Name: Sweet Cherry Crumble Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the crust and crumble: 2½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; For the cherry filling: 2 cups cherry pie filling or sweet cherries, pitted; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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I love making these Sweet Cherry Crumble Bars when I want a dessert that’s comforting, buttery, and packed with fruity flavor. The soft cherry filling layered between a tender crust and a golden crumble topping makes these bars feel cozy, nostalgic, and incredibly satisfying.

I enjoy how they’re easy to slice, easy to share, and perfect for everything from casual treats to special gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s simple yet feels homemade and special. I enjoy the balance between the sweet-tart cherries and the buttery crumble, and I love that one dough mixture works for both the base and the topping. These bars are sturdy, delicious, and always a hit. Sweet Cherry Crumble Bars

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust and crumble
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cherry filling
2 cups cherry pie filling or sweet cherries, pitted
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking pan with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, I mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. I cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks crumbly. I stir in the egg and vanilla until a soft dough forms.

I press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.

In another bowl, I mix the cherries with cornstarch and lemon juice. I spread the cherry mixture evenly over the crust.

I crumble the remaining dough over the cherry layer, covering it loosely.

I bake the bars for about 35–40 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbly. I let them cool completely before slicing.

Servings And Timing

This recipe makes about 12 bars.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap cherries for blueberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry filling. When I want extra warmth, I add a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract to the dough. I also enjoy sprinkling sliced almonds over the crumble topping.

Storage/Reheating

I store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When I want them warm, I heat them briefly in the microwave. Sweet Cherry Crumble Bars

FAQs

Can I use fresh or frozen cherries?

I use both, just making sure to pit them and adjust cornstarch if they’re very juicy.

Do these bars need to be refrigerated?

I don’t refrigerate them unless my kitchen is warm, but they last longer chilled.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

I often make them a day ahead because they slice better once fully cooled.

Can I freeze cherry crumble bars?

I freeze them once cooled, wrapped tightly, for up to 2 months.

Why is my crumble topping soft?

I make sure the butter is cold and avoid overmixing for a crumbly texture.

Conclusion

I keep coming back to these Sweet Cherry Crumble Bars because they’re buttery, fruity, and easy to make. They’re the kind of dessert that feels comforting and familiar, and I love how every bite delivers soft cherry filling with a golden, crumbly finish.

Sweet Cherry Crumble Bars

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Author: lina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 12 bars
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Sweet Cherry Crumble Bars are a buttery, fruity dessert with a soft cherry filling layered between a tender crust and golden crumble topping. Perfect for sharing, they’re easy to make and packed with nostalgic flavor.

Ingredients

For the crust and crumble:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cherry filling:
- 2 cups cherry pie filling or sweet cherries, pitted
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Press about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
In a separate bowl, mix the cherries with cornstarch and lemon juice.
Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the crust.
Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the cherry layer.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
Cool completely before slicing into bars.