Cherry Crumb Bars

Cherry crumb bars have always held a special place in my heart. The combination of tart cherries and a buttery crumb topping creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a sweet ending to your day, these bars never disappoint.

Tools You Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the essential tools:

• Baking Pan: A 9×13-inch pan works best for achieving the right thickness.
• Mixing Bowls: At least two, for separating wet and dry ingredients.
• Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer will help achieve a smooth batter.
• Spatula: For scraping down the sides of bowls and spreading the batter evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key in baking.
• Parchment Paper: Lining the pan makes for easy removal and cleanup.

Ingredients

For the crust and topping:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cherry filling:

• 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

How To Make This Recipe

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Crust and Topping:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
   • Add the cold butter pieces to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Stir in the beaten egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is moistened and crumbly.
   • Press half of this mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form the crust.
3. Prepare the Cherry Filling:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly, approximately 10 minutes.
   • Remove from heat and stir in the almond extract.
   • Allow the filling to cool for a few minutes before spreading it evenly over the crust in the pan.
4. Add the Topping:
   • Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the cherry filling, ensuring it covers the surface evenly.
5. Bake:
   • Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
   • Once done, remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
6. Slice and Serve:
   • Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
   • Place on a cutting board and slice into squares or rectangles as desired.

Expert Tips

• Butter Consistency: Using cold butter is crucial for achieving a crumbly texture. If the butter softens too much, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
• Cherry Options: Both fresh and frozen cherries work well. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them before cooking.
• Preventing Sogginess: Allow the cherry filling to cool slightly before adding it to the crust to prevent the base from becoming soggy.
• Flavor Boost: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm spice note to the crumb mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
   • Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. Try blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of berries for a delightful twist.
2. How do I store leftover bars?
   • Place them in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to two days. For extended freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week.
3. Can I freeze cherry crumb bars?
   • Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
4. Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
   • Certainly! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose baking mix. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
5. What if I don’t have almond extract?
   • You can omit it or replace it with an equal amount of vanilla extract for a slightly different, yet delicious flavor.

Ways to Serve

• A la Mode: Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic treat.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy touch.
• Breakfast Delight: Enjoy a bar with your morning coffee or tea for a sweet start to your day.
• Festive Touch: Drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for added sweetness and presentation.

Storage Tips

To keep your cherry crumb bars fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Once the bars have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to two days. For extended freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you plan to keep them longer, freezing is an excellent option.

Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply thaw it at room temperature.

Conclusion

Baking cherry crumb bars is a delightful way to enjoy the sweet-tart flavor of cherries combined with a buttery crumb topping. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or savoring a piece with your morning coffee, these bars are sure to please.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible to bakers of all levels. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these cherry crumb bars as much as I do.

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