If you’re craving a dessert that’s part pie, part cookie, and 100% delicious, these Cherry Crumble Bars are exactly what you need. With a buttery base, jammy cherry filling, and golden crumble topping, they offer the perfect mix of textures and flavors. This easy recipe is perfect for seasonal cherries, but works great with frozen ones too. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, bake sale, or just a cozy treat at home, these cherry crumble bars will become a go-to favorite.
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Why These Cherry Crumble Bars Are a Must-Try
These cherry crumble bars are simple to prepare yet taste like they came straight from a bakery. The base is sturdy enough to pick up by hand, while the filling is sweet, gooey, and full of fresh cherry flavor. They’re great for sharing and ideal for make-ahead dessert plans. Plus, with just a handful of pantry staples and some fresh or frozen cherries, you’re always a few steps away from a delicious homemade treat.
Cherry Crumble Bar Ingredients and Their Purpose
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and forms the base and crumble topping
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the dough and cherry filling
• Unsalted butter (chilled): Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb and crisp topping
• Egg: Binds the ingredients and improves the texture of the base
• Milk: Adds moisture for better dough consistency
• Baking powder: Leavens the base slightly for a light, soft bite
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor
• Fresh cherries: The star of the recipe, offering tart-sweet juiciness
• Cornstarch: Thickens the cherry layer without clouding it
Ingredient Swaps and Dietary Adaptations
If you’re missing an ingredient or need to adjust for dietary needs, try these smart substitutions:
• Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour
• Whole wheat flour: Offers a heartier texture and nutty flavor
• Frozen cherries: Thaw and drain well before using to prevent excess moisture
• Other fruits: Blueberries, blackberries, or chopped strawberries work beautifully
• Cornstarch alternatives: Use arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour (3 tbsp instead of 2)
• Dairy-free option: Substitute butter with cold coconut oil or plant-based butter
• Milk alternatives: Oat, almond, soy, or even water in a pinch
How to Make Cherry Crumble Bars
- Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang for easy removal. Spray the sides with nonstick spray. - Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Grate the chilled butter into the dry mix, then blend with your hands until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and milk; mix until cohesive. - Form the Base
Press about two-thirds of the dough firmly into the bottom of the baking dish, ensuring even coverage to form a solid crust. - Prepare the Cherry Filling
Lightly mash pitted cherries to a chunky consistency. Drain any excess juice through a fine mesh strainer. Mix with sugar and cornstarch until fully combined. - Assemble the Bars
Evenly spread the cherry mixture over the crust. Crumble the remaining dough over the top to create the classic crumble bar texture. - Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 32–36 minutes, or until the top is golden and edges are set. - Cool Completely
Allow bars to cool fully in the pan — at least 2 hours — before slicing. This helps the filling set for clean, non-messy cuts.
Expert Tips for the Best Cherry Crumble Bars
• Use cold butter: Room temperature butter will ruin the crumb texture and make it greasy.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overworking it can lead to dense, chewy results.
• Drain cherry filling well: Too much moisture = soggy bars.
• Cool before cutting: This helps bars firm up and slice cleanly.
• Speed up cooling: Pop the pan into the fridge for faster results.
Serving Ideas and Flavor Variations
These cherry crumble bars are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving and pairing:
• Classic à la mode: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a pie-inspired dessert
• Afternoon snack: Pair with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate
• Fancy touch: Top with whipped cream or a drizzle of vanilla glaze
• Fruit swaps: Try mixed berries, rhubarb, or apricots for seasonal variety
• Add-ins: A sprinkle of slivered almonds or oats in the crumble for extra crunch
• Gluten-free cherry bars: Use a certified gluten-free flour blend
• Vegan-friendly: Substitute egg with a flax egg and use plant-based butter/milk
Cherry Picking Tips for the Best Bars
To get the best flavor and texture in your cherry crumble bars, start with top-quality cherries:
• Look for firm, glossy cherries with bright green stems
• Avoid soft spots or blemishes
• Use a cherry pitter to speed up prep and avoid stained fingers
• Bing cherries are most common and reliable for baking
Frozen cherries are a great alternative when fresh isn’t in season. Just remember to thaw and drain them to avoid watery bars.
How to Store and Freeze Cherry Crumble Bars
• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days
• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, with parchment between layers
• Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic or parchment, then place in a freezer-safe container. Store for up to 3 months
• To Thaw: Move to the fridge overnight or microwave for 10–15 seconds for a quick treat
These cherry crumble bars are freezer-friendly, which makes them ideal for meal prep or holiday baking sprees.
Enjoy the irresistible flavor of homemade Cherry Crumble Bars — the sweet treat that blends the comfort of pie with the convenience of cookies. Easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for sharing, they’re everything a great dessert should be.
Wrapping It All Up: Why Cherry Crumble Bars Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Box
Cherry Crumble Bars are more than just a dessert — they’re a versatile, delicious treat that bridges the gap between rustic comfort and elegant simplicity. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, attending a potluck, or just craving something sweet, these bars deliver on taste, texture, and ease of preparation.
With just a few pantry staples and your favorite fresh or frozen cherries, you can create a crowd-pleasing dessert that keeps well, travels easily, and tastes just as amazing the next day. Once you try them, you’ll keep coming back to this go-to cherry crumble bar recipe time and time again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Crumble Bars
1. Can I use canned cherry pie filling instead of fresh cherries?
Yes, you can use canned cherry pie filling in a pinch. However, fresh or frozen cherries give you a more natural, less processed flavor. If you use pie filling, reduce the added sugar and skip the cornstarch, as the filling is already thickened and sweetened.
2. How do I keep the bottom crust from becoming soggy?
Make sure to drain the cherry filling well, especially if you’re using frozen or very juicy cherries. Also, baking the bars until the edges are golden brown helps create a firm, cooked-through base. Allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting helps everything set properly.
3. Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely! Simply double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. The baking time may need to be adjusted slightly—add about 5–8 minutes and check for doneness at the edges and top.
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Cherry Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 56 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cherry Crumble Bars are the perfect balance of a buttery cookie base, sweet cherry filling, and a golden crumb topping. Easy to make with fresh or frozen cherries, they’re ideal for picnics, snacks, or make-ahead desserts. The contrasting textures and rich flavors make them a delightful treat for any occasion.
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 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 1/4 cups fresh pitted cherries
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar (for the filling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang on each side. Spray the sides with nonstick spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Grate the cold butter into the dry mixture, then use your hands to mix until crumbly.
- Add the egg and milk to the bowl and mix until a cohesive dough forms.
- Press two-thirds of the dough into the prepared baking dish to form the base crust.
- In a separate bowl, lightly mash the cherries. Strain excess liquid through a mesh strainer. Mix in the cornstarch and 3 tbsp sugar until fully combined.
- Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the crust layer in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining dough evenly over the cherry layer to form a crumble topping.
- Bake for 32–36 minutes, until the top and edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. For faster results, place the pan in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Always use cold butter for the best crumb texture.
- Frozen cherries can be used; thaw and drain them first.
- Let bars cool fully before cutting to ensure clean slices.
- You can double the recipe and bake in a 9×13 pan for a larger batch.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 36 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 125
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
