Cherry Crumb Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly harmonizes the sweetness of cherries with a buttery crumb base. This dessert not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings a burst of fruity flavor that complements any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic or a cozy family gathering. The recipe is simple and yields a satisfying dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Crumb Bars

There are many reasons to adore these Cherry Crumb Bars. First, they are incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for busy weeknights. These bars are versatile; you can enjoy them as Cherry Dessert Bars or serve them as a sweet snack. They are also a great way to use fresh or frozen cherries, providing a delicious fruit option in your diet. With a buttery shortbread crust, they boast a beautiful texture that will melt in your mouth. Plus, you can add variations like Cherry Oat Bars or even Cherry Crumble Bars to keep things exciting. Lastly, they are vegetarian-friendly, making them suitable for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Cherry Crumb Bars

Gather these items:

2 cups pitted cherries (Measure after pitting & slicing in half)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (Use 3 tablespoons if using sour cherries)
2 tablespoons cornstarch (16 grams)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (Freshly squeezed)
3/4 cup unsalted butter (168 grams, melted)
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (219 grams)
2/3 cup granulated sugar (133 grams)
3 tablespoons cornstarch (24 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon brown sugar

How to Make Cherry Crumb Bars Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather all your ingredients. Ensure that your cherries are washed, pitted, and sliced in half or quarters.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the pitted cherries, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss gently until the cherries are fully coated and set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2/3 cup of granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Step 4: Pour in the melted butter into the flour mixture. Stir with a fork or your hands until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Step 5: Take a little more than half of the shortbread mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of an 8×8 inch pan lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Place the pan into the preheated oven at 325°F (170°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes.
Step 7: The top should look set but not browned. Once done, remove it from the oven and leave it on the counter.
Step 8: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of brown sugar into the reserved shortbread mixture.
Step 9: Spoon the cherry filling over the baked shortbread base. Be careful to avoid excess juice.
Step 10: Sprinkle the remaining shortbread and brown sugar mixture evenly over the cherry layer.
Step 11: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25 minutes or until the top turns a lovely golden yellow.
Step 12: Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely for 3-4 hours at room temperature. Lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper and slice into squares.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cherry Crumb Bars

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor.
For a twist, add almond extract to enhance the cherry flavor.
Ensure your butter is melted but not hot to avoid cooking the flour.
These bars can be made gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
For extra richness, consider adding a layer of cream cheese to the filling for Cherry Crumb Bars with Cream Cheese.

Best Ways to Serve Cherry Crumb Bars

Enjoy these Cherry Crumb Bars as a delightful dessert after dinner, or serve them at a summer gathering. Pair them with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat or enjoy them plain with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make for a great addition to picnics or potlucks!

How to Store and Reheat Cherry Crumb Bars

To store your Cherry Crumb Bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven for a few minutes until they are just warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Crumb Bars

What’s the secret to perfect Cherry Crumb Bars?

The secret to perfect Cherry Crumb Bars lies in balancing the sweetness of the cherries with the right amount of sugar and cornstarch. This helps to create a luscious filling without being overly runny, ensuring a delightful texture in each bite.

Can I make Cherry Crumb Bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Cherry Crumb Bars ahead of time! They can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to let them cool completely before slicing.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cherry Crumb Bars?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure that you don’t overmix the crumb topping, as this can lead to a dense texture. Additionally, be careful not to overbake, as you want the top to be golden but not browned.

Variations of Cherry Crumb Bars You Can Try

There are countless variations you can explore with Cherry Crumb Bars. Consider making Cherry Oat Bars by mixing oats into the crumb topping for added texture. You can also try Vegan Cherry Crumb Bars Recipe by substituting butter with coconut oil and using a flax egg. For a unique twist, try adding nuts or spices like cinnamon to the mixture.

Cherry Crumb Bars: 5 Irresistible Recipes to Delight You

Author: basmer
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 16 squares 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These delightful Cherry Crumb Bars harmonize the sweetness of cherries with a buttery crumb base, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.

Instructions

Gather all your ingredients. Ensure that your cherries are washed, pitted, and sliced in half or quarters.
In a medium bowl, combine the pitted cherries, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss gently until the cherries are fully coated and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2/3 cup of granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Pour in the melted butter into the flour mixture. Stir with a fork or your hands until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Take a little more than half of the shortbread mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of an 8×8 inch pan lined with parchment paper.
Place the pan into the preheated oven at 325°F (170°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes.
The top should look set but not browned. Once done, remove it from the oven and leave it on the counter.
Incorporate 1 tablespoon of brown sugar into the reserved shortbread mixture.
Spoon the cherry filling over the baked shortbread base. Be careful to avoid excess juice.
Sprinkle the remaining shortbread and brown sugar mixture evenly over the cherry layer.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25 minutes or until the top turns a lovely golden yellow.
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely for 3-4 hours at room temperature. Lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper and slice into squares.