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
Scale
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.
