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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.

Sweet Cherry Pie Crumble Bars

Capture the essence of summer with these Sweet Cherry Pie Crumble Bars! Bursting with juicy cherries and topped with a buttery crumble, they're perfect for picnics or cozy nights at home. This easy recipe combines simple ingredients for a dessert that’s both nostalgic and delightful. Serve warm with ice cream or at room temperature with coffee. Ideal for any occasion, these bars will leave everyone craving more. Enjoy a taste of summer all year round!
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Ingredients
  

For the Cherry Filling:

2 cups fresh or frozen sweet cherries, pitted

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Pinch of salt

For the Crumble Crust and Topping:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup rolled oats (optional, for added texture)

1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts, optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x9-inch baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easier removal of the bars later.

    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 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and allow it to cool while you prepare the crust.

      Make the Crust and Topping: 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 using, fold in the rolled oats and chopped nuts for extra crunch.

        Assemble the Bars: Take approximately 2/3 of the crumble mixture and firmly press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Next, evenly spread the cooled cherry filling over the pressed crust. Then, crumble the remaining crumble mixture over the top to cover the cherries nicely.

          Bake: Place the assembled bars in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling up at the edges.

            Cool and Cut: 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 of the pan and place it on a cutting board. Cut into squares or rectangles as desired.

              Serve: These delightful crumble bars are perfect on their own or served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert experience!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour | 16 bars

                  Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar before serving. You can also garnish with a fresh cherry or a sprig of mint on each plate!