Introduction
Cherry Crumble Bars are a classic baked dessert featuring a rich, buttery shortbread base topped with juicy cherry filling and a golden oat crumble. Easy to slice and serve, these bars are ideal for potlucks, holiday desserts, bake sales, and family gatherings. If you’re looking for an easy cherry dessert recipe that delivers both comfort and crowd appeal, these crumble bars are a guaranteed hit.
Origin
Fruit crumble desserts have long roots in European baking traditions, where streusel toppings were used to add texture and flavor. Cherry crumble bars evolved as an American adaptation—transforming the traditional fruit crumble into a portable, bar-style dessert perfect for sharing and storage.
Cultural Significance
Cherry desserts hold a special place in home baking, especially in regions where cherries are harvested seasonally. Cherry Crumble Bars represent nostalgic, home-style baking, often associated with summer picnics, holiday dessert tables, and small-town bake sales. Today, they remain popular for their simplicity and versatility.
Ingredients & Quantity
Crust & Crumble Topping:
- All-purpose flour – 2½ cups
- Old-fashioned oats – 1 cup
- Granulated sugar – ¾ cup
- Brown sugar – ¼ cup
- Unsalted butter, melted – 1 cup
- Baking powder – ½ teaspoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
Cherry Filling:
- Cherry pie filling – 1 can (21 oz)
or - Fresh or frozen cherries – 3 cups
- Sugar – ½ cup
- Cornstarch – 2 tablespoons
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
Optional Additions (High-Intent Variations)
- Almond extract (classic cherry pairing)
- White chocolate chips
- Slivered almonds or chopped pecans
- Cinnamon or nutmeg in crumble
- Mixed berry filling for a twist
Tips for Success
- Use cold or just-melted butter for a crumbly texture
- Press the bottom layer firmly to create a sturdy crust
- Don’t overbake—edges should be golden, center just set
- Let bars cool completely before slicing
- Line pan with parchment for easy removal
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper
- In a bowl, mix flour, oats, sugars, baking powder, salt, and vanilla
- Stir in melted butter until crumbly
- Press ⅔ of the mixture firmly into the pan
- Spread cherry filling evenly over crust
- Sprinkle remaining crumble mixture on top
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden
- Cool completely before cutting into bars
Description
Cherry Crumble Bars are buttery, chewy, and bursting with sweet-tart cherry flavor. The crisp oat crumble contrasts beautifully with the soft fruit filling, while the shortbread base adds rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Every bite tastes like classic bakery comfort.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per bar)
- Calories: 280–320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 14g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 3g
(Values vary by ingredients and portion size)
Conclusion
Cherry Crumble Bars are a timeless dessert that’s easy to make, easy to serve, and universally loved. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or stocking your dessert tray, these bars offer dependable flavor and comforting charm.
Recommendation
Serve with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
- Powdered sugar dusting
- Hot coffee or iced tea
Perfect for summer picnics, holiday dessert spreads, school events, and casual entertaining.
Embracing Simple, Fruit-Forward Baking
Cherry Crumble Bars remind us that great desserts don’t need to be complicated. With simple ingredients and bold fruit flavor, this recipe celebrates the joy of classic baking—sweet, satisfying, and meant to be shared.