Delightful Cherry Crumble Bars: A Fun and Fruity Treat
Add a pop of color and sweetness to your dessert table with these Delightful Cherry Crumble Bars! With a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich cream cheese layer, and vibrant cherry pie filling, these bars are perfect for parties, picnics, or just a special treat at home.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups whipped topping
- Pink food coloring (optional)
For Garnish:
- Pink decorative sugar crystals
Directions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish to form an even crust.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool completely.
2. Layer the Cherry Filling:
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the cooled crust.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Add a few drops of pink food coloring (optional) to achieve your desired shade.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until evenly incorporated.
- Spread the pink cream cheese mixture evenly over the cherry pie filling.
4. Garnish and Chill:
- Sprinkle pink decorative sugar crystals over the top for a festive finish.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
5. Serve:
- Slice into bars and serve chilled for a refreshing, sweet treat.
Tips for Perfect Cherry Crumble Bars
- Cool the crust completely: Allow the crust to cool fully before adding the cherry filling to keep the layers distinct.
- Customize the colors: Swap the pink food coloring for any shade to match your party theme.
- Use fresh whipped cream: For an extra fluffy topping, use freshly whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different fruit filling? Yes! These bars are versatile and work wonderfully with blueberry, raspberry, or apple pie filling.
2. How do I store these bars? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze these bars? Yes, but note that the whipped topping layer may change texture slightly. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Common Mistakes and Solutions
1. Crust crumbling: Press the crust mixture firmly into the pan and ensure it is baked and cooled completely before layering.
2. Uneven layers: Use a spatula to spread each layer evenly for a neat finish.
3. Bars too soft: Make sure the dessert is chilled for the full 2 hours to set properly.
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