Imagine sinking your teeth into a sweet and tart cherry filling, nestled between a buttery crust and a crumbly topping. Crumb-Topped Cherry Pie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the best elements of a classic cherry pie with the ease of a bar dessert. These bars are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouth-watering recipe. Read on to learn how to make these delicious bars step by step!

What are Crumb-Topped Cherry Pie Bars?
Crumb-Topped Cherry Pie Bars are a delectable dessert featuring a buttery crust, a luscious cherry filling, and a crumbly topping. The base is made from a combination of flour, oats, brown sugar, and butter, providing a perfect foundation for the tart cherry filling. The topping, which uses some of the same ingredients as the crust, adds a delightful crunch. The result is a dessert that is both satisfying and bursting with flavor. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or chilled, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients List for Crust and Topping
- 1 and ½ cups (188g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 cup (85g) + 2 tablespoons (11g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats, divided
- ½ cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 10 tablespoons (142g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Ingredients List for Cherry Filling
- 1 and ½ tablespoons (11g) cornstarch
- 3 and ½ cups (525g) frozen sour cherries (do not thaw)
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
Ingredients List for Almond Icing (Optional)
- 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
Substitutions and Variations
For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, there are several substitutions and variations you can try:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Use vegan butter instead of unsalted butter.
- Different Fruits: Try using other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a different flavor profile.
- Nut-Free: Omit the almond extract and use vanilla extract instead.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Crumb-Topped Cherry Pie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the bars out easily once baked.
- Prepare the Crust and Topping:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, 1 cup (85g) oats, brown sugar, baking powder, lemon zest, and salt.
- Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and crumbly.
- Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for the topping and set it aside.
- Press the remaining mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Prepare the Cherry Filling:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and granulated sugar.
- Add the frozen sour cherries, lemon juice, and almond extract. Toss until the cherries are well coated with the mixture.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture and the remaining 2 tablespoons (11g) of oats over the top of the cherry filling.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Add Almond Icing (Optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the icing over the cooled bars before cutting into squares.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Crust: Ensure that you mix the crust ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can result in a tough crust.
- Using Fresh Cherries: This recipe is designed for frozen cherries. Using fresh cherries may result in a different texture and moisture level.
- Skipping the Lining: Always line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars. This prevents them from sticking and breaking apart.
- Not Letting Bars Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set properly and makes them easier to cut.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Crumb-Topped Cherry Pie Bars
- Serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Enjoy them at room temperature as a sweet snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
- These bars also make a great addition to a brunch spread or picnic basket.
Presentation Ideas for Crumb-Topped Cherry Pie Bars
- Arrange the bars on a decorative platter and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant look.
- Serve them on individual dessert plates with a drizzle of almond icing and a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest.
- For a festive touch, garnish with a few fresh cherries and mint leaves.
Crumb-Topped Cherry Pie Bars Recipe Tips
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: These bars freeze well. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Enhancing Flavor: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust and topping mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
A: While frozen cherries are recommended for this recipe due to their consistent moisture content, you can use fresh cherries. If using fresh, pit and measure the cherries, then consider adjusting the sugar and cornstarch to account for varying moisture levels.
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, Crumb-Topped Cherry Pie Bars can be made a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer storage.
Q: How do I know when the bars are done baking?
A: The bars are done when the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Q: Can I omit the almond extract in the filling and icing?
A: Yes, you can omit the almond extract if you prefer. Substitute with vanilla extract or another flavoring of your choice.
Q: What is the best way to cut the bars?
A: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. Chilling the bars slightly before cutting can also help achieve neat squares.
Conclusion
Crumb-Topped Cherry Pie Bars are a versatile and crowd-pleasing dessert that brings the flavors of cherry pie into an easy-to-make bar form. With a buttery crust, a tart and sweet cherry filling, and a crumbly topping, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Follow this recipe to create a delicious treat that your family and friends will love. Don’t forget to try the optional almond icing for an extra touch of sweetness! Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful bars.
PrintCrumb-Topped Cherry Pie Bars Recipe
These crumb-topped cherry pie bars feature a buttery crust and topping, a tart cherry filling, and optional almond icing. Easy to make and perfect for any dessert lover, this recipe combines oats, flour, and cherries for a delightful treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Crust + Topping:
- 1 and ½ cups (188g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 cup (85g) + 2 Tablespoons (11g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats, divided
- ½ cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 10 Tablespoons (142g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Cherry Filling:
- 1 and ½ Tablespoons (11g) cornstarch
- 3 and ½ cups (525g) frozen sour cherries (do not thaw)
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
Almond Icing (Optional):
- 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
- 2 Tablespoons (30ml) milk
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, 1 cup oats, brown sugar, baking powder, lemon zest, and salt.
- Add melted butter and vanilla extract, stirring until combined.
- Reserve 1 cup of the mixture for topping, and press the remaining mixture into the prepared pan.
- For the filling, combine cornstarch, frozen cherries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and almond extract.
- Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust.
- Mix remaining 2 Tablespoons oats into the reserved topping mixture and sprinkle over the filling.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling.
- Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- If using, mix the icing ingredients and drizzle over cooled bars.
Notes
- For a thicker bar, use an 8x8-inch baking pan and adjust baking time accordingly.
- You can substitute fresh cherries for frozen if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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