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Easy Fresh Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe with Vanilla Glaze for Summer Dessert

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These cherry crumble bars feature a buttery crumble base, juicy fresh cherry filling, and a smooth vanilla glaze, making a quick and easy summer dessert perfect for gatherings or casual treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (110 grams) packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup (225 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups (about 600 grams) fresh cherries, pitted and halved
  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pit about 4 cups (600 grams) of fresh cherries, then halve them. Toss the cherries with ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir gently to coat and let sit for about 10 minutes.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups (315 grams) all-purpose flour, ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar, ½ cup (110 grams) packed brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Add the cold, cubed butter (1 cup / 225 grams). Using a pastry cutter or fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits (5–7 minutes).
  3. Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan, pressing firmly but leaving some crumbly texture (2–3 minutes).
  4. Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the crust layer, being careful not to overload (1–2 minutes).
  5. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the cherries, allowing some gaps for the cherry filling to peek through (1–2 minutes).
  6. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges. Start checking at 35 minutes to avoid over-browning.
  7. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set.
  8. Whisk 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust thickness as needed.
  9. Drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the cooled bars.
  10. Slice into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat edges. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Keep the butter cold to ensure a flaky crumble texture. Do not skip the cornstarch to prevent soggy filling. Use fresh cherries if possible; if using frozen, thaw and drain well. Let bars cool completely before slicing for clean edges. Adjust vanilla glaze thickness with powdered sugar or milk as needed. Optional: add rolled oats or chopped nuts to the crumble for extra crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry crumble bars, summer dessert, vanilla glaze, easy cherry bars, fresh cherry dessert, crumble bars, quick dessert, homemade cherry bars

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/easy-fresh-cherry-crumble-bars-recipe-with-vanilla-glaze-for-summer-dessert/