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Fresh Cherry Crumb Bars
Eva

Fresh Cherry Crumb Bars

Capture the essence of summer in every bite with these incredibly easy and delicious Fresh Cherry Crumb Bars. Featuring a buttery, crumbly crust, a sweet-tart homemade cherry filling, and a golden brown streusel topping.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 232
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Filling
  • 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Crust & Topping
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Equipment

  • 9x9-inch Square Pan
  • Parchment Paper
  • Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Make the Filling: Place the pitted cherries and 1/2 cup white sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until the cherries have softened and released their juices.
    4 cups fresh cherries, pitted, 1/2 cup white sugar
  2. In a small bowl, stir the lemon juice and cornstarch together to create a slurry. Gradually pour this into the cherry mixture, stirring constantly.
    2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  3. Stir in the lemon zest. Continue to cook and stir for another 1-2 minutes, until the filling has thickened. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool completely.
    1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9x9-inch square pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang on all sides for easy removal.
  5. Make the Crust & Topping: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, white sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
    2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup white sugar, 3/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  6. Pour the melted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract over the dry ingredients. Use a fork to mix until the mixture is thoroughly moistened and crumbly.
    3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  7. Transfer about 2 cups of the crumb mixture into the prepared pan. Press it down firmly and evenly to form the crust.
  8. Pour the completely cooled cherry filling over the crust and spread it into an even layer.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the top of the cherry filling.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until the edges of the bars are golden brown.
  11. Allow the pan to cool completely on a wire rack, for about 1 hour. For the cleanest cuts, refrigerate the bars for 1 hour after cooling.
  12. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block of bars from the pan. Cut into 16 squares.

Notes

Use sweet or tart cherries and adjust the sugar in the filling to your taste. For the neatest bars, chilling them in the refrigerator for an hour before cutting is highly recommended. The cherry filling can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.