These Cherry Pie Crumb Bars are quick and easy crumb bars with fresh cherry filling. Buttery crumb topping and sweet fruit filling make this a perfect summer dessert!
Easy Cherry Pie Crumb Bars: A Delightful Summer Treat
Welcome to your new favorite summer dessert! These Cherry Pie Crumb Bars are an absolute dream for anyone who loves the classic flavors of cherry pie but appreciates the convenience and irresistible texture of a bar. Imagine a golden, buttery crumb base, generously filled with a vibrant, sweet, and slightly tart fresh cherry mixture, all crowned with more delightful buttery crumbs. This recipe offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
After creating popular desserts like our light and fluffy Cherry Poke Cake (which, by the way, disappears faster than almost any cake I’ve ever made, perhaps only rivaled by my Pineapple Coconut Cake!), I found myself with an abundance of fresh cherries. As a passionate baker, the natural solution was to turn to my tried-and-true crumb bar recipe. It’s truly a challenge to decide which part of these Cherry Pie Crumb Bars is more captivating: the rich, buttery, and satisfyingly crunchy crumb topping, or the luscious, sweet cherry filling that simply embodies the essence of summer.
These bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of seasonal bounty and simple baking joy. They’re incredibly versatile and perfect for any setting. Enjoy them lightly dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch, à la mode with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent experience, or packed conveniently in your lunchbox for a delightful midday treat. Their robust structure makes them excellent for picnics, potlucks, and gatherings where individual servings are appreciated. If you’re a fan of fruit bars, you might also enjoy my Easy Apple Pie Bars, which share a similar, beloved crumb topping reminiscent of my Perfect Sugar Cookies.
The Charm of Crumb Bars and Why Homemade is Best
Crumb bars hold a special place in the world of baking. They offer the comforting feel of a pie or crisp, but in a much more accessible and shareable format. The beauty of these Cherry Pie Crumb Bars lies not only in their incredible taste but also in their relative ease of preparation. You don’t need expert pie-making skills to achieve a stunning and delicious result. The crust and topping are made from the same simple, buttery mixture, streamlining the process and ensuring consistent flavor and texture throughout.
Making them at home means you control the quality of ingredients, from the freshness of the cherries to the richness of the butter. This allows for a deeper, more authentic flavor that store-bought versions simply can’t match. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen as these bars bake is a reward in itself! It signals the arrival of a homemade treat that’s made with love and care, ready to be shared with family and friends.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Cherry Pie Crumb Bars
Crafting these delectable Cherry Pie Crumb Bars requires a handful of common pantry staples, each playing a crucial role in the final flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at the essential components:
- Fresh Cherries: The star of the show! I highly recommend using fresh cherries for their vibrant flavor and beautiful color. However, if fresh cherries are out of season or unavailable, frozen cherries can be a great substitute. Just ensure they are fully thawed and any excess moisture is drained before mixing to prevent a watery filling. Pitting the cherries is essential, and slicing them in half ensures a more even distribution and pleasant texture in each bite.
- Cornstarch: This is a vital thickening agent for our fruit filling. When heated, cornstarch creates a glossy, jam-like consistency that prevents the cherry filling from becoming too runny. It’s what transforms juicy fruit into a delectable, spoonable layer, perfectly contained within the crumb crust.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our buttery crust and crumb topping. Proper measurement of flour is key to achieving the right texture. For best results, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can compact the flour and lead to a denser bar.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents work in harmony to give the crumb topping a slight lift and a tender, yet crisp, texture. They also contribute to the beautiful golden-brown color as the bars bake, adding to their irresistible appeal.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides the perfect level of sweetness, complementing the tartness of the cherries and enhancing the overall flavor of the bars. While white granulated sugar is used here for a classic crisp finish, you could experiment with brown sugar for a chewier, slightly molasses-like flavor in the crumb topping and crust if you prefer.
- Unsalted Butter: The secret to that rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor and golden-brown crust. Using melted butter ensures that the crumb mixture comes together easily and bakes up wonderfully rich and tender. Crucially, make sure the melted butter is cooled to room temperature before combining with other ingredients, as hot butter can “cook” the flour and prevent proper crumb formation.
- Lemon Juice: A small but mighty addition to the cherry filling. A touch of lemon juice brightens the flavor of the cherries, cutting through their sweetness and adding a delightful zing that elevates the entire dessert.
- Salt: Just a pinch of salt is used to enhance all the other flavors in the crust and topping, balancing the sweetness and making the buttery notes sing.
How to Make Irresistible Cherry Pie Crumb Bars
Creating these delightful Cherry Pie Crumb Bars is a straightforward process, broken down into simple, manageable steps. Here’s a quick overview before you dive into the full recipe details:
- **Prepare the Cherry Filling:** Begin by gently combining the pitted and halved cherries with cornstarch and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This step ensures the filling thickens beautifully during baking and bursts with bright flavor.
- **Create the Buttery Crumb Mixture:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the cooled melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—mixing with a fork until a delightful crumbly texture forms.
- **Form the Crust:** Carefully reserve about ¾ cup of this crumb mixture. This portion will become your golden crumb topping. Press the remaining, larger portion of the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to form the base crust.
- **Assemble the Layers:** Pour your prepared cherry filling evenly over the pressed crumb crust.
- **Add the Topping:** Evenly sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the cherry filling, ensuring full coverage for that signature crumb bar look and crunch. A final sprinkle of sugar over the topping adds a beautiful sparkle and caramelized finish.
- **Bake to Golden Perfection:** Transfer the pan to a preheated oven and bake until the top is beautifully golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- **Cool Completely:** This step is crucial! Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before attempting to slice them. This ensures the filling sets properly, and the bars hold their shape perfectly, giving you clean, beautiful servings.
