There’s something magical about the sweet scent of cherries baking in the oven, mingling with buttery crumbs to create a delightfully cozy aroma. Cherry crumble bars are not just a treat; they are a slice of nostalgia, evoking memories of summer picnics and family gatherings. The juicy cherries burst with flavor, while the crumbly topping provides that perfect crunch. Trust me when I say, these bars will have you swooning! For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert ideas recipe.
Imagine biting into one—sweet cherries dripping down your chin as your taste buds dance with joy. Whether it’s a sunny day at the park or a chilly evening by the fire, these cherry crumble bars are your new best friend. Ready to dive into this adventure? Let’s get started!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cherry crumble bars are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for any skill level
- The vibrant colors and rich flavors will impress anyone who tries them
- You can enjoy them as a dessert or a snack anytime
- They’re versatile enough to be customized with your favorite fruits too!
I remember the first time I made cherry crumble bars; my friends devoured them in minutes and begged for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cherries: Use ripe, juicy cherries for that burst of sweetness; frozen can work too if fresh isn’t available.
- Granulated Sugar: This is essential for sweetness; adjust according to your taste and the tartness of your cherries.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure; make sure it’s leveled off for accuracy when measuring.
- Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for a crumbly texture; it should be cut into small cubes before mixing.
- Oats: Rolled oats add texture and chewiness; quick oats can also be used if you’re in a pinch.
- Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise slightly and become fluffy; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances flavor and aroma; choose pure extract over imitation for better taste.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances out sweetness and enhances all flavors in the recipe.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Prepare the Cherry Filling
Next, wash and pit about two cups of fresh cherries. Slice them in half and toss them in a bowl with sugar, letting them sit until they release their juices—this creates that scrumptious filling.
Mix the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Toss in those cold butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until resembling coarse crumbs—think sandy beach vibes!
Combine Everything
Spread half of the crumble mixture evenly on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Press down gently to form a base layer then layer on those beautiful cherry halves.
Top It Off
Sprinkle the remaining crumble over the cherries generously. Don’t be shy here; more crumbs equal more deliciousness!
Bake Away
Pop it into your preheated oven and let bake for about 35-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time—resist peeking too early!
Once baked, cool completely before slicing into bars or squares—if you can wait that long!
Enjoy making these cherry crumble bars—they’re bound to brighten any occasion!
You Must Know
- The cherry crumble bars are the perfect blend of sweet and tart, with a crunch that makes your taste buds dance
- They’re easy to whip up for any occasion, from casual gatherings to fancy tea parties
- The aroma while baking will have everyone drooling!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the ultimate cherry crumble bars, start by preparing the crust first. While it cools, make the cherry filling. This keeps everything organized and ensures a perfectly baked treat.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cherries for other fruits like blueberries or peaches. You can also experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cherry crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For a warm treat, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh cherries for the best flavor; frozen can work but may be mushy
- Ensure you let the bars cool completely before cutting; this helps maintain their shape
- A sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances sweetness beautifully!
Creating these cherry crumble bars reminds me of family gatherings where we’d race to grab the last piece before it vanished. My aunt would always say, “If you snooze, you lose!”
FAQ
What can I substitute for cherries?
You can use blueberries, raspberries, or peaches instead of cherries.
How do I know when my bars are done?
The edges should be golden brown and the center set.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These bars keep well and taste great after a day in storage.
Cherry Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Cherry crumble bars are the ultimate treat, combining sweet, juicy cherries with a buttery, crumbly topping. This easy-to-make dessert evokes warm summer memories and is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them as a snack or a delightful finish to your meal. With their irresistible aroma and satisfying crunch, these bars are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, toss cherries with 1/4 cup sugar and set aside to release juices.
- In another bowl, mix flour, oats, remaining sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly.
- Press half the crumble into the bottom of the dish, layer with cherries, then top with remaining crumble.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown. Cool before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg