Jump to recipe
Yields:
2 dz.
Prep Time:
40 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs 15 mins
Cherry pie will always have my heart, but these cherry crumble bars are a whole lot easier to pull off, especially in the summer during cherry season. They’re buttery, fruity, and packed with juicy fresh cherries—no rolling pin required! Plus, they make the perfect afternoon snack with a big glass of creamy iced coffee.
The cherries are tucked between layers of soft cookie dough flavored with fresh orange zest and a hint of almond extract. As the bars bake, the fruit turns jammy, and the dough becomes golden and tender around the edges, giving you all the flavor of a homemade cherry dessert in simple bar form.
A quick lemon glaze adds just the right sweet-tart finish and makes these bars feel extra special. Bring them to a picnic, serve them after dinner, or make a batch whenever fresh cherries are calling your name.
Can you use frozen cherries instead of fresh cherries in cherry crumble bars?
Yes! Frozen cherries work well in this recipe. Thaw and drain them before using to prevent excess liquid from making the bars soggy.
What kind of cherries are best for cherry crumble bars?
Sweet cherries, such as Bing cherries, are ideal because they have a rich flavor and natural sweetness. You can also use Rainier cherries or other sweet varieties if they're in season.
Do cherry crumble bars taste like cherry pie?
They do! These bars have the sweet-tart flavor of cherry pie, but with a buttery cookie dough crust and topping instead of traditional pie pastry.
Can you make cherry crumble bars ahead of time?
Absolutely. The bars can be baked a day in advance and stored at room temperature in an airtight container.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 4 cups fresh Bing or other sweet cherries, pitted and halved (about 1 1/2 lb.)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp. cornstarch
- 1/8 tsp. almond extract
For the dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Grated zest of 1 orange
- 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp. whole milk
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Grated zest of 1 lemon
- 1 Tbsp. whole milk, plus more as needed
Directions
- Step 1Preheat the oven to 350°F. For the filling: Combine the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and almond extract in a bowl and let stand while you make the dough.
- Step 2For the dough: Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl; set aside. Cream the butter, granulated sugar and orange zest in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium-high speed until combined, about 2 minutes. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla and mix until fully incorporated, about 1 minute. Add the dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with the milk, and beat until the dough comes together (it will be soft).
- Step 3Press two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Pour the cherry filling and any juices on top and spread it out. Crumble the remaining dough over the filling. Bake until the cherries are bubbly and the dough is golden, about 35 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely, about 1 hour.
- Step 4For the glaze: Combine the powdered sugar, lemon zest, and milk in a medium bowl until smooth; thin with more milk, if necessary. Drizzle on the bars and cut into pieces.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
How to Reheat Leftover Peach Cobbler
Grandma’s Best Desserts Will Take You Way Back
Apple Crumble
1 hr 20 mins
Blackberry Almond Crisp
55 mins
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below