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
Scale
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.
