Cherry Crumble Bars: A Sweet and Buttery Delight
Imagine the blissful aroma of Cherry Crumble Bars wafting through your kitchen, the sweet and tart blend of cherries mingling with a buttery, crunchy oatmeal crumble. These Cherry Crumble Bars are more than just a dessert; they are a comforting embrace in culinary form. With a golden crumble topping that contrasts beautifully against the lush cherry filling, this treat invites memories and creates new ones with every bite.
As a child, I vividly remember visiting my grandmother’s house during the summer, where she always seemed to have a batch of Cherry Crumble Bars cooling on the counter. The reward for climbing her cherry trees was a generous slice of this comforting delight. The combination of sweet cherries and the buttery crumble would bring everyone to the kitchen, filling the room with laughter, stories, and the undeniable warmth of family love.
If you’re in the mood for some delicious fruity baked treats, you might love exploring these options! For a taste of something similar to cherry crumble bars, consider trying these delightful rhubarb cheesecake bars, or perhaps these sweet and tangy key lime bars. They both offer that wonderful bar dessert experience!
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Cherry Crumble Bars: A Sweet and Buttery Delight
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Imagine the blissful aroma of Cherry Crumble Bars wafting through your kitchen, inviting memories and creating new ones with every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (300 g) cherries, pitted and quartered
- 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (16 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract
- 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 your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the baking pan with parchment paper if desired.
- In a medium bowl, mix cherries, granulated sugar, flour, and extract. Allow to sit for 10 minutes.
- In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, mixing until crumbly.
- Press two-thirds of the crumble mixture into the baking pan to form a crust.
- Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle remaining crumble mixture over the cherries.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and edges are bubbly.
- Let cool for at least 20 minutes before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Use fresh cherries for best flavor, adjust sugar if using canned or frozen cherries.
- Cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
- Experiment with different extracts or add spices like cinnamon.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Cherry Crumble Bars
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Crumble Bars
These Cherry Crumble Bars are a delightful treat for so many reasons!
- Easy to make with simple steps, no fancy tools needed.
- Wonderfully flexible, allowing for ingredient substitutions, making it perfect for any taste preferences.
- Perfect for busy days or hosting family and guests.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Best Cherry Crumble Bars
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium bowl
- 8-inch square baking pan
- Spatula
- Oven
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Step 1: Preparation for the Cherry Crumble Bars
For the Cherry Filling:
- 2 cups (300 g) cherries, pitted and quartered
- 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (16 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract
For the Crumble:
- 1 cup (100 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¾ cup (90 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (105 g) brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons (85 g / about ⅓ cup) salted butter, melted
Step 2: Cooking the Cherry Dessert Bars
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’d like, line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, mix together the cherries, granulated sugar, flour, and vanilla or almond extract. Allow this mixture to sit for about 10 minutes to release the cherry juices.
In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted butter, mixing until the ingredients are fully combined and crumbly.
Firmly press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture into the bottom of your baking pan, creating the crust.
Step 3: Assembling and Finishing
Spoon the cherry mixture evenly over the crust, making sure to reach the edges.
Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the cherries.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cherry filling is bubbling at the edges.
Allow the bars to cool for at least 20 minutes before cutting them into squares. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cherry Crumble Bars Every Time
- Use fresh cherries for the best flavor, but canned or frozen cherries can work in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the sugar accordingly.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
- Experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon for added flavor.
Easy Ways to Customize Your Dish
- Swap the cherries for other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a different taste.
- Add nuts like almonds or pecans to the crumble for extra crunch.
- Include spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
Occasions Perfect for This Recipe
- Perfect for summer picnics or barbecues with friends.
- Great for holiday gatherings as an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert.
- Ideal for potluck dinners, offering a delicious homemade treat without too much effort.
Is This Cherry Crumble Bars Healthy?
While this dessert is undeniably tasty, it’s also packed with sugar and butter, which are best enjoyed in moderation. To make a healthier version, consider reducing sugar or using a sugar substitute, and opt for whole grain flour and oats. You can also add flaxseed or chia seeds for an extra nutritional boost.
FAQs
A: Fresh cherries tend to provide the best flavor and texture for Cherry Crumble Bars. However, you can also use canned or frozen cherries if fresh ones are unavailable. Just remember to adjust the sugar content accordingly.
A: Making a crumble topping involves combining ingredients like oats, flour, sugar, and butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. This mixture is then sprinkled over the filling to create a delicious, crunchy layer.
A: Absolutely! Frozen cherries work well for Cherry Crumble Bars. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using to prevent excess moisture in your dessert.
A: These bars can last up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
A: Both desserts feature a baked fruit filling with a buttery topping. However, a crumble typically uses a flour-based topping, whereas a crisp often includes oats, resulting in a crunchier texture.
Conclusion
Embrace the taste of summer with these delightful Easy Cherry Crumble Bars. Combining the sweet and tart flavors of cherries with a golden, buttery crumble, this recipe offers a comforting treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or looking for a classic dessert for your family, these bars are sure to please.
If you want to explore more delicious options, check out our rhubarb cheesecake bars for another fruity delight!
We hope you enjoy making and savoring these Cherry Crumble Bars. Why not leave a comment below to share your experience, or bookmark this recipe for your next baking day? Happy baking!
