Cherry Nut Crumb Bars
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If you love cherry desserts that feel homemade and just a little nostalgic, these Cherry Nut Crumb Bars are about to become a favorite. With a buttery shortbread base, a juicy cherry filling, and a golden almond-scented crumb topping, this dessert strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and simple.
These bars are inspired by classic cherry crumble and bakery-style coffee cake, but baked into easy-to-slice squares that travel well and store beautifully. They’re ideal for potlucks, holidays, afternoon coffee, or keeping a sweet treat on hand throughout the week.
Best of all, this recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and works with fresh or frozen cherries — making it a year-round favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Cherry Bars
- Perfect balance of flavors – Sweet cherries + warm almond notes
- Easy to slice & serve – No forks required
- Freezer-friendly – Great for make-ahead baking
- Crowd-pleasing – Ideal for gatherings and gifts
- Versatile – Works with fresh or frozen cherries
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust & Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
For the Cherry Filling:
- 3 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved (or frozen, thawed & drained)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Optional Topping:
- Sliced almonds or other nuts
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make Cherry Nut Crumb Bars
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling
In a medium bowl, stir together cherries, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Set aside so the juices begin to release.
Step 3: Prepare the Crumb Mixture
In a large bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, and almond extract. Stir in flour, salt, and baking powder until a soft, crumbly dough forms.
Step 4: Press the Crust
Press about ⅔ of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
Step 5: Add the Filling
Spoon the cherry mixture evenly over the crust, spreading gently.
Step 6: Add the Crumb Topping
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the cherries. Top with sliced almonds if desired.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the cherry filling is bubbling at the edges.
Step 8: Cool & Slice
Allow bars to cool completely before lifting out and slicing into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Serving Ideas
These cherry nut crumb bars are delicious:
- Slightly warm with vanilla ice cream
- Served chilled for a firmer texture
- With coffee or tea for afternoon treats
- Wrapped individually for gifting
Tips for Perfect Crumb Bars
- Let them cool fully for clean slices
- Drain frozen cherries well to avoid excess moisture
- Use parchment paper for easy removal
- Don’t overbake — the filling will continue to set as it cools
Make Them Your Own
- Swap almond extract for vanilla for a milder flavor
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the crumb mixture
- Use half cherries, half raspberries for a twist
- Drizzle with simple glaze instead of powdered sugar
A Simple Dessert That Always Delivers
These Cherry Nut Crumb Bars are the kind of dessert that feels right at home on a cozy kitchen counter. They’re simple, comforting, and bursting with cherry flavor — perfect for sharing with family, friends, or neighbors.
Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just because, this is a cherry recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
You know what goes great with these delicious cherry bars…. COFFEE! A piping hot cup of delicious specialty-grade coffee is the perfect side-kick to a scrumptious dessert! Take a look at our favorite brand and have coffee on us – GroundBreakers Coffee. Enter the code GBOHH26 when you order and you’ll receive 25% off of your order!
