Are you tired of boring, predictable desserts that fail to excite your taste buds? Those days are over. These Ruby Red Cherry Bars deliver vibrant flavor and perfect texture in every heavenly bite. As the creator behind GusRecipes, I’ve spent countless hours perfecting these cherry bars until they achieved that perfect balance of sweet-tart flavor and buttery crust that simply melts in your mouth.
Hi, I’m Emma from GusRecipes, and my passion for cherry desserts began in my grandmother’s orchard. Every summer, we’d pick buckets of plump, ruby red cherries, and transform them into magical treats that became the highlight of family gatherings. These Cherry Bars are the culmination of generations of dessert wisdom, modernized for today’s busy bakers who still want impressive results.
In this recipe guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect cherries, preparing a foolproof crust, and creating that spectacular ruby red filling that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, I’ll share my top baking tips, variations, and serving suggestions to make this dessert your new signature sweet.
Why These Ruby Red Cherry Bars Work
- Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients, especially during cherry season
- Prep takes just 20 minutes for maximum flavor impact
- Perfect for weeknight treats or weekend gatherings
- Make-ahead friendly and freezes beautifully
- Balanced sweet-tart flavor profile appeals to everyone
- Travels well for potlucks and picnics
Choosing the Right Cherries for Your Ruby Red Cherry Bars
Best Cherry Varieties for This Recipe
Sweet cherries like Bing or Rainier create a naturally sweet filling, while tart cherries like Montmorency add complexity and depth. For the ultimate Ruby Red Cherry Bars, I recommend a blend of 75% sweet and 25% tart cherries for perfect balance.
Buying Tips for Perfect Cherry Bars
Look for plump, firm cherries with glossy skins and green stems. Avoid cherries with wrinkled skin, soft spots, or bruising. When possible, taste a cherry before purchasing it should have a bright, fresh flavor.
Fresh vs. Frozen vs. Canned Cherries
While fresh cherries create the most vibrant Ruby Red Cherry Bars, frozen cherries (thawed and drained) make an excellent substitute year-round. If using canned cherries, choose ones packed in water rather than syrup, and drain thoroughly.
Ingredients & Prep for Ruby Red Cherry Bars
Crust Essentials
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ruby Red Cherry Filling
- 4 cups pitted cherries
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- Pinch of salt
Crumble Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Step-by-Step Ruby Red Cherry Bars Instructions
Pre-Baking Cherry Bar Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on sides for easy removal.
- Pit cherries if using fresh, ensuring all pits are removed (a cherry pitter saves tremendous time).
- Prepare all ingredients and organize into crust, filling, and topping components.
Preparing the Perfect Cherry Bar Crust
- In a food processor, pulse flour, sugar, and salt until combined.
- Add cold butter cubes and pulse until mixture resembles coarse sand.
- Add vanilla and pulse just until dough begins to come together.
- Press dough firmly and evenly into prepared pan.
- Bake crust for 15-18 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Creating the Ruby Red Cherry Filling
- In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, almond extract, and salt.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture thickens and begins to bubble (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly while preparing crumble topping.
Assembling and Baking Cherry Bars
- In a medium bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour slightly cooled cherry filling over pre-baked crust, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle crumble topping over cherry layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until topping is golden brown and filling is bubbling at edges.
- Cool completely in pan on wire rack before cutting into bars.
Pro Tips for Perfect Ruby Red Cherry Bars
Avoiding Common Cherry Bar Mistakes
- Don’t overmix the crust dough – this creates tough, dense bars
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for clean, defined squares
- If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain thoroughly to prevent soggy bars
- For the brightest red color, add ½ teaspoon of lemon juice to the filling
Essential Tools for Cherry Bar Success
- Cherry pitter for efficient prep
- Parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup
- 9×13-inch light-colored metal baking pan for even browning
- Offset spatula for smooth filling distribution
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week for extended freshness
- Freeze individual bars for up to 3 months wrapped in plastic and stored in freezer bags
Looking for more cherry inspiration? Check out my Pinterest board filled with gorgeous cherry desserts that will make your mouth water! pinterest I update weekly with seasonal favorites!
