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Quick Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe

Quick Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 13 reviews

This Quick Cherry Crumble Bars recipe offers a delightful balance of buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and crumbly topping. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, these bars combine fresh cherries with a simple dough for an easy-to-make treat that bursts with flavor and texture. The recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 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

Cherry Filling

  • 2 1/4 cups cherries, pitted and fresh
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line an 8×8 or 9×9 square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang on each side to remove the bars easily later. Spray the sides of the dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Grate the chilled butter directly into the bowl and mix with your hands until the mixture resembles small pebbles. Next, add the beaten egg and milk and stir until the dough is cohesive and holds together when pinched.
  3. Form the Crust: Take two-thirds of the dough mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish using your hands. Ensure the crust is spread uniformly.
  4. Prepare the Cherry Filling: Mash the cherries with a potato masher or fork until slightly chunky but no whole cherries remain. Strain through a fine mesh to remove excess liquid, then return to the bowl. Stir in sugar and cornflour until completely combined.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust in the baking dish. Crumble the remaining dough over the cherry layer to create a crumbly topping. Bake in the preheated oven for 32-36 minutes, or until the edges and top are golden brown.
  6. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, or refrigerate to speed cooling. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan, slice into squares, and serve.

Notes

  • Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor; frozen cherries can work if thawed and drained well.
  • Ensure the butter is very cold before grating to achieve a crumbly texture in the dough.
  • Press the crust firmly to prevent it from crumbling apart after baking.
  • Straining the cherry mixture removes excess liquid, helping to prevent a soggy crust.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • Optional: Sprinkle some sliced almonds or oats on top for added texture before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry crumble bars, cherry bars, fruit crumble, quick dessert, easy baking, cherry dessert

Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/quick-cherry-crumble-bars-recipe/