If you have a sweet tooth and love that delightful balance of tart fruit and crunchy topping, you are in for a treat with this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe. These bars are like a handheld slice of cherry crumble pie, packed with juicy cherries nestled under a buttery, oat-studded crumble. The combination of tender cherries infused with a hint of vanilla or almond extract and the crispy, golden oat crust makes every bite a little moment of joy. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or a cozy afternoon snack, these bars promise to steal the show with their perfect texture and irresistible flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create magic. Each element plays an essential role—from the fresh cherries providing that vibrant fruity punch to the oats and brown sugar crafting the perfect crumbly texture and golden color.
- Cherries (2 cups, pitted and quartered): Fresh cherries bring the sweet-tart flavor and juicy texture that define the bars.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the cherries’ tartness.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons, divided): Forms the sturdy base and binds the cherry filling.
- Vanilla or almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): A splash of fragrant extract lifts the cherry flavor beautifully.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (1 cup): Gives the crumble topping a lovely chew and rustic texture.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and caramel notes that deepen the crumble’s flavor.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and balances all the ingredients.
- Salted butter (6 tablespoons, melted): Brings richness and helps bind the crumble into a golden, crispy topping.
How to Make Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). For easier removal of the bars, line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. This small step can make a big difference when it’s time to serve, ensuring your bars come out clean and intact.
Step 2: Mix the Cherry Filling
In a medium bowl, toss together the pitted and quartered cherries with granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and your choice of vanilla or almond extract. This mix not only flavors the cherries but also thickens the juices as they bake, preventing any sogginess in your bars. Set it aside to let the flavors mingle while you prepare the crumble base.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Mixture
In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour the melted salted butter over everything and stir until well combined and no dry clumps remain. This buttery, oat-rich crumble is key to the bars’ satisfyingly crunchy texture and golden finish.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create an even base layer. Then, spread the cherry filling evenly over this base. Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top, distributing it evenly to ensure every bite has a perfect topping-to-fruit ratio.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the topping turns a lovely light golden color and you see the cherry filling bubbling around the edges. This bubbling is the promise of juicy, flavorful bars just waiting to be enjoyed.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes, which helps the filling set up beautifully so the bars don’t fall apart. Once cooled, cut them into 16 squares. Whether you serve them warm or at room temperature, these bars are sure to delight.
How to Serve Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of sweetened whipped cream on top to elevate each bar to dessert status. A dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds can also add a lovely finishing touch both visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect afternoon treat. For brunch, consider serving alongside a fresh fruit salad to complement the vibrant cherry flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the bars in a rustic wooden tray lined with a colorful napkin for a charming picnic vibe. For parties, arrange the bars on tiered stands to catch everyone’s eye. You can also cut smaller bites for a delightful finger food tray at casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep leftover cherry crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. This helps maintain their texture and freshness.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature or in the fridge.
Reheating
To bring back the fresh-baked feel, reheat bars in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes, or microwave them for 15–20 seconds until warm. This warming makes the crumble topping crisp again and the cherry filling nicely melty.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture which could make the bars soggy. You might also want to add a little extra flour to the filling to help thicken it.
What can I substitute for oats in the crumble?
If you’re not a fan of oats, you can use chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for a crunchy topping, or simply add a bit more flour and brown sugar to keep the crumble texture intact.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Replace the salted butter with a vegan margarine or coconut oil and be sure to use brown sugar that’s certified vegan. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based.
How do I prevent the cherry filling from bubbling over?
Using flour in the cherry filling helps thicken the juices, reducing bubbling. Pressing the crumble topping down gently also keeps everything contained as it bakes.
Can I use different fruit instead of cherries?
Definitely! This recipe is versatile. Try blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches for a different twist, adjusting sugar levels depending on the sweetness of the fruit.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve discovered this delightful Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe, I can promise it will be a fast favorite at your home. The ease of making such a delicious treat paired with its wonderful flavor and texture makes it a must-try for any baking lover. Go ahead, bake a batch and share the love — these bars are too good to keep all to yourself!
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cherry Crumble Bars feature a sweet and tangy cherry filling sandwiched between layers of buttery oat crumble. Perfectly baked to a golden crisp, these bars make a delightful snack or dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
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 Base and 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
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper for easy bar removal after baking.
- Prepare the 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 to combine and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Make the crumble mixture: In a separate medium bowl, combine rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour melted salted butter over the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until the mixture is moistened evenly and no dry clumps remain.
- Assemble the bars: Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even base layer. Evenly spread the cherry filling over this base, reaching the edges. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the cherries to form the top layer.
- Bake the bars: 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, cut into 16 bars. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!
Notes
- To make removal easier, line the pan with parchment paper extending over the edges.
- Feel free to swap cherries with other stone fruits like peaches or plums for variation.
- For a nuttier crumble, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the oat mixture.
- These 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 to enjoy a warm, melty texture.
