Cherry Crumb Bars

a stack of 3 dessert bars filled with cherries

5 from 4 votes

These Cherry Crumb Bars may just be the best way to use fresh cherries! Made with a buttery crust and crumb topping, then filled with a sweet cherry middle, these bars are easy to make and so delicious!

Prep Time15

Cook Time35

Total Time50

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cherry bars, cherry crumb bars, crumb bars

Servings: bars

Author: Erin Alvarez

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter cold
1 egg whisked
2 tbsp milk any kind

for the cherry filling:

2 1/4 cups fresh cherries pitted
3 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375° and line a square 8x8 or 9x9 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a 1" overhang and spray the sides with nonstick spray; set aside.
In a large bowl, stir the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together. Then, grate the butter directly into the bowl, then use your hands to combine until the butter resembles small pebbles. Last, pour in the egg and milk and stir to combine. The dough should hold together when you pinch it.
Place 2/3 of the dry mixture into the baking dish, using your hands to press it down.
Next, use a potato masher or a fork to mash the cherries in a medium bowl. It's ok if they're still chunky, but you don't want any whole cherries. Pour the cherries through a fine mesh strainer to remove any liquid, then place the cherries back into the original bowl and stir in the sugar and cornstarch.
Scoop the cherry mixture on top of the crust, then sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture overtop.
Place the pan in the oven and bake the bars for 32-36 minutes until the edges and tops are slightly golden brown.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan at room temperature or in the refrigerator (the refrigerator will speed this up). Slice and enjoy!

Video

Notes

*Calories are per bar and are an estimation

Nutrition