If you’re a fan of those nostalgic, bakery-style treats that taste like pure summertime, these Crumb-Topped Cherry Pie Bars will completely steal your heart! Imagine a buttery, tender crust layered with sweet-tart cherry filling, finished with golden, crumbly topping and a sugary drizzle—basically, classic cherry pie meets easy-to-share dessert bars. They’re perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just when you want to treat yourself to something special. Let’s get baking and make your kitchen smell like heaven!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of simple baking staples, but each one plays a starring role—building that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and cherry-filled joy. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a quick tip for every ingredient:
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Softened butter gives your bars a rich, melt-in-your-mouth base and crumbly topping.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Essential for sweetness, plus it helps create that classic golden crust.
- Large eggs (3): Eggs bind the dough together and lend a luscious, cake-like texture you’ll love.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash brings a fragrant warmth that deepens every bite.
- Almond extract (1/4 teaspoon): This petite amount totally elevates the cherry flavor and gives a little nostalgia boost.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The base of your dough—gives structure, chew, and just the right amount of softness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Don’t skip it! Salt sharpens flavors and balances the sweetness of your bars.
- Cherry pie filling (1 can, 21 ounces): The juicy, ruby-red hero of the show—store-bought or homemade, your call!
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Blends into a creamy glaze that gives a sweet sheen to every square.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Just enough to turn powdered sugar into drizzle perfection.
How to Make Crumb-Topped Cherry Pie Bars
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
First things first: set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. A thin slick of butter or a swipe of nonstick spray will help those bars pop out effortlessly later—nothing sticks, and your edges stay golden.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Grab your largest mixing bowl and beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until it’s light, fluffy, and nearly cloud-like. This airiness is what gives the crust and crumb topping their irresistible texture!
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Extracts
Beat in your eggs, one at a time, ensuring each fully disappears before adding the next. Once those are in, stir in the vanilla and almond extracts—the latter is your secret weapon for that classic Crumb-Topped Cherry Pie Bars flavor.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually blend in the flour and salt, mixing gently until a soft, sticky dough forms. You don’t want to overwork it; stop as soon as there are no streaks left. The dough should be thick and hold together in clumps.
Step 5: Reserve Dough for the Crumb Topping
Scoop out about 1½ cups of dough and set aside—this will become the wonderful, golden crumb topping later on. Just a little hoarding at this stage pays off big time!
Step 6: Press the Crust into the Pan
Take the remaining dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Don’t stress about absolute smoothness—the goal is an even layer with no empty patches, as this will hold your cherry filling.
Step 7: Layer on the Cherry Filling
Spoon that glorious cherry pie filling over the crust, spreading it from corner to corner. The rich, glossy fruit will settle into the dough and burst with flavor while baking.
Step 8: Crumble on the Topping
Break the reserved dough into small, crumbly pieces and scatter them evenly over the cherry layer. Big clumps, little bits, and everything in between—this mix gives the Crumb-Topped Cherry Pie Bars their signature look and bite.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. You’re looking for a lightly golden top and bubbly edges—your kitchen will smell amazing! Let the bars cool completely right in the pan so everything sets up beautifully.
Step 10: Glaze and Slice
Once cooled, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth, then drizzle over the top with abandon. Let the glaze set before cutting into squares—you made perfect, bakery-style Crumb-Topped Cherry Pie Bars!
How to Serve Crumb-Topped Cherry Pie Bars
Garnishes
Try dusting your finished bars with a little extra powdered sugar, or toss on some sliced toasted almonds for crunch and a hint of elegance. A sprig of fresh mint or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes these cherry pie bars to celebration level!
Side Dishes
Pair these beauties with lightly sweetened whipped cream or a citrusy fruit salad. For a cozy brunch, serve alongside coffee or black tea—the tart cherries and buttery crust are even dreamier with a warm drink.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the bars pyramid-style on a vintage cake stand, wrap them in parchment for a picnic treat, or serve each on a little dessert plate with a fresh cherry on top. For parties, cut them smaller and arrange on a platter for a bite-sized Crumb-Topped Cherry Pie Bars buffet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (good luck!), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days. They’ll stay soft, crumbly, and delicious—perhaps even better on day two!
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully. Layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge whenever a cherry craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring back fresh-baked warmth, pop bars into a 300°F oven for five minutes or microwave for just 10–15 seconds. The glaze softens and the cherries get jammy—pure comfort!
FAQs
Can I use fresh or frozen cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! Simply cook down two to three cups of pitted cherries with a little sugar and cornstarch until thick and jammy, then use as you would the canned filling for your Crumb-Topped Cherry Pie Bars.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Using thick, high-quality cherry pie filling and making sure your crust is evenly pressed in will help keep things crisp and sturdy. Cooling completely in the pan also lets the bars set up perfectly.
Are there any nut-free options for topping?
Definitely—just skip the almond extract and leave off any optional nut garnishes. The bars bake up just as flavorful and crowd-pleasing without nuts!
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap in your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. The texture stays surprisingly close to the original, so Crumb-Topped Cherry Pie Bars can be for everyone!
What’s the best way to cut clean slices?
Let the bars cool and the glaze set completely before using a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for tidy, bakery-worthy squares every time.
Final Thoughts
Whatever the season, there’s nothing quite like a batch of homemade Crumb-Topped Cherry Pie Bars cooling on the counter. Let their golden crumb and fruity filling win your heart—they’re easy, crowd-pleasing, and just plain fun to bake. Give them a try and watch them disappear at your next celebration!
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Crumb-Topped Cherry Pie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of these Crumb-Topped Cherry Pie Bars, a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of cherry pie in convenient bar form. With a buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and a crumbly topping, these bars are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling and Topping:
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: Cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla and almond extracts.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour and salt, mixing into a soft dough. Reserve some for topping.
- Form Crust: Press remaining dough into pan to form crust. Spread cherry filling over crust.
- Add Topping: Crumble reserved dough over the cherry filling.
- Bake and Cool: Bake for 35-40 minutes, cool in pan.
- Drizzle and Serve: Mix powdered sugar and milk, drizzle over bars. Cut and serve.
Notes
- Homemade cherry pie filling can be used for a fresher flavor.
- For added texture, sprinkle sliced almonds on the crumb topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
