Imagine biting into a luscious cherry crumble bar, where the sweet-tart cherries dance joyfully with a buttery, crumbly topping. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, transporting you to a sun-drenched orchard, where cherries hang heavy on the boughs. These Cherry Crumble Bars are not just desserts; they are little squares of nostalgia that bring back memories of summer picnics and family gatherings. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert recipes recipe.
Picture this: You’re at a backyard barbecue, and someone walks in carrying a platter of these beauties. The crowd gathers around, eyes wide with anticipation as they dig in. Trust me, these bars will have everyone begging for the recipe—or at least for seconds. Get ready for an amazing flavor experience!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These delightful Cherry Crumble Bars are easy to whip up and require minimal ingredients
- The flavor combination is refreshingly sweet and tart, making every bite irresistible
- Their beautiful golden crust and ruby-red filling make them visually stunning for any occasion
- Perfect for dessert or an afternoon snack, these bars are versatile enough to impress at any gathering
I made these Cherry Crumble Bars last summer for my cousin’s birthday party, and let’s just say, they disappeared faster than cake at a wedding.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cherries: Use ripe cherries for the best sweet-tart balance; pit them before adding to your mix.
- Granulated Sugar: A must-have for sweetness; adjust based on your taste preference.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for both the crumble topping and the base; sift it to avoid lumps.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for control over saltiness; it adds an irresistible richness.
- Oats: Rolled oats create texture in the crumble; choose old-fashioned oats for better results.
- Baking Powder: Helps give the bars a light lift; ensure it’s fresh for optimal rising.
- Cinnamon: A pinch adds warmth and depth to the filling; it’s like a hug in spice form.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Mix the Cherry Filling: In a bowl, combine pitted cherries with sugar and cinnamon. Toss gently until well-coated, then let sit while preparing the crumble mixture.
Create the Crumble Topping: In another bowl, mix flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, and melted butter until crumbly. You want it to resemble wet sand—this will be magic on top of your cherries.
Assemble Your Bars: Press half of the crumble mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish firmly. Spread the cherry filling evenly over this base, then sprinkle the remaining crumble topping generously over everything.
Bake It Up!: Place your assembled bars into the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let them cool slightly before slicing—if you can resist that long!
Serve and Enjoy!: Once cooled enough to handle but still warm from baking, cut into squares. Serve on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent!
Now you’ve got scrumptious Cherry Crumble Bars ready to wow friends and family!
You Must Know
- Cherry crumble bars are a delightful blend of tart cherries and buttery crumble, making them ideal for any occasion
- Their vibrant color and sweet aroma will make you the star of any dessert table
- Enjoy them warm or chilled; they are simply irresistible!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipe ideas recipe.
Start by preparing the cherry filling while the crust bakes. This ensures a harmonious melding of flavors and textures, creating a perfectly balanced treat.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cherries for other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. A sprinkle of cinnamon can also elevate the flavor profile into something extraordinary.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cherry crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh or frozen cherries for the best flavor
- Ensure your butter is cold for a crumbly topping, not a soggy mess
- Let bars cool completely before slicing to maintain their shape and structure
I once baked these cherry crumble bars for my family reunion, and let me tell you, they disappeared faster than I could say “more dessert!” My cousin even asked if I was secretly running a bakery!
FAQ
Can I use other fruits in my cherry crumble bars?
Absolutely! Blueberries or peaches work wonderfully as substitutes for cherries.
How do I prevent my crumble topping from getting soggy?
Ensure your butter is cold and avoid over-mixing to keep it crumbly.
Can I freeze cherry crumble bars?
Yes, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to three months.
Cherry Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Cherry Crumble Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balance sweet-tart cherries with a buttery, crumbly topping. Each bite transports you to sunny orchards, evoking memories of summer picnics and family gatherings. Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, these bars are visually stunning and versatile enough for any occasion. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible dessert that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine pitted cherries with ½ cup sugar and cinnamon; toss and let sit.
- In another bowl, mix flour, oats, remaining sugar, baking powder, and melted butter until crumbly.
- Press half of the crumble mixture into the prepared dish. Spread the cherry filling evenly on top and sprinkle the remaining crumble over it.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (70g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg