Easy Cherry Pie Crumb Bars for Your Next Gathering

Looking for a dish that wows your guests without stressing you out?

These Cherry Pie Crumb Bars are the ultimate shortcut to dessert heaven.

They bring all the flavor of a classic pie with half the work.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a total game-changer for busy holiday seasons.

You get a buttery shortbread base and a crunchy oat topping in one go.

It uses simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand.

Your family will love the sweet, tart balance of the cherries.

How to Make Cherry Pie Crumb Bars

Making these bars is much easier than rolling out a traditional pie crust.

You simply press the dough into the pan and bake it twice.

Even if you are a beginner baker, you can master this recipe easily.

The almond extract adds a professional touch with zero extra effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Most of these items are probably sitting in your kitchen right now.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 21 ounces canned cherry pie filling
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 cup rolled oats

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in salt and all-purpose flour until a crumbly dough forms.
4. Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
5. Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
6. Stir the almond extract into the cherry pie filling, then spread evenly over the pre-baked crust.
7. Combine the reserved 1 cup of crumb mixture with the rolled oats and sprinkle over the cherry layer.
8. Bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
9. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into bars.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Serve these bars warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.

They also pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

For a holiday party, arrange them on a pretty platter for guests.

Set the table and enjoy a sweet moment with your family.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days.

You can also freeze these bars for up to three months easily.

Make the bars the night before for stress-free holiday cooking.

To reheat, just pop a bar in the microwave for fifteen seconds.

Tips for Best Results

• Don’t skip the parchment paper to make lifting the bars out easy.
• Press the bottom crust firmly so it stays together when sliced.
• Let the bars cool completely before you try to cut them.
• Use a sharp knife to get those clean, professional-looking edges.
• For Thanksgiving, double the batch to feed a larger group.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon to the oats for extra warmth.

Ways to Switch It Up

• Swap cherry for blueberry or apple pie filling for a change.
• Use gluten-free 1-to-1 flour to make this a safe treat.
• Add a handful of chopped walnuts for a nice salty crunch.
• Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the top for extra sweetness.

Common Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, these bars actually taste better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld together perfectly.

Can I use fresh cherries?

You can, but you will need to cook them with sugar first. Canned filling is the fastest way to get dinner done.

Will kids eat this?

Absolutely, kids love the sweet fruit and the crunchy oat topping. It is a very kid-approved dessert for any night.

I hope this cozy recipe brightens your winter evenings. Give it a try and let every bite warm you up. Happy cooking!

— Lidia