If you have a soft spot for sweet, tangy, and buttery treats, this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe is about to become your new favorite dessert. Imagine juicy cherries mingling with a crunchy, golden oat crumble, all baked into perfectly portable bars that are bursting with flavor and beautiful color. Whether you’re craving a snack, an after-dinner dessert, or a shareable treat for friends, these bars balance the sweetness and tartness in a way that feels both comforting and exciting to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe calls for simple ingredients that come together to create a flavor explosion. Each item plays a vital role — from the fresh cherries that give the bars their bright pop of flavor and color, to the oats and brown sugar that create the irresistible crunchy topping and base. Let’s dive into these essentials that are probably already in your pantry or fridge.
- Cherries, 2 cups (300 g), pitted and quartered: juicy and tangy, they bring freshness and a vibrant pop of red that’s both delicious and eye-catching.
- Granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons (25 g): adds sweetness to balance the cherries’ tartness perfectly.
- All-purpose flour, 3/4 cup (90 g) plus 2 tablespoons (16 g): provides structure for both the crumble topping and the fruit filling.
- Vanilla or almond extract, 1/2 teaspoon: infuses aromatic warmth and depth of flavor to the cherries.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup (100 g): contribute a hearty crunch and a wonderful nutty texture.
- Brown sugar, 1/2 cup (105 g): enriches the crumble with its molasses notes and adds moisture to keep it tender.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- Salted butter, 6 tablespoons (85 g), melted: binds the crumble topping together while delivering a rich, buttery flavor that’s simply irresistible.
How to Make Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Oven & Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). For the easiest time removing your bars later, line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper. If you don’t have parchment, just grease the pan well—you want those bars to lift out beautifully without sticking.
Step 2: Make Cherry Filling
In a medium bowl, toss together your pitted and quartered cherries, granulated sugar, the smaller measure of all-purpose flour, and vanilla or almond extract. Stir everything well to coat the fruit and help the juices thicken as it bakes. Set the bowl aside so the flavors can blend while you prepare the crumble mixture.
Step 3: Prepare Crumble Topping
Grab a separate bowl and combine the rolled oats, remaining all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt. Then pour in the melted salted butter, stirring thoroughly until the mix is evenly moistened and no dry clumps remain. This step is key to achieving that perfect balance of crispy and tender texture in your crumble.
Step 4: Assemble Bars
Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, forming a solid base. Then gently spoon the cherry filling evenly over it, spreading the fruit right to the edges. Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the cherries like a blanket. This layering creates those irresistible bars that are as visually appealing as they are delicious.
Step 5: Bake
Pop your pan into the preheated oven and bake for roughly 20 minutes. Keep an eye out for the crumble topping to turn a light golden brown and the cherry filling to bubble around the edges. This bubbling is a sure sign that all the flavors are coming together beautifully.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes so they can set properly. This step makes cutting easier and keeps the bars intact. When cooled, slice the square into 16 mouthwatering bars. Enjoy them warm for extra gooeyness or at room temperature for that classic crumble texture everyone loves.
How to Serve Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar instantly adds a pretty finishing touch that makes these bars look bakery-worthy. If you’re feeling indulgent, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes them to dessert perfection, bringing a creamy contrast to the crunchy topping and bright cherry filling.
Side Dishes
These bars are fantastic on their own but pairing them with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette can balance the sweetness for a delightful brunch. Or serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea to enjoy a comforting afternoon treat that hits all the right notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning dessert platter, arrange the Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe squares on a wooden board with fresh cherries and small bowls of extra whipped cream or nuts. You can also layer cheesecake filling beneath the crumble to create cherry crumble cheesecake bars—talk about next-level delicious! Whatever you choose, these bars are a joy to share and savor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, place the container in the fridge where they will keep well for about five days without losing their fresh flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
To enjoy these bars warm, simply microwave a single bar for 15 to 20 seconds or reheat in a low oven (about 325°F/160°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This helps revive the crumble’s crispness and makes the cherry filling extra luscious again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh for this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe?
Yes, frozen cherries work well when fresh are out of season or unavailable. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess juice before mixing, so the bars don’t get too soggy.
What can I substitute for almond extract?
If you’re not a fan of almond extract or don’t have any on hand, vanilla extract on its own is wonderful and brings a warm, sweet note that complements the cherries perfectly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’ll be all set.
How do I prevent the crumble topping from burning?
Keep an eye on the bars during the last few minutes of baking. If the topping is browning too quickly, loosely cover the pan with foil and finish baking until the filling is bubbly.
Can these bars be made vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the salted butter with a plant-based vegan butter or coconut oil. Make sure to use a vegan-friendly brown sugar as well for a fully vegan Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe enough for anyone who loves a simple yet sensational dessert that’s both nostalgic and refreshing. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal fuss, you’ll have a batch of bars that feel homemade and are sure to bring smiles around any table. Once you try them, I’m sure these bars will hold a permanent place in your baking rotation too!
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 combine juicy, sweet-tart cherries with a buttery oat crumble topping, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a delightful dessert or snack, they offer a satisfying balance of fruitiness and a crisp, crumbly texture in every bite.
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 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 well to blend the flavors and set aside.
- Prepare Crumble Topping: In another bowl, stir together rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour melted salted butter over the mixture, stirring thoroughly until moist and without dry clumps.
- Assemble Bars: Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even base layer. Evenly spoon the cherry filling over this base, spreading to the edges. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly on top of the cherries.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the crumble topping is lightly golden and the cherry filling bubbles 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. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cherries that are well-drained if fresh are not available.
- For an added crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts over the cherry layer before adding the topping.
- Parchment paper lining ensures easy removal and clean cuts of bars.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Reheat briefly in the oven or microwave for a warm treat.
