If you have a sweet tooth that loves a perfect balance of tart and sugary delight, then this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe will quickly become your new favorite treat. Imagine tender, juicy cherries nestled between layers of buttery oat crumble that bake up golden and crisp on top, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and irresistibly scrumptious. Whether you’re serving them for a casual snack, a festive gathering, or a cozy night in, these bars deliver that nostalgic homemade goodness with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create a perfect mix of flavor, texture, and color in your Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe. Each element plays a key role, from the tart cherries that add vibrant juiciness to the oats and butter that give a crunchy, crumbly texture.
- Cherries (2 cups, pitted and quartered): Fresh or thawed frozen cherries bring juicy tartness and natural sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Balances the cherries’ tartness with a gentle sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons): Provides structure and helps thicken the cherry filling.
- Vanilla or almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a fragrant hint that elevates the cherry flavor.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (1 cup): Gives the crumble topping a delightful chewiness and nutty texture.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Offers deep caramel notes that complement the cherries perfectly.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness.
- Salted butter (6 tablespoons, melted): Binds the crumble topping while adding richness and a golden finish.
How to Make Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Oven & Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper. This step makes sure your bars will come out cleanly, making serving and cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Make Cherry Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together your pitted, quartered cherries with granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and the vanilla or almond extract of your choice. This combination allows the cherries to release their natural juices while thickening the filling just enough for perfect sliceability.
Step 3: Prepare Crumble Topping
Next, take another medium bowl and combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted salted butter and stir everything until the mixture is fully moistened without any dry patches. This crumble will become delightfully crisp and golden when baked.
Step 4: Assemble Bars
Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create an even base. Spoon the cherry filling evenly on top, spreading it carefully to the edges. Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the cherries for that irresistible layered look and texture.
Step 5: Bake
Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake for roughly 20 minutes. You’re looking for a lightly golden crumble top with bubbling cherry filling peeking around the edges—that’s when you know it’s perfectly done.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Allow these delicious cherry crumble bars to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. This resting time firms them up for clean cutting. Cut into 16 bars and serve warm so the filling is luscious or enjoy at room temperature for a more settled texture.
How to Serve Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty snowy touch, but don’t stop there. A dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of vanilla ice cream makes these bars feel like a special occasion dessert that your guests will rave about.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a chilled glass of milk for the ultimate snack experience. If you want to keep it light, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully, balancing out the bars’ sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling festive, drizzle some melted white chocolate or a simple glaze over the top before serving. For gatherings, consider stacking these bars on a rustic wooden board decorated with fresh cherries and sprigs of mint for that eye-catching touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cherry crumble bars keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week, just make sure they are well covered to prevent drying out.
Freezing
These bars freeze wonderfully. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to retain their crumbly texture and juicy filling.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked feeling, warm your bars in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This gentle heat reawakens the buttery crumble and softens the filling, making every bite feel cozy and comforting.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work just as well. Just thaw them completely and drain excess juice if needed to avoid overly soggy bars.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensuring your oats are certified gluten-free, you can enjoy these bars without gluten.
Can I substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative?
You can swap melted butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute, but keep in mind this might slightly alter the flavor and texture.
How do I keep the crumble topping from getting soggy?
Press the base crumble firmly before adding the filling and spread the topping evenly over the filling. Baking immediately after assembling helps create a crisp topping.
Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?
Definitely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of berries make great alternatives that keep the spirit of this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe alive.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the way these Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe comes together—simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and a final result that feels like a warm hug in every bite. I promise once you try making these bars, they’ll become one of those cherished recipes you return to again and again. So go ahead, bake a batch, share with friends, and enjoy every crumbly, fruity moment!
Print
Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cherry Crumble Bars feature a luscious cherry filling nestled between layers of buttery oat crumble. With a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, they make an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert ideal for any occasion.
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 & 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
- Prep Oven & Pan: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
- Make Cherry Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the pitted and quartered cherries, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and vanilla or almond extract. Mix well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare Crumble Topping: In a separate medium bowl, stir together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour the melted salted butter over the mixture and stir thoroughly until all ingredients are moistened and no dry clumps remain.
- Assemble Bars: Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer. Spoon the cherry filling evenly over the base, spreading it out to the edges. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly on top of the cherries.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the crumble topping is lightly golden and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the cherry crumble bars to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. Once cooled, cut into 16 bars and serve. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure cherries are pitted and quartered evenly for consistent filling distribution.
- Press crumble mixture firmly at the base to prevent it from falling apart after baking.
- Use parchment paper to easily lift the bars out of the pan.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For a nutty twist, consider adding 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumble mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
