These quick cherry crumble bars offer a delightful balance of sweet and tart cherry filling encased in a buttery crust and finished with a crisp crumble topping. They are incredibly easy to make, perfect for any occasion, and always a crowd-pleaser.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty | Cuisine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 35 minutes | 55 minutes | 16 bars | Easy | American |
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple ingredients
- Great flavor
- Easy method
- Family-friendly
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious cherry crumble bars.
- For the crust and crumble topping:
- For the cherry filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 3/4 cups | For both crust and topping |
| Granulated sugar | 1 1/4 cups | Divided, 3/4 cup for crust/topping, 3 tbsp for filling |
| Baking powder | 1/2 tsp | Rumford double-acting baking powder recommended |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp | Enhances flavor |
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup | Chilled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes |
| Large egg | 1 | Room temperature |
| Milk | 2 tbsp | Any kind works |
| Fresh pitted cherries | 2 1/4 cups | Or frozen, thawed and drained |
| Cornstarch | 2 tbsp | Thickens the filling without clouding |
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Customize your cherry crumble bars with these easy swaps.
- Cherries: While fresh cherries offer the best flavor, you can substitute frozen cherries. Ensure they are fully thawed and drained to prevent a watery filling. You can also use canned cherry pie filling in a pinch, but adjust the sugar to taste.
- Flour: For a gluten-free option, use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different.
- Butter: Vegan butter sticks can be substituted for a dairy-free version. Ensure it is cold and cubed just like dairy butter.
- Sugar: Coconut sugar or brown sugar can be used for a slightly different flavor profile, though they may alter the color of the bars.
How to Make Quick Cherry Crumble Bars
- Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang on each side. This makes lifting the bars out easy. Spray the sides of the dish with nonstick spray. - Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Grate the cold butter directly into this bowl. Use your hands to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs or small pebbles. - Add the egg and milk to the bowl. Stir until a cohesive dough forms. It should hold together when squeezed.
- Form the Crust
Reserve about one-third of the dough for the crumble topping. Press the remaining two-thirds of the dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to create the crust. - Prepare the Cherry Filling
In a medium bowl, mash the pitted cherries using a potato masher or a fork. You want them slightly chunky, not completely smooth. Strain the mashed cherries through a fine-mesh sieve to remove excess juice, then return the mashed cherries to the bowl. - Stir the 3 tablespoons of sugar and the cornstarch into the mashed cherries until everything is well combined and no lumps of cornstarch remain.
- Assemble and Bake
Spread the cherry filling evenly over the pressed crust in the baking dish. Crumble the reserved dough mixture evenly over the top of the cherry filling to create the crumble topping. - Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 32-36 minutes, or until the edges and topping are lightly golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve
Let the cherry crumble bars cool completely in the pan. You can leave them on the counter or speed up cooling by placing the pan in the refrigerator. Once completely cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares and serve.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Control cooking time carefully; an underbaked bar will be gooey, and an overbaked one will be dry.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if using different types of cherries.
- Use fresh ingredients when possible for the best flavor and texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Watery Filling: Not draining the mashed cherries well enough before adding cornstarch and sugar will result in a runny filling. Straining ensures excess liquid is removed before baking.
- Uneven Crust: Pressing the crust too thin in some spots and too thick in others can lead to uneven baking. Ensure a consistent layer across the entire bottom of the pan.
Variations
- Mixed Berry: Combine cherries with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a mixed fruit crumble bar.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts over the cherry filling before adding the crumble topping for extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage & Reheating
| Method | Duration | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 2-3 days | Store in an airtight container. |
| Refrigerator | 4-5 days | Store in an airtight container. Allow to come to room temperature before serving for best texture. |
| Freezer | 2-3 months | Wrap tightly in plastic wrap then foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. |
Nutritional Information
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients used.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 250-300 per bar |
| Total Fat | Approx. 10-15g per bar |
| Saturated Fat | Approx. 6-9g per bar |
| Cholesterol | Approx. 30-40mg per bar |
| Sodium | Approx. 50-70mg per bar |
| Total Carbohydrates | Approx. 35-45g per bar |
| Dietary Fiber | Approx. 2-3g per bar |
| Sugars | Approx. 20-25g per bar |
| Protein | Approx. 3-4g per bar |
FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, these bars can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover cherry crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
These quick cherry crumble bars are a perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy their simple yet delicious combination of flavors and textures!
Quick Cherry Crumble Bars
Tender crust filled with sweet and tart cherry filling and topped with a golden crumble topping. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. These American-style bars deliver on flavor and simplicity.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 35
- Total Time: 55
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Easy Dessert Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1 large egg, room temperature
2 tbsp milk
2 1/4 cups fresh pitted cherries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
2 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to mix until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
Stir in the egg and milk until a soft dough forms.
Pat half of the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, combine the cherries with cornstarch and 3 tbsp granulated sugar.
Sprinkle the cherry mixture evenly over the crust.
Use the remaining dough as the top layer; pat it over the cherries, creating a crumbly texture for the topping.
Bake for 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Let cool completely before cutting into 16 bars.
Serve and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Notes
Cherries can be substituted with frozen (thawed and drained) or canned cherry pie filling (adjust sugar to taste).
For a gluten-free version, use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum.
Dairy-free alternative: Use vegan butter instead of unsalted butter.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 235
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg