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
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
- 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.
