1. Can I use frozen cherries instead of canned filling?

Yes! Just simmer frozen cherries with a little sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice until thick. Let cool before layering.

2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour in place of regular flour.

3. How long do they stay fresh?

Up to 5 days in the fridge, or 2 months in the freezer.

4. Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes. Try cutting the sugar in the crust by ¼. The cherry filling will still bring lots of sweetness.

5. Are Cherry Pie Crumb Bars healthy?

They’re a treat, but you can make them healthier with whole wheat flour, less sugar, or using fresh cherries.

How to Make Cherry Pie Crumb Bars Recipe

Description

This Cherry Pie Crumb Bars Recipe turns your favorite pie into a portable, easy-to-make dessert bar. With a buttery crust, juicy cherry filling, and sweet crumble topping, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion—from summer potlucks to cozy winter baking.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 can (about 21 oz) cherry pie filling — or 2 cups homemade
Optional for homemade filling: 2 cups pitted cherries, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp cornstarch

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Stir in vanilla.
Press two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10–12 minutes.
While crust bakes, prepare homemade cherry filling if needed by cooking cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch over medium heat until thick.
Spread cherry filling over the baked crust.
Crumble remaining dough on top.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Notes

For a vegan version, use dairy-free butter.
Add a touch of almond extract to the filling for extra flavor.
Bars hold together better when fully cooled.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Cuisine: American