There is something truly irresistible about indulging in homemade cherry treats, and this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors. With layers of juicy cherries nestled between crisp, oat-studded crumble bars, this dessert brings that lovely homemade comfort right to your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just craving a personal sweet escape, these bars are simple to prepare and deliver an unforgettable taste every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the texture, flavor, and overall magic of your Cherry Crumble Bars. Quality cherries give you that juicy burst, while oats and brown sugar bring rich, hearty textures that balance the tartness perfectly.
- Cherries (2 cups, pitted and quartered): Fresh or frozen, they add natural vibrant color and a juicy tang to the bars.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the cherry filling just enough without overpowering the fruit’s tartness.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons): Provides structure both in the crumble base and the cherry filling for perfect consistency.
- Vanilla or almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a lovely subtle aroma that enhances the cherry’s natural flavor.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (1 cup): Gives the crumble its signature hearty texture and rustic appearance.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Deepens the sweetness and adds a hint of caramel flavor to the crumble topping.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors beautifully.
- Salted butter (6 tablespoons, melted): Binds everything together and adds moisture for a tender yet crumbly texture.
How to Make Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). To make sure your bars come out perfectly and are easy to remove, line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper. This small step saves you from any sticky mishaps later on.
Step 2: Mix the Cherry Filling
Take your pitted and quartered cherries and toss them gently with granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, and your choice of vanilla or almond extract. This mixture will thicken as it bakes, giving you a luscious, juicy filling that doesn’t turn soggy. Letting it sit while you prepare the crumble allows those flavors to blend beautifully.
Step 3: Prepare the Crumble Mixture
In a separate bowl, stir together oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt until evenly combined. Then pour in the melted butter and mix thoroughly until every crumb is moistened but still holds that crumbly texture you want. This combination creates the perfect balance of buttery crunch and slight chewiness.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, forming a nice even base. Next, spread your cherry filling evenly over this layer, making sure to reach all corners. Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top, distributing it evenly to create a delightful golden topping.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the topping turns a light golden brown and the cherry filling bubbles enticingly around the edges. The aromas wafting through your kitchen will only increase your anticipation.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes; this resting time lets the cherry filling set just enough to hold together without losing its juicy character. Once cooled, cut into 16 generous bars and get ready to enjoy your delightful creation either warmed up or at room temperature.
How to Serve Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of these bars is a classic way to elevate their flavor and texture, with the cold creaminess beautifully contrasting the warm, fruit-filled crumble. Dusting a bit of powdered sugar or adding a sprig of fresh mint can also bring a visually appealing and extra touch of freshness.
Side Dishes
Serve your cherry crumble bars with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a light herbal tea for a perfect afternoon treat. If you prefer something richer, a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche on the side pairs wonderfully with the tart cherries and buttery topping.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the bars artistically on a rustic wooden board for a charming dessert spread at your next party. You can also cut them into smaller squares and serve on mini dessert plates with a drizzle of melted chocolate or berry coulis for an elegant twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Cherry Crumble Bars will keep beautifully stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator where they’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to a week.
Freezing
These bars freeze wonderfully! Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months, perfect for when you want a quick homemade treat ready to go.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy your frozen or refrigerated bars, warming them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes will bring back their lovely soft warmth without drying them out. Microwaving for 20–30 seconds also works if you’re in a rush.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work just as well—just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mixing to avoid a watery filling.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use certified gluten-free oats to make these cherry crumble bars suitable for gluten-free diets.
Can I swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative?
Definitely. Use a plant-based margarine or coconut oil melted to replace the butter, and your bars will remain deliciously crumbly and flavorful.
How do I prevent the topping from becoming soggy?
Ensuring the cherry filling is well-coated with flour and that the crumble topping is pressed firmly but loosely baked helps keep the texture crisp and crumbly rather than soggy.
Can I add nuts or other fruits to the crumble?
Yes, adding chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the crumble can add a lovely crunch. You can also mix in other stone fruits like peaches or plums with the cherries for a creative twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both comforting and bursting with flavors, this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe is a fantastic choice that will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. It’s straightforward to make, incredibly satisfying to eat, and perfect for sharing your love of homemade treats with friends and family. Get ready to bake some sweet memories!
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 combine sweet and tart cherries with a crunchy oat crumble topping, baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and perfect for snacks or dessert, these bars offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crust and juicy cherry filling.
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
- 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 of the bars after baking.
- Prepare Cherry Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the pitted and quartered cherries, granulated sugar, flour, and vanilla or almond extract. Mix well to combine and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Make Crumble Mixture: In a separate medium bowl, mix together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour the melted salted butter over the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until well moistened with no dry clumps remaining.
- Assemble Base and Topping: Press approximately two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer. Evenly spoon the cherry filling over this base, spreading it to the edges. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the cherry layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes until the crumble topping is lightly golden and the cherry filling is bubbling 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 and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the crumble mixture.
- Use fresh or frozen cherries; if frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before use to prevent sogginess.
- To make removal easier, leave an overhang of parchment paper on the sides of the pan to lift the bars out easily.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
