Cherry Crumb Bars
These cherry crumb bars feature a buttery crumb base topped with juicy cherries and a crispy streusel lid, perfect for gatherings or as a treat.
Ingredients
Crumb Base and Topping
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature Use salted if preferred and reduce added salt.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour For gluten-free, replace with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Cherry Filling
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and chopped Substitute frozen, thawed and drained if needed.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar Light or dark both work.
- 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice Fresh is best.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix just until combined to form a soft, slightly sandy dough.
Assembling the Bars
- Reserve about one-third of the dough. Press the remaining two-thirds firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
- In another bowl, toss the chopped cherries with brown sugar, alcohol-free vanilla extract, and lemon juice until well coated.
- Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the crust.
- Crumble the reserved dough over the cherry layer for a rustic topping.
Baking
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and cherry filling is bubbling slightly.
- Cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. Serve cold or with a scoop of ice cream.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze individually wrapped for up to 3 months. Reheat at 325°F for 5–8 minutes for a just-baked feel.