Cherry Crumble Bars

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Absolutely! Let’s create a big, beautiful recipe for these luscious Cherry Crumble Bars — complete with a rich introduction, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, methods, history, benefits, formation (how they come together), conclusion, mention of “lovers,” and nutrition.

🍒 Cherry Crumble Bars 🍒

A nostalgic, fruity delight with buttery layers & a jewel-like cherry filling

📖 Introduction

Cherry crumble bars are the perfect combination of a buttery shortbread crust, luscious cherry filling, and a golden crumble topping. Each bite is a burst of tart-sweet cherry flavor wrapped in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth base.
These bars are beloved by dessert lovers of all ages and are a fantastic way to showcase cherries, whether fresh in season or canned for a year-round treat.

📝 Ingredients

For the crust & crumble

  • 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour

For the cherry filling

  • 1 can (21 oz / 600 g) cherry pie filling
    (or 2 cups homemade cherry filling, see method below)
  • Optional: zest of 1/2 lemon, to brighten flavor

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Make the dough

  1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Mix in vanilla extract and salt.
  3. Gradually add flour, mixing until coarse crumbs form and the dough holds together when pressed.

2️⃣ Form the base

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  3. Press about 2/3 of the dough firmly into the bottom of the pan to create an even layer.

3️⃣ Add the cherry layer

  1. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust. If using lemon zest, mix it into the cherry filling first.

4️⃣ Top with crumble

  1. Sprinkle remaining dough over the cherries, pinching some into small clumps for texture.

5️⃣ Bake

  1. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is light golden and the filling is bubbling.

6️⃣ Cool & slice

  1. Let cool completely before cutting into bars so the filling sets nicely.

🔥 Method for Homemade Cherry Filling (optional)

If you want to skip canned filling:

  • Ingredients:
    • 3 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
    • 3/4 cup sugar
    • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Steps:
    1. In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, lemon juice. Heat over medium until juices release.
    2. Stir in cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp water.
    3. Cook until thickened (5-8 min).
    4. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and cool before using.

🏺 History

Fruit bars like these trace their roots to European fruit tarts and crumbles, which traveled with settlers to America.
Cherry desserts became especially popular in the U.S. Midwest and Pacific Northwest, where cherries flourish.
Crumble bars evolved in American kitchens as an easier alternative to pie — with the same flavors, less fuss, and easy to slice and share.

🌿 Benefits

✅ Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C & potassium, which support heart health.
✅ The dessert is portion-friendly — enjoy small squares to satisfy sweet cravings.
✅ Versatile: swap cherries for blueberries, apples, or peaches.
✅ A crowd-pleaser at potlucks, picnics & family gatherings.

🔬 Formation: How these bars come together

  • The buttery shortbread dough serves double duty — forming both a sturdy base and a crumbly top.
  • The cherry layer infuses moisture and tartness, creating a jammy contrast.
  • As it bakes, juices seep into the crust, marrying all flavors.
  • Cooling sets the filling, making clean, luscious slices.

💞 Conclusion & Lovers

Cherry crumble bars are a timeless delight for dessert lovers. Kids adore their bright cherry taste, adults appreciate the tender buttery bite, and bakers love how easy yet impressive they are.
Whether served at a casual coffee break or a festive holiday spread, they bring hearts together — a treat all sweet lovers will treasure.

🥣 Nutrition (approx per bar, if sliced into 24)

  • Calories: ~190
  • Carbs: ~28 g
  • Sugar: ~14 g
  • Fat: ~8 g
  • Protein: ~1.5 g

(Varies with brand & portion size)

💖 Conclusion with Lovers (again!)

So gather your favorite people, slice up these cherry crumble bars, and watch them disappear with smiles.
Because in the world of simple, joyous desserts — these bars are truly for cherry lovers, sweet lovers, and all lovers of life. ❤️

🎉 Enjoy baking & sharing!
If you’d like, I can also give you variations (like almond topping or chocolate drizzle) — just let me know!

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