There is something utterly magical about homemade desserts, especially when they combine bright, juicy fruit with a buttery, crunchy topping. This Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe captures that perfect balance beautifully, offering a delightful treat that is easy to make and impossible to resist. Each bite bursts with sweet-tart cherry flavor nestled under a golden oat crumble that promises the perfect texture contrast. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or impressing friends at a gathering, these bars deliver comfort and joy in every square.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The genius of this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe lies in using simple, straightforward ingredients that come together harmoniously. Every single component plays a key role, from the tart cherries adding freshness and color to the toasted oats creating that crave-worthy crunch.
- Cherries (2 cups, pitted and quartered): The star of the dish, providing natural sweetness and a vibrant pop of red.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the cherries and helps to balance their tartness perfectly.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons): Used in both the crumble and filling to give structure and hold everything together.
- Vanilla or almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, warm aroma that enhances the cherry flavor.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (1 cup): Brings a hearty texture and a rustic, wholesome touch to the crumble topping.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Infuses a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the fruit beautifully.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch to heighten all the flavors and balance the sweetness.
- Salted butter (6 tablespoons, melted): The rich fat that binds the crumble and creates that dreamy, golden crust.
How to Make Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). For easy removal later, line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper—it’s a small step that makes cutting and serving so much simpler.
Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling
In a medium bowl, gently toss together the pitted, quartered cherries with granulated sugar, flour, and your choice of vanilla or almond extract. Setting this aside lets the flavors meld and thickens the filling as the flour absorbs some fruit juices, so don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Make the Crumble Base and Topping
Mix rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt in another bowl. Pour the melted butter over, then stir until the mixture is evenly moistened with no dry clumps. This nutrient-rich crumble mix forms both the sturdy base of your bars and the crisp topping.
Step 4: Layer Your Bars
Press about two-thirds of the oat crumble firmly into the bottom of your pan, creating an even crust. Then, spoon the cherry filling carefully over the base, spreading to the edges to maximize fruitiness in every bite. Finish by sprinkling the remaining crumble evenly over the top—it’s this layering that gives you that signature texture contrast.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Look for a nicely browned crumble top and bubbling cherry filling peeking through on the sides. This signals that your cherry crumble bars are perfectly cooked, with a tender yet sturdy interior.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Let the bars cool completely in the pan for at least 20 minutes—this helps them set so they hold their shape when cut. Then slice into 16 bars and get ready to enjoy warm, at room temperature, or even chilled if you like a firmer texture.
How to Serve Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are delicious as-is, but topping them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes them to the next level of indulgence. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a pretty finish that’s perfect for sharing at any occasion.
Side Dishes
Serve with a side of fresh berries or a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the sweetness. For brunch, pair the bars with a cup of strong coffee or a refreshing herbal tea to complement their fruity notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering cherry crumble bars in individual mason jars topped with yogurt or custard for a charming dessert parfait. You could also cut bars into bite-sized squares and skewer them with fresh cherries for a fun, handheld treat at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cherry crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days to maintain freshness. Keeping them covered prevents the crumble topping from drying out, so they remain delightfully soft yet crisp.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, freeze them by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for easy, make-ahead treats.
Reheating
Warm your bars gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to revive that fresh-baked aroma and crispness. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crumble topping crunchy—oven reheating is the way to go for that freshly baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid making the bars soggy. You might want to toss the frozen cherries with a little extra flour to help absorb moisture.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The bars will still hold together beautifully and taste delicious.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Definitely! Use a larger baking dish such as a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time slightly as needed. Keep an eye on the bars to prevent over-browning.
What if I don’t have almond or vanilla extract?
Don’t worry. You can leave the extract out or substitute it with a tiny pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest for a different but equally tasty twist.
How do I make sure the crumble topping stays crisp?
Make sure to use cold, melted butter and press it well into the oat mixture when combining. Avoid over-mixing to keep that crumbly texture, and serve within a few days for the best crunch.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about homemade Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe that just warms the heart and sweetens any moment. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can bring that cozy feeling into your kitchen and delight your loved ones. So why wait? Grab your ingredients and start baking—your taste buds will thank you!
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 are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery oat and flour crumble layered with juicy, sweetened cherries. Perfectly baked to a golden crisp, they offer a delicious balance of tart fruit and crunchy topping, ideal for serving warm or at room temperature as a treat for any occasion.
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
- 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 for easy removal of the bars 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. Mix thoroughly to coat the cherries and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Make Crumble Mixture: In another medium bowl, mix the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted salted butter and stir until the mixture is evenly moistened with no dry clumps remaining.
- Assemble Layers: Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a uniform base layer. Spoon the cherry filling evenly over this base, spreading it to the edges. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the top of the cherries.
- Bake: Bake the assembled bars in the oven 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 to set. Once cooled, cut into 16 bars. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!
Notes
- If fresh cherries are out of season, frozen cherries can be used. Thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans on top before baking.
- To make the bars easier to remove, use parchment paper with overhang on two sides.
- These bars store well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Reheat gently in a microwave or oven before serving warm.
