Description
This Cherry Crumble Bars recipe offers a delightful combination of sweet, juicy cherries layered between a buttery oat crumble base and topping. With a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, these bars bake up golden and are ideal for dessert or a snack, providing a homemade treat that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
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 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
- 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 with the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and vanilla or almond extract. Mix well to coat the cherries evenly and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare Crumble Topping: In another medium bowl, mix together rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour the melted salted butter over the dry ingredients, stirring thoroughly until the mixture is fully moistened with no dry clumps.
- Assemble Bars: Firmly press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the base layer. Spoon the cherry filling evenly over this base, spreading it out to the edges. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly on top of the cherry filling to form the topping.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes until the crumble topping turns lightly golden and the cherry filling is bubbling at 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 and serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using fresh, ripe cherries enhances flavor, but frozen cherries can be used if thawed and drained well.
- For a nuttier flavor, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds to the crumble mixture.
- Line the pan with parchment paper with overhang to easily lift the bars out after cooling.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
