Cherry Crumble Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the tart sweetness of cherries with a buttery, golden crust and a crumbly topping. These bars are baked to perfection, with a luscious fruit filling sandwiched between layers of tender, slightly crisp dough. The contrast of textures—the smooth, glossy cherry center against the crumbly topping—makes each bite satisfying and memorable.
This recipe is designed to be approachable for home bakers, requiring simple ingredients and straightforward steps. It’s versatile enough to serve at gatherings, pack for picnics, or enjoy as a cozy treat with tea or coffee. The bars hold their shape well, making them easy to cut into squares and share. Beyond their flavor, they bring a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of homemade fruit pies but in a more convenient, handheld form.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups cherry pie filling (or homemade cherry compote)
INSTRUCTION:
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until evenly blended.
- Add butter and egg: Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the dough comes together but remains crumbly.
- Form the base layer: Press about two-thirds of the dough mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even crust.
- Add the cherry filling: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust. Ensure the fruit is distributed across the surface for balanced flavor in each bite.
- Top with crumble: Sprinkle the remaining dough mixture over the cherry filling, leaving small gaps for the fruit to peek through. This creates the signature crumbly topping.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly at the edges.
- Cool and cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Cooling helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
SERVINGS:
This recipe yields approximately 16 bars, depending on how large or small you cut them.
NOTE:
Cherry Crumble Bars are best enjoyed once they’ve cooled, as this allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for longer freshness. For an indulgent twist, serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance: the buttery crust provides structure, the cherry filling adds brightness and sweetness, and the crumbly topping offers texture and charm. Each layer plays a role in creating a dessert that feels both rustic and elegant.
Making these bars can also be a joyful, creative process. The act of pressing the dough, spreading the fruit, and sprinkling the crumble invites a hands-on connection to baking. The aroma that fills the kitchen during baking—sweet cherries mingling with buttery crust—is part of the experience, signaling comfort and anticipation.
This recipe is not just about creating a dessert; it’s about crafting a moment of delight. Whether shared with friends, offered at a gathering, or savored quietly with a warm drink, Cherry Crumble Bars embody the joy of homemade baking. They remind us that simple ingredients, combined thoughtfully, can yield something extraordinary.