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Cherry pie crumble bars are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, merging the classic taste of cherry pie with the convenient, portable format of a bar. This dessert has gained immense popularity for its perfect balance of sweet and tart cherries, complemented by a crumbly topping that adds both flavor and crunch. Whether you are hosting a family gathering, heading out for a picnic, or simply craving a sweet treat at home, these bars are an excellent choice. They are not only easy to prepare but also versatile, allowing you to use fresh or frozen cherries based on the season and availability.

Cherry Pie Crumble Bars

Discover the joy of baking with Cherry Pie Crumble Bars, a delightful twist on classic cherry pie that combines a sweet-tart cherry filling with a deliciously crumbly topping. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are easy to make with either fresh or frozen cherries. They offer a wonderful blend of flavors and textures, making them a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings, picnics, or simply as a sweet treat at home. Enjoy making memories while indulging in this irresistible dessert!

Ingredients
  

For the Cherry Filling:

2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For the Crust and Topping:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

    Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Cook over medium heat until the mixture starts to bubble and thicken, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

      Make the Crust and Topping: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract, and mix until the dough is crumbly but holds together when pressed.

        Assemble the Bars: Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Pour the cherry filling over the crust, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top of the cherry layer.

          Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

            Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper (if used). Once cool, slice into squares or bars and serve.

              Optional Serve: Enjoy these bars warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour | 12 servings