Quick Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Quick Cherry Crumble Bars are an easy and delicious way to enjoy fresh cherries in a buttery, crumbly dessert. Perfect for a snack or a simple treat, they come together quickly and bake up beautifully golden with a sweet, fruity filling.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups plain white flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chilled butter
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 1/4 cups cherries, pitted and fresh
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornflour

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a square 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang on each side for easy removal later. Spray the sides of the dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Grate the cold butter directly into the bowl and mix with your hands until the mixture resembles small pebbles. Add the beaten egg and milk, then stir until the dough holds together when pinched.
3. Step 3: Take two-thirds of the dough and press it firmly and evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, mash the cherries with a potato masher or fork until slightly chunky. Strain the mashed cherries through a fine mesh strainer to remove excess liquid, then return them to the bowl. Stir in 3 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons cornflour until fully combined.
5. Step 5: Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining dough over the top to create a crumbly topping. Bake in the oven for 32-36 minutes, until the edges and top are lightly golden.
6. Step 6: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan at room temperature, or refrigerate them to speed up cooling. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and slice to serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use frozen cherries if fresh are unavailable; just thaw and drain well before using.
• For added flavor, sprinkle a teaspoon of cinnamon or almond extract into the cherry filling.
• If you prefer, substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder for thickening the filling.
• Chill the dough before pressing it into the pan to help it hold together better.

Storage

Store the cherry crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat individual bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for a warm treat, or enjoy them chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cherries work well. Be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid to prevent a soggy filling.

How do I prevent the bars from being too wet?

Straining the mashed cherries removes extra juice, while adding cornstarch helps thicken the filling as it bakes, keeping the crust crisp.

Quick Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 96 reviews

These Quick Cherry Crumble Bars are a delightful treat featuring a buttery crust, a sweet and tangy cherry filling, and a crumbly topping. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, they combine fresh cherries with a simple homemade dough that’s easy to prepare and bake.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 to 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups plain white flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chilled butter
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons milk

Cherry Filling

• 2 1/4 cups cherries, pitted and fresh
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornflour

Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a square 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang on each side for easy removal later. Spray the sides of the dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Grate the chilled butter directly into the bowl and use your hands to mix until the butter is evenly distributed and resembles small pebbles. Add the beaten egg and milk, and stir until the dough is cohesive and holds together when pinched.
3. Form the Crust: Take two-thirds of the dough and press it firmly and evenly into the prepared baking dish, using your hands to spread it out across the bottom.
4. Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a medium bowl, mash the cherries with a potato masher or fork until slightly chunky and no whole cherries remain. Strain the mashed cherries through a fine mesh sieve to remove excess liquid, then return them to the bowl. Stir in the sugar and cornflour until well combined.
5. Assemble and Bake: Evenly spread the cherry filling over the crust in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining dough over the cherries to create a crumb topping. Bake in the preheated oven for 32 to 36 minutes, or until the edges and top are lightly golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan at room temperature, or refrigerate to speed cooling. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan, slice into squares, and enjoy.

Notes

• Using fresh cherries is key for the best flavor, but frozen cherries can be used if thawed and drained well.
• Chilling the butter before grating helps achieve a crumbly dough texture.
• Make sure to remove excess liquid from the cherry filling to avoid a soggy crust.
• Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• For variation, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract to the cherry filling.

Keywords: cherry crumble bars, cherry dessert, quick cherry bars, summer dessert, easy cherry recipe, crumb topping, baked cherry bars