The full recipe with precise ingredient measurements and detailed instructions can be found below in the dedicated recipe box. Happy baking!
Expert Tips for Baking the Best Cherry Crumb Bars
While this recipe is designed to be straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your Cherry Pie Crumb Bars from great to absolutely extraordinary:
- **The Secret to Perfect Crumb Topping:** The ideal crumb topping relies on using completely cooled, room-temperature melted butter. If your butter is hot, it can start to “cook” the flour, resulting in a dense, paste-like mixture rather than distinct, delightful crumbs. Mixing with a fork is also key; it helps create those perfectly sized, irregular crumbs that are essential for a good crumb bar. You want a sandy, somewhat clumpy texture, not a smooth dough.
- **Alternative Pan Shapes:** While an 8-inch square pan yields nice, thick bars, don’t be afraid to get creative! You can bake these bars in a round 8-inch pan for a more pie-like slice, or even adjust the recipe for a larger 9×13 inch pan if you’re feeding a crowd (remember to double the ingredients and increase baking time slightly).
- **Fruit Variations are Welcome!** This crumb bar recipe is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with other seasonal fruits if cherries aren’t available or if you simply want to try something new. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or even a mixed berry blend would all be delicious. Just be mindful of the moisture content of different fruits and adjust cornstarch slightly if needed (more for very juicy fruits, less for firmer ones).
- **Don’t Overmix the Crumb Dough:** When combining the dry and wet ingredients for the crumb mixture, mix just until combined and crumbly. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher crust and topping.
- **Parchment Paper is Your Friend:** Lining your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, makes lifting the cooled bars out of the pan incredibly easy. This prevents sticking and ensures clean, effortless slicing.
- **Cooling is Non-Negotiable:** I cannot stress this enough – allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature before attempting to slice them. The filling needs time to set, and the crust and topping need to firm up. If you cut them warm, they will likely fall apart, even though the temptation to dig in is strong!
Common Questions About Cherry Pie Crumb Bars
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you master these delicious cherry crumb bars:
Absolutely! This recipe is quite forgiving, and you can certainly use frozen cherries. The key is to ensure they are fully thawed before mixing them with cornstarch and lemon juice. Once thawed, gently blot them with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial to prevent the filling from becoming too watery and ensuring it sets properly during baking.
Yes, you can easily double this recipe! If you’re baking for a larger crowd or simply want more of these delicious bars, double all the ingredients and bake them in a larger 13″ x 9″ pan. The baking time will also need to be adjusted, typically increasing to about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
They freeze beautifully! Once your Cherry Pie Crumb Bars have cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap (saran wrap) and then place them in an airtight freezer bag or container. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in a low oven for a fresh-baked taste.
Many readers have had success using gluten-free flour blends for this recipe. When substituting, make sure to use a high-quality, all-purpose gluten-free flour blend that is specifically designed for a 1:1 ratio replacement in baking. Different brands can yield varying results, so it’s best to use a product you are familiar with and trust for baked goods.
Leftover bars should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, especially if your kitchen is warm or if you used very ripe fruit. Bringing them to room temperature before serving will enhance their flavor and texture.
While fresh cherries offer the best flavor and texture, you can use canned cherry pie filling for a quicker shortcut. If using canned filling, omit the cornstarch and lemon juice called for in the recipe, as the canned filling is already sweetened and thickened. Be aware that the flavor profile will be different, likely sweeter and less tart than with fresh fruit.
Perfect Pairing and Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Pie Crumb Bars are delightful on their own, but they also lend themselves beautifully to various serving enhancements. For a classic touch, a dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and elegant presentation. To elevate them to a truly indulgent dessert, serve them warm with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast of the warm, fruity bars with cold, creamy toppings is simply divine. They’re also fantastic alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. For a brunch spread, arrange them on a platter with other pastries for a colorful and satisfying offering.
More Delicious Dessert Recipes to Try
If you’ve enjoyed these Cherry Pie Crumb Bars, you’re sure to love some of our other delightful dessert creations. Explore these recipes for more sweet inspiration:
- Easy Lemon Cake
- Easy Peach Cake
- Cherry Poke Cake Recipe
- Pineapple Coconut Crumb Bars Recipe
If you like this recipe and make it, let me know in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate it if you enjoyed it!
Cherry Pie Crumb Bars Recipe
Anna
Pin Recipe
10
23
33
Dessert
American
9 people
234 kcal
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted, cooled to room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted, each sliced in half
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375℉ (190°C).
- Line a square 8″ baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly butter the sides and bottom of the lined pan. Set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, gently stir together the pitted and halved cherries, cornstarch, and lemon juice until the cherries are evenly coated. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled melted butter and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the butter-sugar mixture. Stir everything with a fork until the mixture comes together and resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overmix.
- Reserve ¾ cup of this crumb mixture to use as the topping later.
- Press the remaining, larger portion of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared 8×8 inch baking pan to form a firm crust.
- Evenly spread the prepared cherry filling over the pressed crumb crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the cherry layer, covering it completely.
- Lightly sprinkle the additional 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar over the crumb topping. This will help create a beautiful golden crust.
- Bake the bars for 23 to 25 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly around the edges.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to lift out and slice. This is crucial for the bars to set and hold their shape.
Notes
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- This recipe yields 9 generous bars.
- Please note that the nutrition value can vary depending on the specific products and brands you use. The information provided below is an estimate. Always use a calorie counter you are familiar with for precise dietary information.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 33g |
Protein: 2g |
Fat: 10g |
Saturated Fat: 6g |
Cholesterol: 27mg |
Sodium: 136mg |
Potassium: 118mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 15g |
Vitamin A: 335IU |
Vitamin C: 2.8mg |
Calcium: 22mg |
Iron: 1.1mg
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