Cherry Crumble Bars

Name: Cherry Crumble Bars
Prep time: PT-489645H53M48S
Cook time: PT-489645H53M48S
Total time: PT-489645H53M48S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup chilled unsalted butter (cut into 1/2-inch cubes); 2 tbsp milk; 1/4 tsp salt; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 large egg (room temperature); 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/4 cups fresh pitted cherries; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 3 tbsp granulated sugar (for cherry filling)

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Cherry Crumble Bars are one of those classic desserts that never go out of style. These buttery bars offer the perfect marriage between a soft cookie base and a gooey, jammy fruit filling. Whether you’re baking for a potluck, picnic, or simply looking to enjoy a nostalgic treat with your afternoon coffee, this easy cherry dessert is sure to become a favorite. With pantry staples, a quick prep time, and the irresistible flavor of cherries baked into every bite, these bars are a must-try for any home baker.

Why You’ll Love These Cherry Crumble Bars

If you love rustic, fruit-forward desserts, Cherry Crumble Bars check all the boxes. They’re quick to prepare, visually appealing, and bursting with flavor. What sets them apart is their unique texture — a soft but sturdy base, juicy cherry layer, and crispy golden crumble on top.

Simple pantry ingredients: No specialty items required.
Customizable and seasonal: Use fresh or frozen cherries.
Great for gatherings: Easy to slice, stack, and serve.
Perfect make-ahead dessert: They store and freeze beautifully.
Balanced sweetness: Not overly sugary, allowing the cherry flavor to shine.

These cherry crumb bars are more than just a dessert — they’re a celebration of fruit, texture, and that home-baked goodness you can’t buy.

What You’ll Need for Cherry Crumble Bars

Core Ingredients & Their Roles

All-Purpose Flour: Forms the sturdy base and topping.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the crust and filling, balancing the tartness of the cherries.
Baking Powder: Helps create a slightly lighter texture in the crust.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and that classic buttery crumble texture.
Egg: Binds the crust together and adds a tender finish.
Milk: Adds moisture to help bring the dough together.
Fresh Cherries: The heart of the filling — sweet, juicy, and vibrant.
Cornstarch: Thickens the cherry layer so it sets into a jammy texture.

Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions

Don’t stress if you’re missing something — this recipe is flexible!

Flour: Swap all-purpose for whole wheat for a nuttier base or use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Cherries: Frozen cherries work great — just thaw and drain them. You can also try blueberries or strawberries.
Butter: Replace with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Milk: Almond, oat, soy, or even cream will do.
Cornstarch: Use arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour (increase to 3 tablespoons if using flour).

These changes keep the Cherry Crumble Bars delicious while accommodating dietary needs or pantry limitations.

How to Make Cherry Crumble Bars

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Set your oven to 375°F. Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving extra overhang. Spray sides with nonstick spray.
Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Grate cold butter into the bowl and mix by hand until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg and milk, stirring until the dough holds together when pinched.
Press the Crust
Press two-thirds of the dough into the pan evenly to form the crust. Reserve the remaining dough for the topping.
Prepare the Cherry Filling
Lightly mash the pitted cherries to break them down slightly. Strain out excess liquid. Mix with sugar and cornstarch until well combined.
Assemble the Bars
Spread the cherry mixture over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining dough over the cherries to create the crumble topping.
Bake the Bars
Bake for 32–36 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and edges are set.
Cool Before Serving
Let the bars cool completely in the pan (about 2–3 hours) before slicing for clean edges and a firm texture.

Tips to Make Your Cherry Crumble Bars Perfect

Always use cold butter: Room temperature butter will melt too quickly and ruin the crumble.
Don’t overmix the dough: Minimal handling keeps the crust tender.
Drain cherries thoroughly: Extra liquid will make your bars soggy.
Cool fully before slicing: The filling sets as it cools, so cutting early leads to messy results.
Use parchment with overhang: Makes it easy to lift and cut the bars neatly.

Delicious Pairings and Flavor Variations

Cherry Crumble Bars are fantastic on their own but even better when dressed up:

With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla turns these into cherry pie bars.
With Tea or Coffee: Serve with Earl Grey, espresso, or chai for a cozy afternoon treat.
With Whipped Cream or Vanilla Sauce: Adds a soft, creamy contrast.
Add Nuts: Try chopped pecans or sliced almonds in the topping for crunch.
Add Warm Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg makes them holiday-ready.

These variations bring even more charm and flavor to an already irresistible dessert.

Seasonal Spotlight: The Joy of Baking with Cherries

Cherries are at their sweetest in late spring and summer, making these bars a go-to recipe during warm months. However, thanks to frozen cherries, you can enjoy Cherry Crumble Bars year-round. For a winter twist, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with dark chocolate. In summer, top with lemon zest or serve chilled for a refreshing dessert.

Fresh or frozen, cherries offer antioxidants, vitamin C, and a natural tart-sweet flavor that elevates any bake.

How to Store and Freeze Cherry Crumble Bars

At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
In the Refrigerator: Keeps well for 4–5 days. Use parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
In the Freezer: Wrap individual bars in parchment and freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
To Thaw: Move to the fridge overnight, or microwave for 10–15 seconds for a warm treat.

Cherry Crumble Bars are not just delicious — they’re built for convenience and long-term enjoyment.

Conclusion

Cherry Crumble Bars are the ultimate blend of simplicity and indulgence. With their buttery base, vibrant cherry filling, and golden crumb topping, they strike a delightful balance between homemade charm and bakery-style presentation. Whether you’re baking a batch for family, friends, or a solo sweet tooth moment, these bars deliver comfort and flavor in every bite.

With flexible ingredient options, simple preparation, and easy storage, this cherry dessert proves that you don’t need complicated steps or fancy tools to create something truly satisfying. Keep this recipe in your baking rotation — it’s a go-to for picnics, potlucks, or when you’re craving something fruity, crumbly, and undeniably delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned cherry pie filling instead of fresh cherries?

Yes, you can use canned cherry pie filling as a shortcut. However, it will yield a much sweeter result than using fresh or frozen cherries. If using canned filling, skip the sugar and cornstarch steps, and reduce the total bake time by 3–5 minutes since the filling is already pre-cooked.

How do I know when my cherry crumble bars are done baking?

The bars are ready when the top is lightly golden and the edges are firm. The cherry filling should be bubbling slightly. Avoid underbaking, as the crust will be too soft and the filling won’t set properly. Cooling completely is essential for clean slices and the perfect chewy-crisp texture.

Can I make cherry crumble bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum for better structure. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy swap for those with dietary restrictions

More Relevant Recipes

Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe: This indulgent dessert combines the cozy flavor of spiced apples with a rich cheesecake base and a crumbly topping. A perfect sibling to Cherry Crumble Bars for those who love fruit-forward, buttery baked treats.
Apple Crumble with Brown Butter Pecan Topping: A decadent twist on the classic fruit crumble, this recipe features tender apples beneath a nutty, buttery topping. Similar in spirit and texture to cherry bars but with a warm, spiced apple variation.
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake: Blending layers of apple pie filling with creamy cheesecake and a caramel drizzle, this layered dessert offers the same balance of sweetness and richness found in Cherry Crumble Bars, with an added salty-sweet flair.

Cherry Crumble Bars – Best Easy Recipe You’ll Love

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