Cherry Dream Bars
Cherry Dream Bars combine sweet cherry filling with a crumbly oat and cake crust, creating a delightful treat perfect for dessert lovers and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Combine cake mix, 6 tablespoons of margarine, and 1 cup of rolled oats until crumbly.
- Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture for topping.
- Press the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Spread cherry pie filling evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the cherry filling.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts and brown sugar over the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try substituting butter for margarine. You can also use quick oats if you prefer a finer texture. If you don’t have cherry pie filling, any fruit pie filling will work well, such as apple or blueberry. For a healthier twist, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the crumb mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Dream Bars make a delightful dessert on their own but pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, serve them with a side of fresh cherries. They are perfect for potlucks or as a sweet treat alongside a cup of coffee or tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cherry Dream Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm, or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Dream Bars contains roughly 622 calories, with 4g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 463mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as lemon or chocolate, to create unique variations of Cherry Dream Bars. Each will add a distinct taste to the bars, so feel free to get creative.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make Cherry Dream Bars gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure that the oats are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious dessert without the gluten.
Can I freeze these bars for later?
Yes, Cherry Dream Bars freeze well. After they have cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).