If you’re craving a delightful treat that perfectly balances tart cherries and a buttery, crumbly topping, you’re in for a real treat with this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe. These bars are wonderfully simple yet packed with flavor, combining juicy cherries with a sweet, oat-filled crumble that’s just begging to be enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as a cheerful addition to any gathering. The layers of tart and sweet, soft fruit and crumbly topping make these bars irresistible from the first bite to the last.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color in your Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe. From fruity freshness to that golden, buttery crunch, these essentials come together effortlessly.
- 2 cups cherries, pitted and quartered: Fresh or frozen, these juicy cherries bring natural tartness and vibrant color.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the cherries’ tartness perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for filling): Helps thicken the cherry filling so it’s not too runny.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract: Infuses lovely warm notes that complement the cherry flavor beautifully.
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats: Provides a hearty texture and wholesome crunch to the crumble topping.
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (for topping): The base that binds the crumble together with that classic buttery bite.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds deep caramel sweetness and moisture to the crumble.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted: The star binder that creates the golden, tender crumble topping.
How to Make Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Oven & Pan
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). To ensure an easy removal of the bars after baking, line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper—this little prep trick makes slicing and serving a breeze.
Step 2: Make Cherry Filling
In a medium bowl, toss together those luscious pitted and quartered cherries with granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and your choice of vanilla or almond extract. This combo thickens the filling just right while letting the fresh cherry flavor shine through. Set this mixture aside to give the flavors a chance to mingle and deepen.
Step 3: Prepare Crumble Topping
Next, in a separate bowl, stir rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt until they’re well combined. Pour the melted salted butter over everything and mix until the mixture is moistened evenly and crumbly without dry spots. This topping is what transforms your bars into a perfect balance of crisp and tender.
Step 4: Assemble Bars
Press about two-thirds of your crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create a sturdy, golden base. Spoon the cherry filling evenly over this layer, spreading it out to cover every corner. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the crumble mixture gently over the cherries to form that irresistible top crust.
Step 5: Bake
Slide your pan into the oven and let these bars bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the crumble topping is lightly golden and the cherry filling is bubbling enticingly around the edges—pure perfection in the making.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Patience pays off here! Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes so they can set up nicely. Once cooled, cut into 16 squares and serve either warm, allowing the cherry juices to mingle with the crumble, or at room temperature for a firmer bite.
How to Serve Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These cherry crumble bars are wonderful on their own, but adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream elevates the experience to a whole new level. Fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pretty pop of color and subtle extra flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a hot cup of coffee or a rich latte to complement the fruity and sweet flavors perfectly. They also pair well with a chilled glass of milk or even a sparkling rosé for a more festive occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange these bars on a pretty platter garnished with fresh cherries and edible flowers. Alternatively, serve them in rustic brown paper liners for a charming, casual vibe. You can even turn them into handheld treats by cutting them into mini squares and serving in a tiered dessert stand.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your cherry crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm, keeping them in the fridge will extend their freshness to about 5 days without sacrificing flavor.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 3 months, making them perfect for prepping ahead or saving for a rainy day.
Reheating
To enjoy warm bars after storing or freezing, simply microwave them for 20–30 seconds until just warmed through, or pop them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This will revive the crumble topping’s crispness and soften the cherry filling.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for the Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well so the filling doesn’t get too watery. Frozen cherries work great and make this recipe accessible year-round.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free oats to keep the crumble safe for gluten-sensitive friends and family. The texture will remain delightfully crumbly and flavorful.
Can I substitute the brown sugar with something else?
You can swap brown sugar for coconut sugar or raw sugar, which will change the flavor slightly but still offer that deep sweetness and moist texture important for the topping.
How do I make these bars less sweet?
Reducing the sugars by up to a third in both filling and topping is possible, though keep in mind the sugar also balances the tartness of the cherries and contributes to the texture.
What’s the best way to get neat cuts when slicing these bars?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to get even, tidy squares. If the bars are too soft, chill them for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner edges.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade treats that feel like a warm hug, and this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe fits that description perfectly. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again, sharing the joy of sweet-tart cherries and crumbly comfort with everyone you love. Give it a try — I promise these bars will become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
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
Delight in these Cherry Crumble Bars, a perfect balance of tart cherries and sweet, buttery oat crumble. This easy-to-make dessert features a crunchy base and topping with a juicy cherry filling, baked to golden perfection. Great for snacking or sharing, these bars bring a comforting fruit crumble experience in convenient bar form.
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
- 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 thoroughly and set aside to let the flavors meld and thicken the filling.
- Prepare Crumble Topping: In a separate medium bowl, stir together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour the melted salted butter over the mixture and mix well until everything is moistened evenly and there are no dry clumps.
- Assemble Bars: Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even base layer. Spoon the cherry filling evenly over this base, spreading it to the edges. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the cherry layer to form the topping.
- 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 along the edges.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely for at least 20 minutes. Once cooled, cut into 16 bars and serve. These bars can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature for a delicious treat.
Notes
- For easier removal, make sure to use parchment paper lining for the pan.
- Feel free to substitute vanilla extract with almond extract to add a different flavor profile.
- Using fresh or frozen cherries both work well; if frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars also freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
