Description
These Cherry Crumble Bars combine a luscious cherry filling with a buttery oat crumble topping, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a sweet snack or dessert, these bars are easy to prepare and deliver a delightful balance of tart cherries and sweet crumble in every bite.
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 if desired, to make removing the bars easier 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. Stir well to mix the ingredients evenly and set the mixture aside to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare Crumble Topping: In a separate medium bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour the melted salted butter over the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until the mixture is evenly 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, forming an even base layer. Spoon the cherry filling evenly over this crust, spreading it to the edges. Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top, creating an even topping layer.
- 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 visibly bubbling around the edges.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cherry crumble bars to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. Once cooled, cut the bars into 16 squares. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute frozen cherries if fresh are not available; just be sure to thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture.
- For a nuttier crumble, consider adding 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping mixture.
- The bars are best stored covered at room temperature and are delicious when reheated slightly before serving.
- If you prefer a less sweet bar, reduce the granulated sugar in the filling or the brown sugar in the topping by 1-2 tablespoons.
