Cherry Pie Crumb Bars

Cherry Pie Crumb Bars are the ultimate combination of tart cherries and buttery, crumbly goodness, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving something sweet for an afternoon snack or looking for a dessert that’s sure to impress guests at your next gathering, these bars are exactly what you need. In this article, we’ll explore why Cherry Pie Crumb Bars should be your next baking project, how to make them from scratch, and some variations you can try to put your spin on this classic treat.

Why You’ll Love Cherry Pie Crumb Bars

You might be wondering why Cherry Pie Crumb Bars are so irresistible. There are a few reasons this dessert stands out among the crowd.

The Perfect Combination of Tart and Sweet

The combination of fresh or preserved cherries with a sweet, buttery crumble topping creates a perfect balance of flavors. The natural tartness of cherries is mellowed by the sugar and crumbly topping, which brings out the best in every bite.

Easy to Make

Unlike traditional pie that requires pie crust skills and time to prepare, these bars are much simpler. They are made with a straightforward shortbread-like crust that doubles as the topping and bottom layer. Plus, there’s no need to worry about crimping pie dough!

Versatile for Any Occasion

Cherry Pie Crumb Bars are versatile, making them a great option for any occasion. You can enjoy them as a quick snack, a dessert after dinner, or even take them to parties, picnics, or potlucks.

No Need for Special Tools

Making these bars doesn’t require special baking tools or equipment. You can easily prepare them using basic ingredients and a standard baking dish. This is especially convenient for those who may be new to baking.

Ingredients for Cherry Pie Crumb Bars

To make Cherry Pie Crumb Bars at home, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients. This simple recipe is perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (about 180g)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (about 200g)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (about 170g), softened
• 1 egg (lightly beaten)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 jar (about 12 oz) cherry preserves or pie filling (about 340g)
• ¼ cup rolled oats (about 20g)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for a citrusy touch)

Tips for Choosing the Right Ingredients:

• Cherry Filling: You can use either cherry preserves or homemade cherry pie filling. While canned pie filling is convenient, using fresh or frozen cherries that you cook down with sugar and a little cornstarch can provide a fresher taste.
• Butter: For best results, make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before mixing it into your dough. This ensures a smooth, even texture in your crust.
• Oats: Rolled oats are essential for the crumble topping. They add texture and a slight chewiness, which contrasts beautifully with the soft cherry filling.

How to Make Cherry Pie Crumb Bars

Making these Cherry Pie Crumb Bars is as easy as it sounds! Let’s break down the process into simple steps so you can recreate this delicious dessert at home.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Cherry Pie Crumb Bars bake evenly and become golden brown on top.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well. Then, cut the butter into small cubes and add it to the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix until the dough starts to come together. It should be thick but slightly sticky. Press half of the dough into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. This forms your base.

Step 3: Add the Cherry Filling

Spread your cherry preserves or pie filling evenly over the crust. If you’re using homemade filling, make sure it’s cooled before spreading. The cherry filling will be the star of the bars, so don’t be shy about adding a generous layer!

Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping

For the crumble topping, take the remaining dough and mix in the oats and lemon zest (if using). You can either crumble the dough with your hands or use a pastry cutter. Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the cherry filling.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Bake the Cherry Pie Crumb Bars in your preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on them toward the end to prevent overbaking.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once they are done, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. After cooling, cut them into squares or bars and serve. For extra flair, dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips for Perfect Cherry Pie Crumb Bars

• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough before pressing it into the pan. Chilled dough is less likely to spread too much and will help create a firmer crust.
• Use Fresh Cherries: If you’re feeling adventurous, use fresh cherries. Simply pit and chop them, cook with a little sugar and cornstarch to create a filling similar to pie filling.
• Make Ahead: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months, so feel free to bake in bulk and enjoy later.

Variations to Try

While Cherry Pie Crumb Bars are delicious as they are, there’s no harm in experimenting. Here are a few ways you can put your personal touch on this classic recipe:

Mixed Berry Crumb Bars

Instead of cherries, use a mixture of berries like raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries. These berries offer a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the crumb topping perfectly.

Almond Cherry Pie Crumb Bars

Add a little almond extract to the dough for an extra layer of flavor. You can also sprinkle sliced almonds over the topping for added crunch.

Vegan Cherry Pie Crumb Bars

For a vegan twist, swap out the butter for coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. Use a flax egg or chia seed egg as a replacement for the regular egg.

FAQ About Cherry Pie Crumb Bars

1. Can I use frozen cherries for these bars?

Yes, frozen cherries can be used in this recipe. Simply thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using them as your filling.

2. Can I make Cherry Pie Crumb Bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars gluten-free. Just be sure to check that your oats are certified gluten-free as well.

3. How do I store Cherry Pie Crumb Bars?

Store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.

4. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Cherry Pie Crumb Bars in advance. In fact, they taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.

Conclusion

Cherry Pie Crumb Bars are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and tart flavors, a buttery crumb topping, and a simple yet delicious treat. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or experiment with new twists, these bars are sure to become a family favorite.

Don’t wait! Grab your ingredients and start baking these Cherry Pie Crumb Bars today. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how much everyone enjoys them.

If you’ve tried this recipe or have your own variations to share, leave a comment below! I’d love to hear how you made this recipe your own.