Prep Time: 35 mins | Cook Time: 60 mins | Servings: 24
I would make these mouthwatering bars even the berries are not in season! Filled with fresh cherries with a great blow of flavours and texture, these cherry crumb bars are the perfect treat for tailgating, potlucks, and parties!
INGREDIENTS
CHERRY FILLING:
1/2 c. UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour (bleached flour toughens baked goods)
5 c. Northwest Cherry Growers cherries pitted and halved
1 c. granulated sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
CRUST AND STREUSEL TOPPING:
1 large egg slightly beaten
3 c. UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour (bleached flour toughens baked goods)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 c. granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 c. unsalted butter cold
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 c. granulated sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
How to make Cherry Crumb Bars
CHERRY FILLING:
Step 1: Prepare the oven. Preheat it to 375 degrees. Using cooking spray, grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish. Set aside.
Step 2: For the cherry filling, pit half the fresh cherries. Put them in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with lemon juice. Gently toss.
Step 3: Place the flour, cornstarch, sugar, salt, and both extracts in another bowl. Mix well until combined.
Step 4: Over the cherries, pour the dry ingredients, and mix well using a wooden spoon. Set aside.
CRUST AND STREUSEL TOPPING:
Step 5: Place the flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well until combined.
Step 6: Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter until well incorporated and you have coarse crumbs.
Step 7: Whisk the vanilla with almond extract and beaten egg. Add this to the flour and butter mixture. Stir until crumbly.
Step 8: Into the prepared baking dish, pat half of the crust ingredients. On top, evenly spread the cherry mixture.
Step 9: Over the cherry layer, crumble the rest of the crust ingredients. Using your hands, gently pat so the crumbs adhere to the cherries. Then, sprinkle with the rest of the 1/4 c. sugar.
Step 10: Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 to 60 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cherry juice begins to bubble up around the edges. Remove from the oven when done and allow the bar to cool fully before cutting into bars.
Nutrition Facts:
Amount Per Serving: Calories 223, Calories from Fat 72, Total Fat 8g12%, Saturated Fat 5g25%, Polyunsaturated Fat 0.05g, Monounsaturated Fat 0.1g, Cholesterol 27mg9%, Sodium 61mg3%, Potassium 69mg2%, Total Carbohydrates 37g12%, Dietary Fiber 1g4%, Sugars 23g, Protein 2g4%, Vitamin A6%, Vitamin C4%, Calcium2%, Iron1%