Sweet Cherry Pie Crumble Bars

Sweet Cherry Pie Crumble Bars: A Delicious Slice of Summer

As the days begin to warm and the trees burst into life, my thoughts drift toward the sweet, juicy cherries that grace our summer markets. There’s something undeniably nostalgic about biting into a ripe cherry, its juice running down your chin, reminding me of carefree summer afternoons spent picking fruit with my family. The sheer joy of plucking cherries straight from the tree and savoring their flavor encapsulates the essence of summer, making it a season that many look forward to each year. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that captures that very essence in the form of Sweet Cherry Pie Crumble Bars. These bars are a delightful blend of sweet cherry filling and a buttery crumble, perfect for sharing at picnics or enjoying as a simple dessert at home.

The beauty of Sweet Cherry Pie Crumble Bars lies not only in their taste but also in their versatility. They can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed at room temperature with a cup of coffee or tea. This recipe is an excellent way to use up a bounty of cherries, whether fresh from the orchard or frozen from last season’s harvest.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Before we start mixing and baking, let’s take a moment to gather all the necessary ingredients. This recipe calls for simple pantry staples, making it both accessible and budget-friendly.

For the Cherry Filling, you will need:

– 2 cups of fresh or frozen sweet cherries, pitted: The star of the show, cherries provide a juicy sweetness that balances beautifully with the crumble topping.

– 1/4 cup granulated sugar: This will sweeten the cherries to enhance their natural flavors.

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch: A thickening agent that helps create a perfectly gooey filling without becoming runny.

– 1 tablespoon lemon juice: This adds a bright note and enhances the cherry flavor, making the filling even more vibrant.

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A warm, aromatic addition that complements the cherries wonderfully.

– 1/4 teaspoon almond extract: Optional, but recommended for a lovely depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with cherries.

– A pinch of salt: To balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile.

For the Crumble Crust and Topping, you will need:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our crust, providing structure and a tender crumb.

– 1 teaspoon baking powder: This will help the crumble rise slightly, creating a light texture.

– 1/4 teaspoon salt: Again, this helps to balance the sweetness of the crust.

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetening the crust while adding to the overall texture.

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled: For richness and flavor, butter is essential in creating that perfect crumble texture.

– 1 large egg: This serves as a binder, helping to hold the crust together while providing a rich flavor.

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Echoing the flavors in the cherry filling, this ties the whole dessert together.

Preparing the Cherry Filling

Now that we have gathered all our ingredients, it’s time to prepare the cherry filling. Start by washing and pitting your cherries if you’re using fresh ones. If you’re using frozen cherries, there’s no need to thaw them; you can use them straight from the freezer.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring that the cherries are evenly coated with the sugar and cornstarch.

Allow the mixture to cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the cherries begin to release their juices, creating a sweet syrup that thickens as the cornstarch activates. Once the mixture is bubbling and thickened, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly. This step is crucial as it prevents the filling from becoming too runny when baked in the bars.

Making the Crumble Crust

While the cherry filling cools, we can move on to preparing the crumble crust. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. Whisk the dry ingredients together to ensure they are well incorporated.

Next, add the melted, slightly cooled butter to the dry mixture. Use a fork or a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is key to achieving that signature crumble texture, as the butter should be evenly distributed without completely melting into the flour.

Once the butter is mixed in, add the egg and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture comes together into a soft dough. It should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it feels too wet, you can add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Assembling the Sweet Cherry Pie Crumble Bars

Now that both the cherry filling and the crumble mixture are ready, it’s time to assemble our Sweet Cherry Pie Crumble Bars. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

Take about two-thirds of the crumble mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will form the base of the bars. Make sure to pack it down firmly to create a solid layer that will hold everything together.

Once the base is prepared, pour the cherry filling evenly over the crust, spreading it out to ensure every bite is filled with that luscious cherry goodness. Lastly, crumble the remaining one-third of the crumble mixture over the top of the cherries. This will create a delightful topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven.

