Description
These Cherry Crumble Bars feature a delightful combination of juicy cherries and a buttery oat crumble topping baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a snack or dessert, these bars offer a balance of sweet fruit filling and crunchy crumble, easy to make and ideal for serving warm or at room temperature.
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
- 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, which makes removing the bars after baking easier.
- 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 coat the cherries evenly, then set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- 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 stir thoroughly until all ingredients are 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, compact layer. Spoon the cherry filling evenly over this base, spreading it to the edges. Then sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly on top of the cherries to form the top layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the crumble topping is lightly golden and the cherry filling bubbles around the edges, signaling it’s cooked through.
- Cool & Serve: Remove from the oven and let the cherry crumble bars cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes to set. Once cooled, cut into 16 bars and serve warm or at room temperature for a delicious treat.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor; frozen cherries can be used but should be thawed and drained.
- To make removal easier, allow bars to cool completely before slicing.
- 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 nutty twist, consider sprinkling chopped almonds or walnuts on top before baking.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute salted butter with a plant-based margarine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
