If you’re craving something that perfectly balances tart, juicy cherries with a buttery, oat-studded crust, look no further than this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe. These bars are a delightful treat where vibrant cherry filling bursts beneath a golden, crumbly topping that’s both chewy and crisp. Whether as a sweet snack, a cozy dessert, or a crowd-pleasing party dish, these bars bring a refreshingly simple yet satisfying flavor that will quickly make them a favorite in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to mastering this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe. Each component is straightforward but plays an essential role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and that inviting aroma.
- Cherries: Fresh, pitted, and quartered cherries bring bright, juicy tartness that’s the star of the show.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the cherries’ natural tang.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the cherry filling and provides structure to the crumble crust.
- Vanilla or almond extract: A splash of this elevates the cherry flavor with warm, fragrant notes.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: These contribute a hearty chew and rustic texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth filling.
- Brown sugar: Imparts a deep caramel flavor to the crumble topping, enhancing the bar’s richness.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances sweetness and boosts all the other flavors.
- Salted butter: Melted butter binds the crumble together while adding a luscious, golden finish.
How to Make Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking. For easier cleanup and neat bars, line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper—this also helps lift the bars out cleanly once they’re cooled.
Step 2: Mix the Cherry Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the fresh cherries with granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and your choice of vanilla or almond extract. Stir gently but thoroughly so that every piece of cherry is coated. This mixture will thicken beautifully while baking, delivering that luscious, jammy filling you crave.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Dough
In another bowl, mix together the rolled oats, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt. Pour the melted salted butter over these dry ingredients and stir everything together until evenly moistened and crumbly but without any dry flour patches. This mixture forms the two crisp and chewy layers that frame the cherry filling perfectly.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, making sure it’s evenly spread to create a solid base. Spoon the cherry filling over this crust, spreading it out gently to the edges. Finish by sprinkling the remaining crumble mixture evenly on top—it will bake up golden and crispy, providing a delightful textural contrast.
Step 5: Bake
Place your pan in the oven and bake for roughly 20 minutes. Keep an eye on the bars—they’re done when the topping turns a light golden brown and you see the cherry filling bubbling tempting and hot at the edges.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Allow the cherry crumble bars to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. This resting time lets the filling set so each bar slices neatly without oozing everywhere. Cut into 16 squares for perfectly portioned treats that are delicious warm or served at room temperature.
How to Serve Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To add a special touch, try dusting the top of the bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. A dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of vanilla ice cream also complements the cherry’s tartness beautifully for a luscious dessert experience.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk for classic pairing, or keep it simple with fresh fruit on the side. For something extra cozy, a warm cup of tea or a scoop of creamy yogurt pairs wonders with the Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gatherings, consider stacking the bars on a rustic wooden board or arranging them in a pretty basket lined with parchment paper. You might also cut bars into smaller bite-sized squares for easy snacking or serve them as an unexpected addition to brunch spreads or picnic treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your extras fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This way, the bars retain their delightful balance of juicy filling and crumbly topping. For longer freshness, refrigeration is a good option, though it may make the bars slightly firmer.
Freezing
Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe leftovers freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to 2 months, making them perfect for preparing ahead or enjoying on a whim.
Reheating
To bring frozen or refrigerated bars back to life, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes until just heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the crumbly topping crisp and the filling nicely set.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen cherries work well and can be a convenient alternative. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before mixing with sugar and flour to prevent the bars from becoming soggy.
What if I don’t have almond extract or vanilla?
You can skip the extract altogether or substitute with a small pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest for a different but tasty flavor twist that complements the cherries wonderfully.
Are rolled oats necessary?
Rolled oats add fantastic texture and heartiness to the crumble topping, but if unavailable, you can substitute with quick oats or even chopped nuts for an interesting crunch. Avoid using instant oats, as they may alter the texture too much.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, making sure it’s measured cup-for-cup. For oats, choose certified gluten-free rolled oats to avoid cross-contamination.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for a lightly golden crumble topping and cherry filling bubbling at the edges. The bubbling ensures the filling has thickened properly, so your bars will hold their shape when cut.
Final Thoughts
Making the Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe is like creating a little slice of joy baked with love and bursting with fresh fruit flavor. Once you try them, you’ll see how simple ingredients come together to make something truly special. Whether for a family dessert, a snack, or a treat to share, these bars are guaranteed to brighten any day. Give them a go—you won’t regret bringing this cherry delight into your kitchen!
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 feature a deliciously sweet and tangy cherry filling sandwiched between layers of buttery oat crumble. Perfect as a snack or dessert, these bars combine fresh cherries with a crunchy, golden topping baked to perfection for a delightful treat.
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 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Prepare Cherry Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the pitted and quartered cherries, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and vanilla or almond extract. Stir well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Mix Crumble Base and Topping: In another medium bowl, mix rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour the melted salted butter over the mixture and stir thoroughly until fully moistened without any dry clumps.
- Assemble Bars: Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to create an even base layer. Evenly spoon the cherry filling over this base and spread to the edges. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 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, cut into 16 bars. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, ripe cherries. Frozen cherries may add extra moisture and require adjustment in baking time.
- Almond extract can be substituted with vanilla extract for a milder flavor.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner slicing.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Reheat gently before serving if preferred warm.
