The Palmetto Plate: Gamecock Cherry Bars- A Chewy, Buttery Treat for Game Day and Beyond

Whether you're gearing up for game day or simply craving something sweet with your afternoon coffee, these Gamecock Cherry Bars deliver the perfect blend of chewy, buttery, and tart. They’re easy to whip up, gorgeous on a tailgate table, and even easier to devour. With a simple swap to gluten-free flour, they’re ideal for families who need flexibility without sacrificing flavor. These are the kind of bars that disappear before they’ve even had a chance to cool.

Why You’ll Love These Gamecock Cherry Bars

• Perfect for University of South Carolina game days, tailgates, and potlucks

• Comes together with pantry staples

• Easy to make gluten-free

• Chewy texture with bright pops of dried cherry

• Great for gifting, gathering, or keeping on the counter for snacking

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup chopped dried cherries

• Optional: white chocolate chips or chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

2. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until smooth.

3. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.

4. Fold in the dried cherries and any optional mix-ins.

5. Spread batter into a greased 8x8 baking dish.

6. Bake at 350°F for 22–25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and set.

7. Cool before slicing into bars.

Tips for Perfect Cherry Bars

• Use dried cherries for the best texture—they give a bright, tart bite without bleeding color.

• Add white chocolate chips for sweetness or chopped pecans for Southern crunch.

• For gluten-free, choose a high-quality 1:1 baking blend.

• Let the bars cool completely for clean slices (or serve warm and gooey—no judgment).