If you have a craving for something sweet, fruity, and utterly comforting, you are going to fall head over heels for this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe. It features juicy cherries nestled between layers of buttery, oat-filled crumble that bake into a golden, crispy, and chewy perfection that feels like a big warm hug in every bite. These bars strike the perfect balance between tangy and sweet, making them irresistible whether as an afternoon snack, a dessert, or a treat to share with friends and family. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become your go-to recipe for whenever you want to brighten your day with cherry goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the fresh cherries adding vibrant color and juicy tartness to the oats giving a pleasing chew and the brown sugar contributing a satisfyingly caramelized note.
- Cherries (2 cups / 300 g): Fresh, pitted, and quartered cherries bring sweet-tart juiciness to these bars and the stunning red pop you see in every slice.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons / 25 g): Balances the natural tartness of the cherries with a touch of sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons / 90 g + 16 g): Helps bind the crumble topping and thickens the cherry filling for just the right consistency.
- Vanilla or almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic hint that complements the cherries beautifully.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (1 cup / 100 g): Give the crumble its hearty, chewy texture and a bit of rustic charm.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup / 105 g): Provides depth and caramel notes that make the crumble topping irresistibly crunchy and flavorful.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors and keeps the balance perfect.
- Salted butter (6 tablespoons / 85 g), melted: Brings richness and helps bind the crumble together while delivering that wonderful buttery taste you want in any crumble.
How to Make Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature to achieve a golden crumble top with bubbling cherry filling underneath. If you want easy cleanup and neat bars, line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper; this also helps lift the bars out effortlessly once they’re baked.
Step 2: Mix the Cherry Filling
In a medium bowl, toss together your pitted and quartered cherries with granulated sugar, a bit of all-purpose flour, and your choice of vanilla or almond extract. The flour here thickens the cherry juices as they bake, so your filling won’t be runny. Let this mix rest while you prepare the crumble layers to allow those lovely flavors to meld.
Step 3: Create the Crumble Mixture
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour the melted salted butter evenly over the dry ingredients, then stir vigorously until everything is moistened and forms a crumbly mixture with no dry patches. The oats ensure a chewy texture, while the brown sugar lends sweetness and helps the crumble brown beautifully in the oven.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bars
Press about two-thirds of this crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating an even base layer. Next, spread the cherry filling evenly over this base, making sure to reach the edges for that perfect cherry bite in every piece. Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top, covering the cherries completely to form the signature crunchy topping layer.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place your pan in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. When the crumble topping turns that perfect golden color and the cherry filling bubbles around the edges, your bars are ready. The combination of melted butter, caramelized sugar, and baked fruit will fill your kitchen with the most inviting aroma!
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. This resting time is crucial for the cherry filling to set so that when you cut them into 16 beautiful bars, they hold their shape but stay soft and luscious. Enjoy these bars warm or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.
How to Serve Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are delightful on their own, but you can elevate their presentation by garnishing with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side adds creamy decadence—perfect if you’re serving them as a special dessert.
Side Dishes
Although these bars are satisfying by themselves, pairing them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk makes for a truly comforting treat. For brunch or tea time, serve alongside a bowl of fresh berries or a light green salad to balance out the sweet flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving or parties, cut the bars into smaller bite-sized squares and arrange them on a pretty platter lined with parchment paper. You can also wrap the bars individually in wax paper and tie them with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift. They travel well and impress every time!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cherry Crumble Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days—the flavors actually deepen and the texture remains lovely.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars easily by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a treat, simply thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
If you like your bars warm, reheat individual pieces in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop a few bars in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. The crumble topping will crisp up again, giving you that freshly baked experience all over again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them really well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the bars soggy. You might want to add a little bit more flour to the cherry filling to compensate.
What other fruits can I use if I don’t have cherries?
This recipe is versatile—blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches work wonderfully too. Just adjust the sugar slightly depending on the sweetness of your fruit.
Is there a way to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and check that your oats are certified gluten-free. This tweak keeps the texture nice without losing flavor.
Can I make the crumble topping ahead of time?
Definitely. The crumble mix can be prepared and stored in an airtight container for up to two days in the fridge. Add the melted butter fresh before assembling to ensure that perfect crumbly texture.
How do I prevent the crumble topping from burning?
Keeping an eye on the bars during the last 5 minutes of baking helps. If you notice the crumble topping browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the pan with foil to prevent burning while the cherry filling finishes bubbling.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making and sharing this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat but impressive enough for company, with flavors that everyone adores. Why not give it a try today and discover just how easy it is to bake your way to pure cherry-filled happiness? I promise, you’ll want to make this recipe again and again.
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
Delight in these Cherry Crumble Bars featuring a luscious cherry filling sandwiched between layers of buttery oat crumble. Perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla or almond extract, this dessert offers a comforting texture and vibrant flavor, ideal for any occasion.
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 and 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 for easy removal after baking.
- Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the pitted and quartered cherries, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and vanilla or almond extract. Mix well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Make the Crumble Mixture: In a separate medium bowl, stir together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour the melted salted butter over the mixture and stir thoroughly until everything is moistened and no dry clumps remain.
- Assemble Bars: Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer. Spoon the cherry filling evenly over the base, spreading it to the edges. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top of the cherries in an even layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the crumble topping is lightly golden and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cherry crumble bars cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. Once cooled, cut into 16 bars and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For easier slicing, refrigerate the bars after cooling.
- Use fresh or frozen cherries; if using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before preparing.
- Almond extract adds a lovely nutty aroma but can be omitted if preferred.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
