If you crave a delightful treat that perfectly balances fruity freshness with a satisfyingly crumbly texture, this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These bars bring together juicy cherries, a lightly sweetened filling, and a golden oat crumble that bakes into a perfect handheld dessert. They are easy to make yet impressive, ideal for sharing with friends or savoring as a comforting snack. From the vibrant burst of cherry flavor to the pleasantly chewy oats and the buttery richness, every bite feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe plays a crucial role in crafting a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. From the fresh cherries that provide juiciness and color to the oats and butter that create a perfectly crumbly crust, every element contributes something unique and essential to the final result.
- Cherries (2 cups, pitted and quartered): Fresh or frozen, cherries bring the luscious, tart fruitiness that makes these bars shine.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Helps sweeten the cherry filling just enough to balance its natural tartness.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons): Provides structure in both the crumble topping and the filling, ensuring a sturdy bar.
- Vanilla or almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle aromatic depth that enhances the cherry flavor beautifully.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (1 cup): Delivers a chewy, wholesome texture to the crumble topping that contrasts perfectly with the juicy fruit layer.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds warmth and a slight molasses note, enriching the crumble’s flavor.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A small pinch accentuates all the sweet and fruity notes, balancing the taste.
- Salted butter (6 tablespoons, melted): Brings richness to the crumble topping and helps it bake into a crisp, golden crust.
How to Make Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Oven & Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). For easy bar removal and clean-up, line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for a handy “lift-out” after baking.
Step 2: Make Cherry Filling
In a medium bowl, combine your pitted and quartered cherries with granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and your choice of vanilla or almond extract. Stir gently until everything is well mixed. Letting this sit a bit allows those flavors to mingle and develop into the perfect fruity filling.
Step 3: Prepare Crumble Topping
Grab another bowl for the crumble mixture. Mix together the rolled oats, 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour the melted salted butter over the dry ingredients and stir everything thoroughly. You want all the dry bits moistened without any lumps—this mix will create your golden, crumbly topping and bottom crust.
Step 4: Assemble Bars
Press about two-thirds of your crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This forms a solid base that’s sturdy enough to hold the cherry filling. Spread the cherry filling evenly over that base, making sure it reaches every corner. Then sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly atop the cherries to complete your layered masterpiece.
Step 5: Bake
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes. Keep an eye out for the crumble topping to turn a lovely light golden brown and for the cherry filling to bubble enticingly around the edges—both signs your bars are perfectly baked.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. This step helps the filling set so your bars cut cleanly. Once cooled, slice into 16 squares and serve warm or at room temperature to enjoy the full spectrum of textures and flavors.
How to Serve Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and an extra whisper of sweetness that complements the tart cherries beautifully. Fresh mint leaves also bring a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
Serve your cherry crumble bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat or with a dollop of whipped cream for a lighter option. A cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee pairs wonderfully, balancing the fruit’s natural sweetness with warm, comforting notes.
Creative Ways to Present
To elevate presentation, arrange bars on a wooden serving board with scattered fresh cherries and small bowls of toppings like chopped nuts or chocolate chips. These bars also make a fantastic base for layered parfaits—crumbled up and layered with yogurt and fresh fruit for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cherry crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or keep them in the refrigerator to extend freshness to about five days. The flavors often deepen after resting a bit, making leftovers just as crave-worthy.
Freezing
Cherry crumble bars freeze beautifully—wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy, preserving that amazing texture and flavor.
Reheating
Warm bars in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave them in short bursts until just heated through. Reheating brings back that fresh-baked warmth, enhancing both the crumble’s crispness and the filling’s succulent juiciness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain frozen cherries well before mixing to avoid excess liquid in the filling. The crumble bars will still turn out deliciously fruity and tender.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
You can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. This tweak keeps the texture intact while accommodating gluten-free diets.
How long do cherry crumble bars last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh for about 2 days at room temperature or up to 5 days refrigerated. For longer keeping, freezing is the way to go.
Can I add nuts or seeds to the crumble topping?
Yes! Toasted almonds, pecans, or even sunflower seeds add fantastic crunch and nutty flavor. Just mix them into the crumble topping before baking.
What’s the best way to cut the bars neatly?
Wait until the bars have cooled completely, then use a sharp knife. Wiping the knife clean between cuts helps maintain neat edges and beautiful squares.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe is like inviting a burst of spring and summer into your kitchen all year round. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and utterly delicious—a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or dessert. Once you try these bars, you’ll find yourself reaching for them time and again. So go ahead, grab those cherries, and get ready to bake some comfort-filled happiness!
Print
Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cherry Crumble Bars feature a luscious cherry filling nestled between layers of buttery, oat-studded crumble. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, these bars are a delightful treat for dessert or snack time, offering the comforting flavors of a homemade crumble in a convenient bar form.
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 your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper to enable easy removal of bars 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. Stir well to mix and set aside to allow the flavors to blend.
- Prepare Crumble Topping: In another medium bowl, mix together rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted salted butter and stir thoroughly until the mixture is fully moistened and no dry clumps remain.
- Assemble Bars: Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to form the base layer. Spread the cherry filling evenly over this base, making sure it reaches the edges. Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly on top of the cherry layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 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. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy your delicious dessert.
Notes
- For easier slicing, cool the bars completely before cutting.
- You can substitute frozen cherries if fresh are not available; just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
- Almond extract can be omitted for a less pronounced flavor or replaced with vanilla extract.
- To make these bars gluten-free, use gluten-free oats and all-purpose flour substitutes suitable for baking.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
