These Red Cherry Dream Squares with a Crunchy Oat Topping are a simple yet satisfying dessert that combines the convenience of a Pillsbury Plus White Cake Mix with the sweet and tart flavors of cherry pie filling. The crumble, made with rolled oats, chopped nuts, and brown sugar, adds a buttery, crunchy topping that complements the soft cherry layer perfectly. First gaining popularity in the mid-20th century, this recipe has become a cherished treat for potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday dessert tables. It’s easy to make and delivers big on flavor.
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Red Cherry Dream Squares
Food History
Pillsbury, founded in 1869, started as a flour mill and later expanded its offerings to include a wide variety of baking products, including cake mixes. By the 1940s, Pillsbury introduced boxed cake mixes, revolutionizing home baking and making it easier for families to prepare delicious baked goods without spending hours in the kitchen. Pillsbury Plus White Cake Mix, introduced later, became a favorite for its versatility, and many home cooks used it as a base for creative desserts like these Cherry Dream Squares.
The use of cake mix in desserts like these became especially popular in the 1970s and 1980s, as it simplified the process of baking while still delivering rich, homemade flavors. Canned cherry pie filling, another staple of mid-century home cooking, added a burst of fruit flavor to these bars, and the addition of an oat and nut crumble topping made the dish feel both rustic and indulgent.
Timeline
- 1869: Pillsbury is founded as a flour mill in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
- 1940s: Pillsbury introduces its first cake mixes, helping to simplify home baking.
- 1970s-1980s: Recipes like Red Cherry Dream Squares gain popularity, using Pillsbury cake mix and canned fruit fillings as convenient ingredients.
- Present Day: Red Cherry Dream Squares with a Crunchy Oat Topping remain a go-to dessert for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual baking.
Recipe Discussion
This recipe brings together the ease of using a Pillsbury cake mix with the rich flavors of cherry pie filling and a nutty, sweet oat topping. The base is created by mixing Pillsbury Plus White Cake Mix with rolled oats and butter to form a crumbly dough. This dough is pressed into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan to create the foundation of the bars.
Next, a can of cherry pie filling is spread evenly over the base, adding a tart contrast to the sweet, buttery bottom layer. The reserved crumble mixture, enhanced with additional oats, brown sugar, and chopped nuts, is sprinkled over the top. As the bars bake, the topping becomes golden and crisp, adding a delightful texture to each bite.
These dessert bars are versatile—you can switch up the filling by using different flavors of pie filling, such as blueberry or apple. You could also experiment with different nuts for the crumble, such as pecans or walnuts, to match your taste preferences. No matter how you customize them, these Cherry Dream Squares are sure to impress.
Preparation Tips
To ensure your Red Cherry Dream Squares with a Crunchy Oat Topping turn out perfectly, follow these tips:
- Use softened butter or oleo: This ensures the crumble mixture blends easily and forms the right texture for both the base and the topping.
- Evenly press the crust: When forming the base in the pan, press the dough down evenly to create a uniform layer that will hold up under the cherry filling.
- Choose your favorite nuts: While the recipe calls for chopped nuts, feel free to use pecans, walnuts, or even almonds depending on your preference.
- Check for doneness: Bake the bars until the crumble topping is golden brown and the edges are set. If the middle is still too soft, allow a few extra minutes of baking time.
- Let the bars cool: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps the cherry filling set, making it easier to cut clean squares.
Recommended Kitchen Products
The links below lead to top-rated products on Amazon—if you use our links, we can save more recipes:
- 9×13-Inch Baking Pan: A high-quality non-stick baking pan is essential for even cooking and easy removal of the bars.
- Mixing Bowls: A sturdy set of mixing bowls will make combining the ingredients a breeze.
- Pastry Cutter: Use a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the cake mix and oats for a perfect crumble texture.
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Dream Squares are perfect for serving at a variety of occasions. Here are some ideas:
- Top with whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and creamy contrast to the tart cherry filling.
- Serve with coffee or tea: These bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a mid-afternoon snack or after-dinner treat.
- Pack for a picnic: Cut into squares and pack them in a container for a sweet addition to your picnic basket.
- Holiday dessert table: These colorful bars are a great addition to a holiday dessert spread, providing both flavor and visual appeal.
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A Deliciously Easy Dessert
Red Cherry Dream Squares with a Crunchy Oat Topping are a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as simple to make as it is delicious. Combining the ease of a cake mix base with a tart cherry filling and a crunchy oat topping, this recipe is ideal for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or just as a treat for your family, these bars are sure to become a favorite. Give this nostalgic recipe a try, and enjoy the classic flavors and textures that have made it a beloved dessert for decades.
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Red Cherry Dream Squares Recipe
Red Cherry Dream Squares
Ingredients
- 1 package Pillsbury plus white cake mix
- 1 1/4 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup oleo or butter
- 1 egg
- 21 ounce can cherry fruit pie filling
- 1/2 cup nuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees
- Grease 13" x 9" pan
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, 6 tablespoons oleo and 1 cup rolled oats
- Mix until crumbly
- Reserve 1 cup crumbs for topping
- For the remaining crumble, add 1 egg and mix until well blended
- Press into prepared pan
- Pour cherry pie filling over crust and spread to cover crust
- For the reserved crumble, place in a large bow and add remaining 1/4 cup rolled oats, 2 tablespoons oleo, nuts, and brown sugar
- Beat until thoroughly mixed and sprinkle over cherry mixture
- Bake at 350 degrees for 30 - 40 minutes or until golden brown
- Cool completely
- Serve with dollop of whipped cream
karla
Monday 30th of January 2023
Tis is a recipe my mom has but it was hard to read her recipe directions and she has passed away so I am not able to ask here the right directions. thank you,