If you are on the hunt for a dessert that’s bursting with summer sweetness and a satisfyingly crunchy texture, look no further than this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe. These bars combine juicy cherries with a buttery, oat-packed crumble that bakes up golden and irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a casual afternoon treat or a special gathering, these bars promise a perfect balance of tart fruit and sweet, crumbly topping that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The simplicity of the ingredients in this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe is what makes it so charming. Each element, from the fresh cherries to the brown sugar, plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that beautiful golden color.
- 2 cups cherries, pitted and quartered: The star of the dish, providing juicy tartness and vibrant color.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to complement the cherries without overwhelming them.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the cherry filling so it doesn’t get soggy.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract: Enhances the flavor with a subtle aromatic note.
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats: Adds chewy texture and hearty goodness to the crumble.
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crumble, giving it structure.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Gives the topping a rich sweetness and slight caramel flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted: Binds the crumble together with a luscious buttery richness.
How to Make Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). To make cleanup and removal easier, line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. This little step means your bars will come out neatly without sticking, saving you both time and frustration.
Step 2: Mix the Cherry Filling
In a medium bowl, toss the pitted and quartered cherries with granulated sugar, flour, and your choice of vanilla or almond extract. This mixture is going to thicken up nicely while baking, so make sure everything is evenly coated. Setting it aside here allows the fruit to macerate, which intensifies their juicy flavor.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Mixture
Now, in another bowl, stir rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Drizzle the melted salted butter over this dry mixture and mix until all the ingredients are fully combined and no dry spots remain. This crumble will have the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness once baked.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bars
Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This is your sturdy base. Then, spoon over the cherry mixture evenly. Finally, scatter the rest of the crumble topping uniformly across the cherries to create that classic layered look.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for roughly 20 minutes. Keep an eye out for a lightly golden crumble top and bubbling cherry filling peeking around the edges — that’s your cue that these bars are ready to come out.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool for at least 20 minutes. This cooling period lets the filling set so your bars slice cleanly. Cut into 16 squares, and you’re ready to share or savor them all by yourself!
How to Serve Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, a light dusting of powdered sugar makes these bars look like they came from a bakery. Alternatively, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of vanilla glaze can add creaminess and a beautiful contrast to the fruity crumble.
Side Dishes
Pair these cherry crumble bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination or a cup of hot coffee or tea to brighten your afternoon. Their sweet crunch also complements a light fruit salad for a balanced dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bars into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a tiered dessert tray for a beautiful party presentation. For a more indulgent treat, serve them layered in clear glasses with whipped cream to create cherry crumble parfaits that visually impress and taste divine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These bars keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to five days, making sure they are well covered to prevent drying out.
Freezing
Cherry crumble bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months, which means you can make a big batch and enjoy them long after cherry season!
Reheating
To enjoy them warm, pop the bars in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds. This brings back the fresh-baked feel and enhances the flavors, just like when they first came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain the frozen cherries well before mixing them with the other filling ingredients to prevent excess moisture from making the bars soggy.
What if I don’t have old-fashioned oats?
You can substitute quick oats in a pinch, but old-fashioned oats give the crumble a better texture because they are thicker and hold up well during baking.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free all-purpose flour and oats labeled gluten-free, you can enjoy these delicious cherry crumble bars without worry.
How long do the bars last once baked?
Stored properly, these bars last about five days in the refrigerator. They’re best eaten within this time frame for maximum freshness and flavor.
Can I substitute other fruits for cherries?
Definitely! This recipe works well with berries, peaches, or even rhubarb for a delightful twist, just remember to adjust sugar slightly depending on the sweetness of the fruit.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe is like bringing a little sunshine to your kitchen. The combination of juicy cherries and crumbly oat topping feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you are treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these bars are guaranteed to delight and become a treasured favorite. Give it a try and enjoy every bite!
Print
Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 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 buttery oat crumble with a juicy, sweet cherry filling for a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors. Easy to make with simple ingredients, they are baked to golden perfection and make an ideal dessert or snack that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Cherry Filling
- 2 cups (300 g) cherries, pitted and quartered (about 60 cherries)
- 2 Tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons (16 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
Crumble Topping and Base
- 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
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Prepare Cherry Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the pitted and quartered cherries with granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and vanilla or almond extract. Mix well to coat the cherries and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Mix Crumble Base and Topping: In another medium bowl, stir together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour the melted salted butter over this mixture and stir thoroughly until all ingredients are moistened with no dry clumps remaining.
- Assemble Bars: Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the base layer. Spoon the cherry filling evenly on top of this base, spreading it to the edges. Then sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the cherry layer as the topping.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the crumble topping turns lightly golden and the cherry filling bubbles around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cherry crumble bars to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into 16 bars. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- For easier slicing, chill bars in the refrigerator after cooling completely.
- You can substitute fresh cherries with frozen ones; just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid prior to use.
- To make it nutty, consider adding chopped almonds or walnuts to the crumble mixture.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the granulated sugar to 1 tablespoon.
