Sweet Cherry Crumble Bars
These sweet cherry crumble bars provide a delightful balance of tender crust and juicy cherries, making them perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1/2 cup chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes for ease of blending
- 2 tbsp milk adds moisture
- 1/4 tsp salt enhances flavors
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar sweetness
- 1/2 tsp baking powder for leavening
- 1 large egg, room temperature provides structure
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour base for the crust
For the cherry filling
- 2 1/4 cups fresh pitted cherries juicy filling
- 2 tbsp cornstarch thickens cherry filling
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar for cherry sweetness
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by working with the chilled butter; cut it into small cubes and place it in a mixing bowl.
- Add in the milk and salt, which will help meld the ingredients together.
- Sprinkle in the granulated sugar and thoroughly combine the butter, milk, and sugar until creamy and well-blended.
Mixing
- Add the baking powder and the egg to the mixture and mix well until smooth.
- Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, blending until just combined.
- Add in the cornstarch and mix gently to maintain a light texture.
Cherry Preparation
- Rinse and pit the cherries, chopping them into bite-sized pieces.
- Sprinkle the chopped cherries over the batter and add additional granulated sugar over the cherries.
Baking
- Transfer the mixture into a prepared baking dish, leveling it out for even baking.
- Bake until golden brown and the top feels set, about 30 minutes.
- Allow it to cool in the baking dish before slicing into bars.
Notes
For best results, use fresh cherries and ensure your butter is well-chilled. You can store the bars at room temperature for a day or refrigerate them for up to a week.