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
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
- 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.
