Craving a sweet treat that’s both easy and delicious? Look no further! These Cherry Pie Crumble Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a warm, fruity dessert that your family and friends will love. Ready to dive into this easy recipe? Let’s gather our ingredients and get baking!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup cold unsalted butter
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Dry and Wet Mix Components
– ½ cup rolled oats
– ½ cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
To make cherry pie crumble bars, you need a mix of fresh or frozen cherries. I love using fresh cherries when they are in season. You will also need granulated sugar to sweeten the cherries. The butter gives the crust a rich flavor. Cold, unsalted butter works best for the crumb texture.
Next, all-purpose flour is key. It gives structure to the bars. Rolled oats add a nice chewiness. Brown sugar helps create a deeper flavor. Cornstarch thickens the cherry filling and keeps it from being too runny.
Baking powder helps the crumble rise a bit, while salt balances the sweetness. Fresh lemon juice brightens up the cherry flavor, and vanilla extract adds warmth. Each ingredient plays an important role in making these bars tasty and delightful.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
– In a bowl, combine 2 cups of pitted and halved cherries with 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch.
– Toss these ingredients until the cherries are fully coated. Set them aside. This helps the cherries release their juices.
Making the Crust
– In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of rolled oats, ½ cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
– Add ½ cup of cold, cubed butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dry mix.
– Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs.
– Reserve 1 cup of this crumb mixture for the topping.
– Press the rest firmly into the bottom of the baking dish to form a solid crust layer.
Assembling the Bars
– Evenly spread the cherry mixture over the crust. Make sure the cherries and juices are well distributed.
– Sprinkle the reserved crumb topping over the cherries, covering them in an even layer.
Baking Process
– Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden brown topping and bubbling cherry juices.
– Once done, remove the bars from the oven. Let them cool completely in the dish. This cooling step helps the bars to set up properly.
– After cooling, cut into bars of your desired size. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Texture
To get the right crumb texture, use cold butter. Cold butter mixes well and gives a nice crumb. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until you see coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overmix. This can lead to a tough texture.
To prevent a soggy bottom, make sure to press the crust firmly. This helps it hold its shape. Also, bake the crust for a few minutes before adding the cherries. This step helps set the crust and keeps it crisp.
Flavor Enhancements
You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the cherry filling. Just a pinch can boost the flavor. Consider adding almond extract for a unique twist. It pairs well with cherries.
Try using other fruits, too. Peaches, blueberries, or apples can create different flavor profiles. Mixing fruits can also add more depth to the bars.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cherry pie crumble bars warm or at room temperature. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a nice touch. For a special treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The creaminess pairs perfectly with the tart cherries. You can also serve them with whipped cream for extra sweetness.
Variations
Fruit Alternatives
You can use many fruits for your crumble bars. Blueberries, peaches, or apples make great choices. Just swap out the cherries for your favorite fruit. If you want a fun twist, mix different fruits together. Combine strawberries and raspberries for a berry blast. Use peaches and blackberries for a summer delight. The options are endless, and each fruit brings its own special taste.
Dietary Adjustments
If you’re gluten-free, you can still enjoy these bars. Use almond flour or oat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Both will work well in this recipe. For those who want a vegan option, replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. You can also use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar. These swaps keep the dessert delicious while fitting your diet. Enjoy the bars without worry!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your cherry pie crumble bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can keep them on the counter for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, put them in the fridge. They will last about a week that way. For long-term storage, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Tips
To reheat your cherry pie crumble bars, the best method is the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. This will restore their crisp topping and warm the cherry filling. If you like them cold, you can enjoy them straight from the fridge. For a special treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This adds a creamy touch that pairs well with the tart cherries.
FAQs
How to know when cherry pie crumble bars are done?
You can tell the cherry pie crumble bars are done by looking for a few signs. First, the topping should be golden brown. Second, the cherry juices should be bubbling around the edges. Lastly, a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. If you see these signs, your bars are ready to come out of the oven!
Can I make the cherry filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cherry filling ahead of time. Just mix the pitted cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch as the recipe states. After mixing, store the filling in the fridge. It will keep for a day or two. This saves time when you are ready to bake!
What can I substitute for fresh cherries?
If you don’t have fresh cherries, you can use frozen or canned ones. For frozen cherries, just thaw them and drain any excess juice. For canned cherries, drain them well and rinse if desired. Both options work great in this recipe and still taste amazing!
How should I cut the bars for serving?
To cut the bars evenly, let them cool completely in the dish. Use a sharp knife to slice them into squares or rectangles. If you want uniform pieces, you can mark the cuts lightly before you slice. This will help you make sure they are all the same size!
You learned how to make delicious cherry pie crumble bars through simple steps. We covered the key ingredients, prepping the crust, and creating the filling. I shared tips for perfect texture and flavor enhancements, along with ways to store and serve your bars.
These treats are fun to make and enjoy. Try different fruits or dietary options to mix things up. With this guide, baking will be easy and enjoyable. Dive into your kitchen and create your own batch today!
