Every July, my kids and I drive out to the orchard and come home with buckets of cherries. One summer, we had far too many. So I stirred them into a buttery oat crust, and these Ruby Red Cherry Bars were born.
Now my family begs for them all year long. These Ruby Red Cherry Bars taste like summer in every bite. The filling is bright and jammy.
The crust is buttery and crisp. Honestly, these Ruby Red Cherry Bars are the easiest dessert I make. You will love these Ruby Red Cherry Bars too.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
First, these Ruby Red Cherry Bars use simple pantry staples. Second, the cherry filling needs just three ingredients. Third, these Ruby Red Cherry Bars freeze beautifully.
Plus, kids adore them. You can pack a Ruby Red Cherry Bar in a lunchbox or serve these Ruby Red Cherry Bars at a potluck. In short, these Ruby Red Cherry Bars deliver big flavor with little effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Rolled oats | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Unsalted butter, cold | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Cherry preserves or pitted cherries | 2 cups |
| Cornstarch | 1 tbsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
Substitutions & Variations
Therefore, feel free to swap the cherries. Try raspberry preserves for Raspberry Red Bars. Add 1/2 cup of chopped almonds to the crust.
Use gluten-free flour to make these Ruby Red Cherry Bars gluten-free. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled Ruby Red Cherry Bars.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: preheat and prep
First, preheat the oven to 350°F. Then line a 9×13 pan with parchment.
Step 2: make the crust
Next, whisk the flour, oats, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly. Press half the mixture into the pan.
Step 3: add the filling
Then stir the cherries, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Spread this filling over the crust.
Step 4: top and bake
After that, sprinkle the remaining crumble on top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Finally, cool completely before slicing your Ruby Red Cherry Bars.
Pro Tips for Success
Keep the butter cold for a flaky crust. Do not overmix the dough. Let the Ruby Red Cherry Bars cool fully, or the filling will run. Also, chill the pan for 20 minutes before baking for firmer Ruby Red Cherry Bars.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store Ruby Red Cherry Bars in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze these Ruby Red Cherry Bars for up to 3 months. Reheat a Ruby Red Cherry Bar in the microwave for 15 seconds.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Serve these Ruby Red Cherry Bars with vanilla ice cream. Pair Ruby Red Cherry Bars with hot coffee or cold milk. Add fresh whipped cream for a party. These Ruby Red Cherry Bars also shine on a brunch table.
FAQS
Can I use frozen cherries for Ruby Red Cherry Bars?
Yes. Thaw and drain them first.
Are these Ruby Red Cherry Bars gluten-free?
They are, if you use gluten-free flour.
How do I know when Ruby Red Cherry Bars are done?
The filling bubbles at the edges, and the top turns golden.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Fat | 9g |
| Carbs | 30g |
| Sugar | 16g |
| Protein | 2g |
Ruby Red Cherry Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 24 bars (one 9×13-inch pan)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ruby Red Cherry Bars are buttery oat crumble bars filled with a bright, jammy cherry filling made from cherries, cornstarch, and lemon juice. They use simple pantry staples, come together easily, freeze well, and taste like summer in every bite.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Rolled oats: 1 cup
- Brown sugar: 3/4 cup
- Unsalted butter, cold: 1 cup (2 sticks)
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Cherry preserves or pitted cherries: 2 cups
- Cornstarch: 1 tbsp
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
Instructions
- 1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment.
- 2. 2. Whisk the flour, oats, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly. Press half the mixture into the pan.
- 3. 3. Stir the cherries, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Spread this filling over the crust.
- 4. 4. Sprinkle the remaining crumble on top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Keep the butter cold for a flaky crust. Do not overmix the dough. Let the bars cool fully, or the filling will run. Chill the pan for 20 minutes before baking for firmer bars. Swap cherries for raspberry preserves to make Raspberry Red Bars.
Add 1/2 cup chopped almonds to the crust. Use gluten-free flour to make them gluten-free. Drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled bars. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for 15 seconds. Serve with vanilla ice cream, hot coffee, cold milk, or whipped cream.
Frozen cherries work if thawed and drained first. Bars are done when the filling bubbles at the edges and the top turns golden.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cherry bars, oat bars, cherry crumble bars, summer dessert, easy dessert, potluck dessert, cherry preserves