Sweet Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe Easy Dessert for Any Occasion

The moment you bite into these sweet cherry crumble bars, you’ll understand why they’re my go-to dessert for just about any occasion. With their buttery crust, juicy cherry filling, and crumbly topping, they strike the perfect balance between indulgent and refreshing. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, attending a holiday potluck, or simply craving something sweet on a quiet afternoon, these cherry bars are guaranteed to satisfy.

This recipe came to life during cherry season one summer when my kitchen was overflowing with fresh cherries. I wanted something that was easy to make, didn’t require a ton of prep, and showcased the natural sweetness of the fruit. After a few test batches (and some very willing taste-testers!), these bars quickly became a family favorite. Trust me, you’ll want to add these to your dessert rotation ASAP.

Even if fresh cherries aren’t in season, you can use frozen ones, making this recipe adaptable year-round. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to whip up, and no fancy equipment is required. Let’s dive in and make these irresistible sweet cherry crumble bars!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy or hard to find—just pantry staples and cherries.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for brunches, picnics, birthday parties, or even a midweek treat.
• Customizable: Swap cherries for other fruits, or tweak the crumble to your liking.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars store beautifully, so you can prepare them in advance.
• Incredible Flavor: The combination of sweet cherries and buttery crumble is nothing short of magical.

What sets this recipe apart is how easy it is to prepare without sacrificing flavor. The crust and crumble are made from the same dough, saving you time and effort. The cherry filling is naturally sweet and slightly tart, creating the perfect contrast to the buttery layers. Plus, the golden-brown topping makes these bars look as good as they taste!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully for a dessert everyone will love. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the crust and crumble. You can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to both the crust and the filling.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a deeper, caramel-like flavor for the crumble topping.
• Unsalted Butter: Cold and cubed, it creates a tender, buttery texture.
• Fresh or Frozen Cherries: Pitted and halved. Frozen cherries work just as well if fresh ones aren’t available.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the cherry filling so it’s not runny.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Balances the sweetness of the cherries with a hint of tartness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the filling.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

That’s it! Simple, right? With these ingredients, you’re on your way to creating the most delicious sweet cherry crumble bars.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining the crust, crumble, and filling.
• Pastry Cutter or Fork: To cut the butter into the dry ingredients for the crust and crumble.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: The perfect size for this recipe.
• Parchment Paper: Makes removing and slicing the bars so much easier.
• Spatula or Spoon: For spreading the filling evenly.

If you don’t have a pastry cutter, no worries—a couple of forks or even your hands will work in a pinch. Just make sure the butter stays cold for the best texture.

Preparation Method

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Make the Crust and Crumble: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups (310g) of all-purpose flour, 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Cut in 1 cup (226g) of cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the Crust: Take about two-thirds of the mixture and press it evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until slightly golden. Set aside to cool.
4. Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 4 cups (600g) of cherries, 2 tablespoons (16g) of cornstarch, 2 tablespoons (30ml) of lemon juice, and ½ cup (100g) of granulated sugar. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and let it cool slightly.
5. Assemble the Bars: Spread the cherry filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top, ensuring it covers the cherries evenly.
6. Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling.
7. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.

These bars are best enjoyed slightly warm, but they’re just as delicious at room temperature or chilled!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Keep the Butter Cold: Cold butter is key to achieving a tender, crumbly texture. If it starts to soften, pop the mixture in the fridge for a few minutes.
• Use a Cherry Pitter: If you’re using fresh cherries, a cherry pitter will save you tons of time (and messy hands!).
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the topping—once it’s golden brown, it’s ready. Overbaking can dry out the bars.
• Let Them Cool Completely: Cooling the bars fully ensures they hold their shape when sliced.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix for a celiac-friendly version.

Variations & Adaptations

• Different Fruits: Swap cherries for blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples for a seasonal twist.
• Nutty Crumble: Add chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter to make this recipe dairy-free.
• Zesty Upgrade: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the crust for a citrusy kick.
• Extra Sweetness: Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bars.

I’ve tried the blueberry variation myself, and let me tell you—it’s just as delightful as the cherry version!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These sweet cherry crumble bars are incredibly versatile. Serve them as-is, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat. They’re perfect for dessert, but I’ve also been known to sneak one with my morning coffee!

To store, place the bars in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each bar is approximately 250 calories, with 12g of fat, 35g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein. Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, making these bars a slightly healthier indulgence. Plus, you can feel good knowing they’re made with real fruit and no artificial ingredients.

Conclusion

There you have it—sweet cherry crumble bars that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just love a good dessert, these bars are sure to become a favorite. I can’t wait for you to try them!

If you make this recipe, let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Snap a photo and tag me on social media—I’d love to see your creations!

Baking is all about sharing, so don’t forget to pass this recipe along to friends and family. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use canned cherry pie filling instead of fresh cherries?

Yes, you can! Just skip the step for cooking the filling and use the canned filling as-is.

What’s the best way to pit cherries?

A cherry pitter is the easiest tool, but you can also use a sturdy straw or even a chopstick in a pinch.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.

How do I prevent the crumble topping from burning?

If the topping is browning too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a larger pan, like a 12×18-inch sheet pan, and adjust the baking time as needed.

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