If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect balance between tart cherries and buttery, crunchy crumble, you’re in for a real treat with this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe. These bars are bursting with juicy cherry goodness enveloped in an irresistible oat and brown sugar crumble that’s both hearty and delicate. Whether you’re looking for a delightful dessert, a sweet snack, or a charming addition to your brunch table, this recipe brings a warm, homey flavor that feels like a cozy hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple yet essential ingredients is all it takes to create these unforgettable cherry bars. Each component plays its part, from the fresh cherries that provide the juicy burst to the oats and brown sugar that build the perfect crunchy topping. Let’s break down what you’ll need to bring these bars to life.
- Cherries (2 cups, pitted and quartered): Fresh or thawed frozen cherries ensure juicy flavor and vibrant color.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Balances the tartness of the cherries for a sweet yet tangy filling.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons): Provides the structure for both the crumble topping and the cherry filling.
- Vanilla or almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warm, aromatic notes that elevate the cherry flavor.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (1 cup): Gives the topping a wonderful texture and heartiness.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor to the crumble.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors beautifully.
- Salted butter (6 tablespoons, melted): Binds the crumble together and adds richness.
How to Make Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Oven & Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). For easy removal and clean edges, line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. This small step makes your bars look professionally crafted and eases cleanup.
Step 2: Make Cherry Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together your quartered cherries, granulated sugar, flour, and vanilla or almond extract. This mixture combines tart and sweet elements, and the flour helps thicken the filling so it doesn’t get runny while baking. Set this aside to let the flavors mingle and get cozy together.
Step 3: Prepare Crumble Topping
Grab a separate bowl for the crumble mix. Stir rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt until they are evenly combined. Pour the melted salted butter over the mixture, working it in until there are no dry patches. This creates the perfect crumbly texture that’s crisp on the outside but tender within.
Step 4: Assemble Bars
Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This forms a solid, buttery base. Evenly spread the luscious cherry filling over this base, reaching all edges to ensure every bite bursts with fruit. Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top, covering the cherries with a golden blanket that will bake to perfection.
Step 5: Bake
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the crumble topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the cherry filling bubbles enticingly around the sides. This signals a perfectly baked bar that is gooey inside and crispy on top.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let your Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing. Cooling helps the filling set a bit, making it easier to cut clean bars without messy spills. Enjoy these bars warm for a comforting treat or at room temperature for a snack that’s equally delicious.
How to Serve Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch, but why stop there? A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes these cherry bars into decadent territory. Fresh mint leaves can brighten the presentation and add a refreshing note.
Side Dishes
While cherry crumble bars are delightful on their own, pairing them with a cup of hot coffee or tea makes for a relaxing afternoon break. For a brunch spread, they work wonderfully alongside yogurt parfaits or a light fruit salad, balancing the richness with fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut bars into neat squares or fun shapes using cookie cutters to impress guests. Serve them on rustic wooden boards for that cozy, homestyle vibe. You can also layer smaller bars in mason jars with whipped cream and fresh cherries to create charming dessert parfaits that wow visually and taste spectacular.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe fresh by storing leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need them to last longer, refrigeration is a great option and will keep them moist and tasty for about a week.
Freezing
These cherry bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months, letting you enjoy a homemade treat anytime you want with minimal effort.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy frozen or refrigerated bars, warm them up gently in a microwave or a low-temperature oven. This revives the crumble’s crispness and melts the cherry filling just enough to recreate that fresh-baked magic all over again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the filling, which can make your bars soggy.
Is it possible to make the bars gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to keep the bars safe for gluten sensitivity.
How do I get a firmer filling?
Adding the flour in the filling is key as it thickens the cherries’ juices during baking. You can also try adding a teaspoon of cornstarch for extra firmness.
Can these bars be made vegan?
Yes, substitute the butter for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil and make sure your sugar is vegan-friendly. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.
What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?
Allow the bars to cool completely, then use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry for neat, crumb-free slices.
Final Thoughts
These Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe have quickly become one of my favorite go-to desserts because they are incredibly easy to make and absolutely crowd-pleasing. The combination of sweet cherries and crunchy crumble hits all the right notes of comfort and indulgence. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll become a beloved staple that you’ll want to bake again and again.
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
Description
Delight in these Cherry Crumble Bars featuring a luscious cherry filling nestled between layers of buttery oat crumble. Quick to prepare and easy to bake, these bars offer a perfect balance of tart fruit and sweet, crunchy topping – ideal for a snack or dessert that pleases any crowd.
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
- 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 for easy removal of the 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. Mix them thoroughly and set aside to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare Crumble Topping: In another medium bowl, stir together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted salted butter and stir until the mixture is moist and no dry clumps remain, forming a crumbly texture.
- Assemble Bars: Press about two-thirds of the crumble topping firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to create an even base layer. Spoon the cherry filling evenly over the base, spreading it to the edges. Then sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the cherry filling.
- Bake: Place the assembled pan into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the crumble topping turns 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 before cutting into 16 bars. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using parchment paper in the baking pan helps ensure easy removal of the bars without sticking.
- Adjust the sugar amount depending on the sweetness of your cherries or personal preference.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
- To enhance tartness, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the cherry filling.
