Sweet Cherry Crumble Bars
Introduction
When you want a dessert that’s bursting with juicy fruit flavor but easy enough to make for any occasion, these Sweet Cherry Crumble Bars hit the mark. With a buttery, crumbly base and topping that sandwich a vibrant cherry filling, they’re the ultimate combo of sweet, tart, and satisfying. These bars are great for everything from summer picnics to after-dinner treats and are guaranteed to impress any guest with their classic taste—no special equipment needed!
Why Sweet Cherry Crumble Bars Are a Must-Try
Sweet Cherry Crumble Bars set themselves apart by celebrating the juicy, bold flavor of cherries without being overly sweet. The tender crumb topping complements the luscious fruit layer perfectly, making each bite a harmonious balance between buttery crust and tangy-sweet filling. They’re easy to transport, easy to cut, and totally crowd-pleasing—ideal for potlucks, BBQs, or just a simple treat at home.
Creating the Cherry Filling
The heart of this recipe is the cherry layer. Start with fresh or frozen sweet cherries; if using frozen, let them thaw first and drain any excess liquid for the best texture. A touch of sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice thickens the fruit and brightens the flavor, highlighting the natural sweetness. For an extra punch of flavor, a splash of almond extract works wonders with cherries. Let the filling rest for a few minutes after combining to let the flavors meld and thicken beautifully before adding to your crust.
Building Layered Perfection
Begin with a buttery dough that serves double duty: most becomes the base, while a portion is reserved for the crumbly topping. Press the base into your baking pan, spread with the flavorful cherry filling, then scatter the remaining crumb mixture on top. Bake until golden and bubbling. Allow to cool completely before slicing for neat, bakery-worthy bars.
Serving Suggestions for Sweet Cherry Crumble Bars
Serve your bars with a dusting of powdered sugar for a classic finish or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for pure decadence. For picnics, cut the bars into small squares for easy sharing. They’re just as delicious chilled as they are at room temperature, and pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a tall glass of cold milk.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields about 16 delectable crumble bars. Each serving typically ranges from 180 to 220 calories, depending on portion size and added toppings. Enjoy them as an occasional sweet treat—rich in fruity flavor and made with simple ingredients.
Sweet Cherry Crumble Bars (Recap)
With their irresistible combination of a crisp, buttery crust and a zingy cherry center, these bars deliver bold, sweet-tart flavor every time. Their ease and adaptability make them a favorite for busy weeks or special events—just bake, slice, and share!
Ingredients
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Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and both sugars.
- Add melted butter and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until a crumbly, moist mixture forms.
- Reserve 3/4 cup of the crumble mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- For the filling: In another bowl, toss the cherries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract (if using) until well combined. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Spread the cherry filling evenly over the pressed crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the cherry layer.
- Bake for 38–42 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cherry filling is bubbling.
- Cool completely in the pan. Lift out using the parchment paper, then slice into bars and serve.
Weekly Meal Planning
Sweet Cherry Crumble Bars are also a perfect candidate for weekly meal planning and dessert prep. Save and schedule this recipe with CookifyAI to organize your menus and generate smart shopping lists that consolidate all your ingredients in one spot.
Planning Benefits:
– Automatically calculates exact quantities of all ingredients across multiple recipes.
– Organizes shopping lists by grocery store aisle for fast in-and-out shopping.
– Reduces food waste by preventing duplicate purchases and missed ingredients.
– Makes prepping desserts and meals for the week streamlined and stress-free.
Pro tip: When scheduling Sweet Cherry Crumble Bars alongside other meals, use CookifyAI to avoid overbuying—if you need flour for this recipe and another, your list will show exactly how much to get!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (plus cooling time)
