Cherry Pie Crumb Bars

introduction

As I bit into one of the Cherry Pie Crumb Bars fresh out of the oven, the sweet and tart flavor of the cherries burst in my mouth, reminding me of lazy summer days spent picking fruit from the orchard. Moments like these connect us to the joys of baking and sharing treats with loved ones. This recipe matters because it’s simple yet satisfying, allowing you to enjoy the deliciousness of cherry pie in a new way. Each bite is a blend of crumbly texture and fruity sweetness that makes it special. I love sharing these bars at gatherings, where they always disappear quickly!

why make this recipe

Cherry Pie Crumb Bars are a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dessert with a simpler preparation. You can easily make these bars in just a few steps, and they are perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or just a sweet treat for yourself. The combination of cherries and buttery crumbs hits that sweet spot, offering comfort and nostalgia in every bite. Plus, they are a wonderful way to highlight the amazing flavor of fresh cherries whenever they are in season!

how to make Cherry Pie Crumb Bars

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, mix the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until crumbly.
4. Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
5. Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust.
6. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the cherries.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
8. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.

how to serve Cherry Pie Crumb Bars

Serve Cherry Pie Crumb Bars at room temperature or slightly warmed. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. You can also serve them with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.

how to store Cherry Pie Crumb Bars

To store Cherry Pie Crumb Bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

tips to make Cherry Pie Crumb Bars

• Be sure to pit the cherries carefully to avoid any hard bits.
• You can adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the cherries if you prefer a less sweet filling.
• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumb mixture.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting them for the best texture.

variation

If you want to mix things up, you can use other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches instead of cherries. You can also experiment by adding chopped nuts or coconut to the crumb mixture for added crunch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing.

How can I tell when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the topping is golden brown, and you can see the bubbling cherry filling.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make them a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. They often taste even better after the flavors have had time to meld.

Cherry Pie Crumb Bars

Enjoy the deliciousness of cherry pie in these easy-to-make crumb bars, perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 9 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cherry Filling

• 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crust and Topping

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, mix the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until crumbly.
4. Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
5. Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust.
6. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the cherries.

Baking

1. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
2. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.

Notes

Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Can be frozen for up to three months.