Oh, let me tell you about my all-time favorite treat—Cherry Crumb Bars! Picture this: a buttery, crumbly, sweet crust, generous layers of tart cherries, and a sprinkle of sugar for that extra delight. Every bite takes me back to summer picnics and family reunions when the cherry trees were bursting with ripe, juicy fruit. Honestly, if you can make it through the baking process without snagging a cherry or two, you deserve a medal!
The best part? These bars are as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday afternoon or you’re gearing up for a potluck, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser. So, grab your apron and let’s get to it!
What’s in Cherry Crumb Bars?
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of our crumb bars. It gives the structure and softness we love. I usually stick with the good old reliable—Bob’s Red Mill, anyone?
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is essential! A mix of sugar not just sweetens but brings a lovely golden color to our crumb bars. I love to use organic cane sugar for that touch of richness.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These guys are our leavening agents. They help create that perfect texture so the bars aren’t dense like a brick!
Salt: Just a pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances flavors. It’s amazing how something so small can make such a difference!
Unsalted Butter: Butter makes everything better, right? Make sure it’s softened so it combines easily into our crumbly mixture.
Egg: This helps bind everything together. Plus, who doesn’t love adding a little extra richness?
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds that beautiful aromatic layer we crave, and trust me, the quality counts. Vanilla bean paste is my little secret sometimes!
Fresh or Frozen Cherries: The star of the show! Cherries bring that burst of flavor. I recommend using fresh ones when in season, but if you’re like me and have some fabulous frozen ones, they’re perfect too!
Lemon Juice: This acidity brightens the cherries, enhancing their flavor and ensuring they aren’t too cloyingly sweet.
Cornstarch: A must-have for thickening the cherry filling and ensuring we don’t have a soupy mess!
Almond Extract (Optional): For those who love that nostalgic marzipan flavor swirl! It’s optional, but I find a little goes a long way.
Extra Sugar for Sprinkling (Optional): Because a bit of crunch and sweetness on top is never a bad idea!
Is Cherry Crumb Bars Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about the health aspect because we know that moderation is key. Here’s the lowdown:
Cherries: Packed with antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and beneficial polyphenols, they’re little powerhouses of nutrition. Plus, they are great for reducing inflammation.
Butter: While rich in saturated fat, using it in moderation can fit into a balanced diet. And let’s face it—everything’s better with butter!
Sugar: Keep an eye on the sweetness front. Too much sugar can lead to a spike in energy (and a crash later). But if you’re looking for a treat, this is a great balance.
Overall, these bars can offer some delightful flavors and textures. Just savor them mindfully!
Ingredients List
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
– Extra sugar for sprinkling (optional)
**Makes about 12-16 bars!**
How to Make Cherry Crumb Bars?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or you could line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Trust me, you’ll thank me later!
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—whisk it and let the dry ingredients mingle!
3. Add the softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract into the dry mix. Time to roll up your sleeves and get mixing until the dough forms a crumbly texture that makes your heart sing.
4. Press half of that delicious dough mixture into the bottom of your baking dish to create a lovely base layer.
5. In another bowl, toss your cherries with lemon juice, cornstarch, and almond extract (if using). Spread this cherry delight evenly over the crust like you’re creating a vibrant red blanket!
6. Now, crumb the remaining dough over the cherry filling, ensuring it’s evenly covered. Want to be fancy? Sprinkle a touch of extra sugar on top for that extra crunch.
7. Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until that crumb layer is a golden brown and the filling is bubbling like it’s having a party!
8. Patience is a virtue—allow it to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing into bars. You don’t want to burn your mouth like I did once crafting these delicious gems!
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Cherry crumb bars are an absolute joy to serve! You can enjoy them warm or at room temperature. I often do a cheeky scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream on top. If you’re feeling adventurous, try drizzling chocolate sauce over each slice; it’s a game-changer!
If you’re interested in mixing things up, you can swap out cherries for blueberries, raspberries, or a fun mixed berry blend. They’re just as delightful and add a whole new personality to these bars!
So, there you have it! That’s my cherished recipe for Cherry Crumb Bars. I wholeheartedly encourage you to whip up a batch and share your thoughts—after all, food tastes better when you share it with friends! Can’t wait to see you baking away in your kitchen!
