Quick Cherry Crumble Bars are a taste of summer, bottled in the form of a delicious, easy to make dessert. We’ve been making these quick cherry crumble bars for our families for years, and they’re always a hit! There’s something so comforting about the combination of sweet cherries and a buttery, crumbly topping. Think of them as individual cherry pies…but way faster.
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These bars are inspired by our childhoods in Italy, where fresh fruit desserts were a staple. Every summer, our Nonna would bake a different fruit crumble, depending on what was in season. We loved cherry season the best. We’re so excited to share our take on this classic treat with you and hope your family loves these Quick Cherry Crumble Bars as much as ours does.
Why You Will Love This Quick Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
There’s so much to love about this quick cherry crumble bars recipe. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s absolutely delicious. The sweet cherry filling combined with the crumbly, buttery topping is a match made in heaven. Trust us, your family will be begging for more.
We especially love how simple this recipe is. No need to be an expert baker! Even if you’re new to baking, you can easily whip up a batch of these bars. They are perfect for a quick dessert to bring to a potluck or to enjoy on a cozy night in. The aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is simply divine!
Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious and easy recipes! You might also enjoy our recipe for Maraschino Cherry Cookies 2 – another family favorite!
Ingredients Needed for This Quick Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to bake these delightful bars. Make sure to gather them all before you begin!
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cherry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted sweet cherries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
How to Make This Quick Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Follow these easy steps to create the best homemade fruit bars you’ve ever tasted.
- 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- 2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt for the crumble topping.
- 3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- 4. In a separate bowl, prepare the cherry filling. Combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract (if using).
- 5. Press half of the crumble mixture into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- 6. Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust.
- 7. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the cherry filling.
- 8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly.
- 9. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. This allows the filling to set and prevents a gooey mess.
Try serving these cherry crumble dessert bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! And for a truly indulgent treat, why not whip up some Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs for your next dessert spread?
How to Serve This Quick Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
These bars are delicious served warm or at room temperature. Dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
- Serving Tips: Cut into squares or rectangles for serving.
- Pairing Ideas: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A warm cup of coffee or tea complements the flavors perfectly
- Topping Recommendations: A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate adds a sweet finishing touch.
- Plating Ideas: Arrange the bars on a platter and garnish with fresh cherries for a beautiful presentation.
How to Store This Quick Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Proper storage ensures your sweet cherry bars stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
- Refrigeration Instructions: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Guidelines: To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let them thaw completely at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating Tips: Reheat individual bars in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Shelf Life Information: At room temperature, these bars are best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days.
You can even blend one of these bars into our Cherry Cheesecake Smoothie for an extra special treat!
Tips to Make This Quick Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Here are some tips from our kitchens to help you bake the perfect easy cherry dessert!
- Ingredient Swaps: You can substitute other fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches, for the cherries. If you don’t have almond extract, vanilla extract works just as well.
- Success Tips: Use cold butter for the crumble topping to ensure a crumbly texture. Don’t overmix the dough, as this can result in a tough crust.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Be careful not to overbake the bars, as this can dry them out. Cool completely before cutting to prevent the filling from running.
- Pro Tips for Best Results: For a richer flavor, try using brown sugar in the crumble topping. Adding a pinch of cinnamon to the cherry filling enhances the overall taste.
Helpful Notes for This Quick Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
A few extra details to guarantee the perfect execution of these quick cherry crumble bars recipe!
- Extra Clarifications: If using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw them and drain off any excess liquid before adding them to the filling.
- Ingredient Details: Using high-quality butter can significantly improve the flavor of the crumble topping.
- Equipment Recommendations: A pastry blender or food processor can make quick work of cutting the butter into the flour for the crumble topping.
Variation of This Quick Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Want to mix things up? Try these delightful variations on our quick cherry crumble bars!
- Seasonal Twists: In the fall, use apples or pears instead of cherries. In the summer, try peaches or berries.
- Optional Versions: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the crumble topping for added crunch.
- Creative Modifications: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for a decadent treat.
How do you keep crumble topping from getting soggy?
To prevent a soggy crumble topping, ensure the fruit filling isn’t too watery. You can thicken it slightly with cornstarch or a similar agent. Also, baking at the right temperature ensures proper browning and prevents moisture buildup.
Can I use frozen cherries for cherry crumble bars?
Yes, frozen cherries work perfectly well in cherry crumble bars. Be sure to thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe to avoid a soggy bottom crust.
How long do cherry crumble bars last?
Cherry crumble bars typically last for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, they can be refrigerated for up to a week, though the crumble may soften slightly.
What’s the best way to serve cherry crumble bars?
Cherry crumble bars are delicious served warm or at room temperature. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy making these delicious Quick Cherry Crumble Bars as much as we do! They’re the perfect dessert for any occasion and a guaranteed crowd pleaser. With their sweet cherry filling and crumbly topping, they are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s faces. Give them a try and let us know what you think. Buon appetito!
Quick Cherry Crumble Bars: The Easiest Cherry Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Description
Buttery, crumbly Quick Cherry Crumble Bars filled with sweet cherries. A delicious and easy dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For the Cherry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted sweet cherries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- 2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt for the crumble topping.
- 3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- 4. In a separate bowl, prepare the cherry filling. Combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract (if using).
- 5. Press half of the crumble mixture into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- 6. Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust.
- 7. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the cherry filling.
- 8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly.
- 9. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. This allows the filling to set and prevents a gooey mess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cherry crumble, cherry bars, dessert bars, fruit bars, easy dessert
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