If you love classic, homemade desserts that taste like they came straight from Grandma’s kitchen, these Old-Fashioned Cherry Crumb Bars are for you! With a buttery shortbread crust, a sweet-tart cherry filling, and a golden crumb topping dusted with powdered sugar, this easy dessert is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or an everyday sweet treat.
These cherry crumble bars are simple to make and use pantry-friendly ingredients. The combination of soft crust, juicy cherry layer, and crunchy streusel topping makes every bite irresistible!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy, beginner-friendly recipe
- Perfect balance of sweet and tart
- Great for parties and gatherings
- Can be made with fresh or canned cherries
- Freezer-friendly dessert bars
🛒 Ingredients
For the Crust & Crumb Topping:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cherry Filling:
- 3 cups cherry pie filling (or sweetened fresh cherries)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (if using fresh cherries)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Crumb Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough forms coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Form the Crust
Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
Step 4: Add Cherry Filling
Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust.
If using fresh cherries, toss them with cornstarch and lemon juice before spreading.
Step 5: Add Crumb Topping
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the cherry layer.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbly.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Allow bars to cool completely before slicing.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
🍒 Tips for Perfect Cherry Crumb Bars
- Let the bars cool fully before cutting for clean slices.
- Chill for 1 hour if you want extra neat squares.
- Add a handful of sliced almonds for extra crunch.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
🧊 Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruit?
Yes! Blueberries, raspberries, or mixed berries work beautifully.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. These bars taste even better the next day.
📌 Final Thoughts
These Old-Fashioned Cherry Crumb Bars are the ultimate comfort dessert — buttery, fruity, and perfectly sweet. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this simple cherry dessert will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.