Quick Cherry Crumble Bars
These Easy and Tasty Cherry Crumble Bars are the perfect summer treat, featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a juicy cherry filling, and a sweet, crumbly topping. I’ve perfected this recipe through multiple tests to ensure a balanced sweetness and a texture that holds together beautifully.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 3/4 cups plain white flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chilled butter
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 1/4 cups cherries, pitted and fresh
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornflour
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the chilled, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Research shows that keeping the butter cold is crucial for a flaky, tender crust.
- Bind the Dough: In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg with the milk. Pour this mixture into the flour-butter crumbs. Stir with a fork until a soft, slightly crumbly dough begins to form. In my tests, the dough should hold together when pinched but not be overly wet or sticky.
- Press the Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan. Set aside about 1 cup of the dough for the crumble topping. Press the remaining dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. (Pro tip: Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press it down smoothly).
- Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the pitted cherries, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and cornflour. Toss gently until the cherries are evenly coated. The cornflour, a starch, is essential as it thickens the cherry juices during baking, preventing a runny filling—a common issue with fresh fruit bars.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the coated cherry mixture evenly over the pressed crust in the pan. Take the reserved cup of dough and crumble it with your fingers over the cherry layer to create an even, pebbly topping. Unlike a solid layer, this crumble allows steam to escape, ensuring the filling sets properly.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is visibly bubbling around the edges. As of 2024, the best indicator of doneness is a set, thickened filling that doesn't jiggle when the pan is gently shaken.
- Cool and Slice: Place the pan on a wire rack and allow the Easy and Tasty Cherry Crumble Bars to cool completely—this is non-negotiable for clean slices. I've found that cooling for at least 2 hours allows the filling to fully set. For the neatest bars, use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
Find it online: https://thecookingjournal.com/easy-tasty-cherry-crumble-bars/