Introduction

These Quick Cherry Crumble Bars are a delightful treat combining a buttery crust with a sweet and tangy cherry filling. Perfect for a simple dessert or afternoon snack, they come together quickly and bake into golden, crumbly perfection.

A close-up of a dessert bar with three visible layers on a white plate, placed on a beige cloth over a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a golden-brown crumbly crust, firm and slightly dense. The middle layer is a dark red, glossy fruit filling that looks thick and sticky, slightly oozing into the crust below. The top layer is a light golden crumb topping, coarse and irregular in texture, covering the fruit layer unevenly. A silver fork is resting near the bottom left on the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups plain white flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chilled butter
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons milk
2 1/4 cups cherries, pitted and fresh
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cornflour

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a square 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang on each side for easy removal. Spray the sides with nonstick spray and set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Grate the chilled butter directly into the bowl. Using your hands, mix until the butter is evenly distributed and resembles small pebbles. Add the beaten egg and milk, stirring until combined into a cohesive dough.
Step 3: Take two-thirds of the dough and press it firmly into the prepared baking dish to form an even crust across the bottom.
Step 4: Mash the cherries with a potato masher or fork until slightly chunky. Strain through a fine mesh to remove excess liquid, then return cherries to the bowl. Stir in sugar and cornflour until fully combined.
Step 5: Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining dough evenly over the cherry layer to create the crumble topping. Bake in the preheated oven for 32 to 36 minutes until the top and edges are golden brown.
Step 6: Let the bars cool completely in the pan at room temperature or refrigerate to speed cooling. Once cooled, lift out using the parchment overhang and slice into bars to serve.

Tips & Variations

Substitute frozen cherries if fresh are not in season, just thaw and drain well to avoid a soggy crust.
For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cherry filling.
Use butter-flavored or regular cooking spray to thoroughly grease the baking dish for easy removal.
Try mixing in chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts into the crumble topping for added texture.

Storage

Store the cherry crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly in the oven or microwave if you prefer them warm. These bars also freeze well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a square slice of crumb-topped fruit bar on a white plate with a silver fork beside it. The bar has three layers: the bottom layer is a dense, light golden crust; the middle layer is a thick, glossy, deep red fruit filling with a slightly sticky texture; the top layer is a thick, crumbly, pale beige streusel topping with a rough texture. The plate is placed on a neutral beige cloth on a white marbled surface, and the background is softly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned cherries. Be sure to drain them well and consider reducing the added sugar slightly since canned cherries can be sweeter. Straining excess liquid remains important to keep the crust from becoming soggy.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the edges and top of the crumble are lightly golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling slightly around the edges. If needed, you can test the crust by gently pressing on the top crumbs to see if they feel set.