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Crumb-Topped Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

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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.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust + Topping:

  • 1 and 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 1 cup (85g) + 2 Tablespoons (11g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats, divided
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 10 Tablespoons (142g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Cherry Filling:

  • 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons (11g) cornstarch
  • 3 and 1/2 cups (525g) frozen sour cherries (do not thaw)
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Almond Icing (Optional):

  • 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons (30ml) milk
  • 1/4 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.

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