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Cherry Crumb Bars

Delicious dessert made with a sweet cherry filling and a buttery crumb topping, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

Cherry Filling
  • 4 cups pitted cherries Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the bars.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar Balances the tartness of the cherries for enhanced flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch Helps thicken the cherry filling for a nice texture.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Provides a refreshing zing that complements the cherries.
Crumb Topping
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter Contributes richness and flavor to the crumb mixture.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour Forms the base of the crumb topping for structure.
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar Adds a hint of caramel flavor to the topping.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances all the flavors within the dessert.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (170°C).
  2. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
  3. In a bowl, combine the pitted cherries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
Cooking
  1. Stir the melted butter into the flour mixture until it resembles a crumbly texture.
  2. Press half of the crumb mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes until set.
  3. Mix brown sugar into the remaining crumb mixture for the topping.
  4. Spread the cherry mixture over the baked crust, then sprinkle with the reserved crumb mixture.
  5. Bake for an additional 25 minutes until golden brown.
Serving
  1. Allow the bars to cool completely for 3-4 hours before slicing into squares.

Notes

Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. For variations, consider different fruits or adding spices to the topping.