealing with joy! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want to treat yourself, these bars are a delightful way to share some love.

What Are Ruby Red Cherry Bars?

Ruby Red Cherry Bars are delicious dessert bars made with juicy, fresh cherries that give them that lovely crimson color. The buttery base has a hint of sweetness, beautifully contrasting with the sweet-tartness of the cherries. You can serve them as a snack or dessert—you just can’t go wrong! They’re like portable cherry pie, but in a fun bar form. Honestly, once you make them, you might find yourself making a batch every week!

Ingredients Overview for Ruby Red Cherry Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious Ruby Red Cherry Bars:

Fresh Cherries: About 2 cups, pitted and halved. You can substitute with frozen cherries if fresh ones aren’t available.
All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup for that perfect chewy texture.
Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup adds just the right amount of sweetness.
Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened to make the base rich and buttery.
Eggs: 2 large eggs to help bind everything together.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon brings in a lovely flavor note that complements the cherries.
Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon to give that nice rise.
Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Ruby Red Cherry Bars

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for an even bake.
Prepare the Pan: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3–5 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this to the wet mixture until just combined.
Fold in the Cherries: Gently fold in the halved cherries, being careful not to crush them.
Spread in the Pan: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake: Bake in your preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Slice: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice into bars and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

These Ruby Red Cherry Bars are best served slightly warm or at room temperature. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, making them ideal for brunch or an afternoon snack. Honestly, the fun flavors will have your guests coming back for more!

Tips for the Perfect Ruby Red Cherry Bars

Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. This keeps your bars tender.
Use a Sharp Knife: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife to slice the bars once they’re cooled.
Store Properly: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or refrigerate if you want them to last longer.
Try Other Fruits: Feel free to experiment with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries if cherries aren’t your jam.

Q&A Section

Can I use frozen cherries?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before using them.

How do I make these bars vegan?
You can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use vegan butter to replace regular butter.

Can I add nuts?
Definitely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds would add a lovely crunch and elevate the flavor.

How do I know when they’re done baking?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Why You’ll Love It

You’re going to love these Ruby Red Cherry Bars because they are not only easy to make but bursting with flavor! The soft, chewy texture combined with the pop of cherries makes them a fantastic treat for any occasion. Plus, they look so pretty on a plate with their vibrant color. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t enjoy a dessert that tastes as good as it looks?

Behind the Scenes

When I first tried to make these Ruby Red Cherry Bars, I accidentally overmixed the batter, and they turned out more like cherry cake than bars. Oops! After a bit of tweaking—like reducing the mixing time and trying out different cherry varieties—I finally hit the jackpot! Now, they are the perfect blend of sweetness and tartness, and I cannot believe how easy they are to whip up! If you want to check out more delicious recipes, feel free to follow me on my Pinterest page at MyRecipeCast!

Making Ruby Red Cherry Bars has truly been a delightful journey, filled with tasty outcomes and some laughable mishaps. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and add your personal twist!