If you’ve been searching for a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and tangy, look no further than this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe. These bars combine luscious, juicy cherries with a satisfyingly crumbly oat topping, creating a dessert that’s as comforting as it is irresistible. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that bursts with flavor and texture, making every bite a little moment of joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe plays a crucial role, bringing together the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the rich butter that makes the crumble golden and tender, to the fresh cherries bursting with natural sweetness and tartness, this combination is delightfully simple yet utterly essential.
- Cherries (2 cups, pitted and quartered): Fresh or frozen, these add juicy brightness and lovely color to the filling.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the cherry mixture just enough without overpowering the natural fruit taste.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons): Provides structure to both the crumble topping and the cherry filling, keeping it tender yet sturdy.
- Vanilla or almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle aromatic depth that enhances the cherries’ flavor beautifully.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (1 cup): Bring a rustic crunch and wholesome chewiness to the crumble topping.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Gives a rich, caramel-like sweetness and helps the crumble caramelize nicely during baking.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and elevates the overall flavors.
- Salted butter (6 tablespoons, melted): Binds the crumble ingredients and lends a luscious buttery taste and golden color.
How to Make Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Oven & Pan
Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). To make cleanup and removal easier, line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper—this step saves you from any sticking and ensures beautiful, intact bars once baked.
Step 2: Make Cherry Filling
In a medium bowl, toss your pitted and quartered cherries with granulated sugar, flour, and your choice of vanilla or almond extract. This simple mixture thickens the filling as it bakes and infuses it with extra flavor while the sugar gently sweetens the natural tartness of the cherries. Set it aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the crumble topping.
Step 3: Prepare Crumble Topping
Next, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt in a separate bowl. Pour in the melted butter and stir until everything is thoroughly combined into a moist, crumbly mixture. This blend of oats and brown sugar is what gives these bars their trademark satisfying crunch and deep, rich sweetness.
Step 4: Assemble Bars
Press about two-thirds of your crumble mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This base layer creates a sturdy foundation that bakes into a golden crust. Spoon the cherry filling evenly over the crust, spreading it all the way to the edges to contain all that delicious fruitiness. Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the cherries to crown the bars with a crisp, buttery topping.
Step 5: Bake
Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for roughly 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crumble topping turns a lovely light golden brown and you see the cherry filling bubbling enticingly at the edges—a sign of that perfect, gooey interior.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Allow your cherry crumble bars to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. This rest time helps the filling set so the bars hold their shape when cut. Once cooled, slice into 16 squares and serve up these scrumptious treats, either warm to highlight the melty fruit or at room temperature for a more set texture.
How to Serve Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add a creamy contrast to the fruity crumble. Fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pretty finishing touch and a hint of freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair your cherry crumble bars with a simple cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of cold milk for a classic combination. For a brunch or tea party, they also go wonderfully alongside a light green salad or some fresh berries to keep the meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these bars at a gathering, consider cutting them into smaller bite-size pieces and arranging them on a platter garnished with cherry halves and edible flowers. You could also layer the bars with yogurt in small jars for a pretty, portable dessert parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cherry crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate them for up to five days. The bars actually taste great chilled, and the flavors continue to deepen after baking.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to three months, making them great to stash away for when a sweet craving strikes unexpectedly.
Reheating
Warm your bars in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 20 to 30 seconds to refresh that just-baked warmth and soften the crumble topping, bringing them back to their full delicious glory.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work wonderfully; just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid to avoid a soggy crumble.
What can I substitute for almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract on hand, vanilla extract is a perfect swap and complements the cherries just as beautifully.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free for the best results.
How do I get the crumble topping extra crunchy?
Using old-fashioned rolled oats and browning the topping just until golden helps a lot. You can also chill the bars briefly before baking to keep the butter from melting too quickly.
Are these bars suitable to bring to picnics or potlucks?
Definitely! They travel well and are easy to cut into portions, making them a fantastic option for sharing with friends and family outdoors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about homemade cherry crumble bars, and this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe truly brings the best of that warm, fruity indulgence to your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and share these irresistible bars at your next gathering or simply enjoy them as a comforting sweet treat. Happy baking!
Print
Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cherry Crumble Bars combine a sweet and tart cherry filling with a buttery, oat-based crumble topping. Baked to golden perfection, they make a delightful dessert or snack that’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Cherry Filling
- 2 cups (300 g) cherries, pitted and quartered (about 60)
- 2 Tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons (16 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
Crumble Topping
- 1 cup (100 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup (90 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (105 g) brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 Tablespoons (85 g) salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prep Oven & Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Make Cherry Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the pitted and quartered cherries with granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and vanilla or almond extract. Stir well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare Crumble Topping: In another medium bowl, combine rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour the melted salted butter over the mixture and stir thoroughly until the mixture is moistened and there are no dry clumps.
- Assemble Bars: Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, forming an even base layer. Spread the cherry filling evenly over this base, reaching the edges. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the cherries evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the crumble topping turns a light golden color and the cherry filling is bubbling at the edges.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the cherry crumble bars to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes to set. Cut into 16 bars and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Notes
- For easier slicing, cool bars completely before cutting.
- You can substitute fresh cherries with frozen, just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
- For a nutty twist, add chopped nuts to the crumble topping.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
