Packed with antioxidants and essential vitamins, cherries are not only delicious but also offer numerous health benefits. Their sweet and slightly tart flavor makes them a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. Whether enjoyed fresh, dried, or cooked into a sauce, cherries add a burst of flavor and a touch of elegance to any recipe. Their peak season is in the summer, making them a perfect addition to warm-weather treats. Crumble bars are a delightful dessert that combines a buttery, crumbly topping with a luscious fruit filling. These bars typically feature a simple shortcrust base that provides a sturdy foundation for the juicy fruit layer. The crumble topping, made from a mixture of flour, sugar, and butter, adds a delightful crunch and texture contrast. These bars are incredibly versatile and can be made with a variety of fruits, making them a perfect treat for any season. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, crumble bars are a favorite for potlucks, picnics, and everyday indulgence. Creating the best cherry crumble bars starts with a rich and flavorful cherry pie filling. By using fresh or frozen cherries, you can achieve a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness that elevates the entire dessert. Cooking the cherries with a touch of sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice thickens the filling and enhances its natural flavors. This luscious cherry filling is then sandwiched between a buttery shortcrust base and a golden, crumbly topping, creating a delightful contrast of textures. The result is a mouthwatering dessert that showcases the juicy, vibrant taste of cherries in every bite. These cherry crumble bars are not only easy to make but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion.
Step-by-step: Cherry Bars Recipe
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F /175°C/ Gas mark 4. Grease an 8 x 8-inch baking dish or a 7 x 9″ rectangle pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Dough – Combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add the cubed cold butter and mix with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and mix until the dough starts to come together. Add cold water and combine well but still quite crumbly. Divide the Dough: Divide the dough into two portions, one slightly larger than the other. Press the larger portion into the prepared baking dish to form an even layer. Reserve the smaller portion for the crumble topping. Bake the Base: Bake the base layer in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until it starts to turn golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the cherry filling.
Cherry filling: Place cherries in a saucepan with the sugar, lemon juice, and half the water. Heat on low to medium until sugar is dissolved. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining water with the cornstarch. Combine well so the cornstarch does not settle on the bottom. Add the cornstarch water to the cherries. Continue to cook on low – the mixture will thicken and look glossy. It’s ready when thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon or spatula. Cool completely. Cooling will thicken the filling some more. Set aside.
Assemble: Pour the cherry filling over the base and spread evenly. Generously sprinkle the chilled crumble top mixture all over the filling.
Bake the Bars: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the dish and cut into squares.
Creative variations
Almond Cherry Crumble Bars: Mix sliced almonds into the crumble topping for a nutty crunch. Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the cherry filling to enhance the cherry flavor. Chocolate Cherry Crumble Bars: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cherry filling before adding the crumble topping. Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the shortcrust dough for a subtle chocolate flavor. Coconut Cherry Crumble Bars: Mix sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut into the crumble topping for a tropical twist. Replace some or all of the butter in the shortcrust with coconut oil for a hint of coconut flavor. Cherry Cheesecake Crumble Bars: Add a layer of cream cheese filling (cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract) between the shortcrust base and the cherry filling. Swirl the cheesecake filling with the cherry filling for a marbled effect. Cherry and Mixed Berry Crumble Bars: Combine cherries with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry filling. Use a berry compote (cooked berries with sugar and lemon juice) instead of plain cherry filling. Spiced Cherry Crumble Bars: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the cherry filling for a warm, spiced flavor. Mix a pinch of cinnamon into the crumble topping for extra warmth. Citrus Cherry Crumble Bars: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the cherry filling for a bright, citrusy flavor. Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and citrus juice over the cooled bars for a tangy finish.
Frequently asked questions
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