I remember the first time I tasted cherry crumble bars at a family gathering. The sweet aroma of cherries mixed with the buttery crumble was simply irresistible. As I sank my teeth into that first bite, I felt a rush of warmth and nostalgia; it reminded me of summers spent picking cherries with my grandmother. This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings back those cherished memories while being easy enough for anyone to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delightful treat that’s perfect for sharing. What makes these cherry crumble bars truly special is their perfect combination of tart cherries and a crispy topping that will make you want to come back for seconds.
why make this recipe
Cherry crumble bars are a fantastic choice for several reasons. Firstly, they highlight the natural sweetness and tartness of cherries, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion. Secondly, they are incredibly simple to whip up, even for beginner bakers. You have a warm, comforting dessert ready to share in just about an hour. Lastly, they are versatile—whether for a picnic, a gathering of friends, or just a cozy night in, these bars are sure to please everyone.
how to make Easy & Tasty Cherry Crumble Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix together flour, oats, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter and vanilla extract, then mix until it becomes crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the cherries evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool before slicing into bars and serving.
how to serve Easy & Tasty Cherry Crumble Bars
These bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate their enjoyment by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can add an extra special touch. For gatherings, cut the bars into small squares for easy serving.
how to store Easy & Tasty Cherry Crumble Bars
To store your cherry crumble bars, place them in an airtight container. They can last for about 3–4 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
tips to make Easy & Tasty Cherry Crumble Bars
- If using frozen cherries, there’s no need to thaw them; just add a little extra cornstarch to absorb added moisture.
- Experiment with other fruits like blueberries or peaches for a different flavor.
- To add more texture, try incorporating nuts into the crumble topping.
variation
Feel free to switch up the toppings by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumble mix. You can also use a mix of different berries for a berry crumble bar.
FAQs
Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, you can use canned cherries, but be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a gluten-free version.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them.
Cherry Crumble Bars
Ingredients
For the filling
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted If using frozen, no need to thaw.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch Add more if using frozen cherries.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the crumble topping
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour.
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Crumble Topping
- In a separate bowl, mix together flour, oats, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the softened butter and vanilla extract, then mix until it becomes crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the cherries evenly.
Baking
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool before slicing into bars and serving.