Baking the Bars

Place the assembled baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. The delicious aroma of cherries and buttery crumble will fill your kitchen, making it nearly impossible to resist the temptation to sneak a taste before they cool.

Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the bars out of the pan and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling period is essential for the filling to set properly, making it easier to cut into neat squares without making a mess.

Stay tuned for the next part of this article, where we will explore serving suggestions, tips for perfecting your Sweet Cherry Pie Crumble Bars, and ways to elevate this delightful dessert for any occasion.

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Preparation Steps

Now that we have everything ready, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these steps for a flawless batch of crumble bars.

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare a 9×9-inch baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars later.

2. Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and a pinch of salt. Cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and the mixture thickens slightly. Once done, remove from heat and allow it to cool while you prepare the crust.

3. Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar until well combined. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. If you want to add a bit of texture, fold in the rolled oats and chopped nuts.

4. Assemble the Bars: Now, it’s time to assemble the bars. Take approximately two-thirds of the crumble mixture and firmly press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Spread the cooled cherry filling evenly over this pressed crust. Finally, crumble the remaining mixture over the top, ensuring the cherries are nicely covered.

5. Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges. The aroma that fills your kitchen during baking will surely entice everyone around!

6. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. If you used parchment paper, lift the entire block out and place it on a cutting board. Cut into squares or rectangles as desired.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Bars

To ensure your Sweet Cherry Pie Crumble Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

– Using Frozen Cherries: When using frozen cherries, there’s no need to thaw them before cooking; just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they soften properly. This makes it easy to enjoy this delightful dessert year-round.

– Flavor Adjustments: If you’re not a fan of almond extract, feel free to omit it. The vanilla extract alone provides wonderful flavor and allows the natural sweetness of the cherries to shine through.

– Achieving a Crispier Topping: For a crispier topping, bake a few minutes longer, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning. The topping should be golden and crunchy to perfectly complement the soft and juicy cherry filling.

– Finishing Touches: Dust your cooled bars with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch. This simple addition enhances the presentation and adds a subtle sweetness that complements the tart cherries.

Exploring Variations

One of the joys of baking is the ability to customize recipes to suit your tastes. Here are some delicious variations to try:

– Fruit Substitutions: Replace cherries with other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a unique twist. Each fruit brings its own flavor profile and sweetness, allowing you to personalize the crumble bars to your liking.

– Spice It Up: Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the filling or the crumble mixture for added warmth and depth of flavor. A teaspoon of cinnamon can do wonders in elevating the taste of the bars.

– Nut Variations: Experiment with different nuts in the crumble for varied textures and flavors. Pecans, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts can add a delightful crunch that complements the fruit filling beautifully.

– Vegan Option: For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal or a chia egg and use a plant-based butter alternative. This way, everyone can enjoy these delectable bars regardless of dietary preferences.

Serving Suggestions

These Sweet Cherry Pie Crumble Bars are versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your dessert experience:

– A La Mode: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for a luscious treat. The cold creaminess pairs beautifully with the warm, fruity filling.

– With Coffee or Tea: These bars make an excellent accompaniment to your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Their sweet yet tart flavor balances perfectly with a hot beverage, making them a delightful snack anytime.

– Outdoor Gatherings: Cut the bars into smaller pieces and serve them at picnics or potlucks. They are portable and easy to share, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

– Breakfast Treat: Enjoy these crumble bars as a breakfast treat! They are not overly sweet and can be paired with a side of yogurt for a wholesome morning meal.

Conclusion

Sweet Cherry Pie Crumble Bars are an irresistible dessert that beautifully combines the tartness of cherries with a buttery crumble topping. Their ease of preparation makes them a go-to recipe for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic with friends, or a cozy night in. By following the steps and tips outlined above, you can create a batch of these delightful bars that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations, and find the perfect combination that suits your taste. With their vibrant color, delightful texture, and delicious flavor, these crumble bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Bake a batch today, and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade goodness that captures the essence of summer, no matter the season.