Ruby Red Cherry Bar Flavor Variations
Sweet and Spicy Cherry Bars
Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the cherry filling for a surprising kick that enhances the cherry flavor. The heat builds subtly, creating an intriguing contrast to the sweet crust.
Almond Cherry Bars
Add ½ cup sliced almonds to the crumble topping and increase almond extract to 1 teaspoon for an elevated cherry-almond experience that’s reminiscent of classic European pastries.
Chocolate Cherry Bars
Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the crumble topping and drizzle finished bars with melted chocolate for an indulgent twist on the classic. The chocolate-cherry combination is timeless for good reason!
Ruby Red Cherry Bar Variations
| Variation | Filling Modification | Topping Modification | Baking Adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citrus Cherry | Add orange zest (1 tbsp) | Add 2 tbsp orange juice to crumble | None |
| Coconut Cherry | Add ¼ cup coconut cream | Add ½ cup shredded coconut to topping | Reduce bake time by 2 minutes |
| Cherry Cheesecake | Swirl in 4 oz softened cream cheese | Omit crumble, dust with powdered sugar | Increase bake time by 5 minutes |
| Triple Berry | Replace half cherries with mixed berries | Add 2 tbsp white chocolate chips | None |
Serving Suggestions for Ruby Red Cherry Bars
- Top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a warm-cold contrast
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant presentation
- Pair with hot coffee or black tea to balance the sweetness
- For special occasions, place individual bars on dessert plates with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh cherry garnish
FAQs About Ruby Red Cherry Bars
Can I use cherry pie filling instead of making my own?
Yes, you can substitute 2 cans (21 oz each) of cherry pie filling, though the flavor won’t be as fresh and vibrant. If using pie filling, omit the sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice from the filling recipe.
How do I prevent my cherry bars from getting soggy?
Make sure your crust is pre-baked until lightly golden, and that your cherry filling has thickened properly before assembling. Allow the bars to cool completely before storing, and use parchment paper between layers if stacking.
Can I make these Ruby Red Cherry Bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in both the crust and crumble topping, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Can I make these bars ahead of time for a party?
Yes! These bars actually improve after 24 hours as the flavors meld. You can make them up to two days ahead and store at room temperature, or freeze them for up to three months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
These Ruby Red Cherry Bars aren’t just dessert they’re a celebration of summer’s finest fruit transformed into hand-held perfection. The contrast between the buttery crust, vibrant filling, and crumbly topping creates a dessert experience that’s both comforting and exciting.
I hope you’ll try these bars and experience the joy they bring to everyone who tastes them. They’ve become a signature dessert at GusRecipes, earning rave reviews from family gatherings to neighborhood potlucks.
Don’t forget to tag @GusRecipes on social media when you make these bars I love seeing your creations and hearing how they’ve become part of your dessert rotation!
Print
Ruby Red Cherry Bars: Why They’ll Be Your New Dessert Obsession
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ruby Red Cherry Bars are buttery, soft dessert bars layered with sweet cherry pie filling and a light glaze the perfect treat for holidays, parties, or a quick dessert craving.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp almond extract
2–3 tbsp milk
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Mix in vanilla and almond extracts.
5. Gradually add flour and salt; mix just until combined.
6. Spread about two-thirds of the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
7. Spoon cherry pie filling evenly over the batter.
8. Drop remaining batter by spoonfuls over the filling.
9. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
10. Cool completely before adding the glaze.
11. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk until smooth, then drizzle over cooled bars.
12. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
You can use blueberry or raspberry pie filling for a fun twist.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
These bars freeze well — wrap tightly and thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: cherry dessert bars, ruby red cherry bars, cherry pie bars, almond glaze dessert