Imagine biting into a warm, buttery Cherry Crumble Bar, where the sweet-tart cherries burst in your mouth like a mini explosion of summer. The comforting crunch of the crumble topping adds an irresistible texture that makes you want to dive headfirst into the pan—don’t worry, we’ve all been there! Whether it’s a sunny picnic or a cozy winter evening, these bars are perfect for any occasion. caramelized onion goat cheese pizza They evoke fond memories of family gatherings and laughter-filled kitchens, where the aroma of baked goodness fills the air and invites everyone to join in on the fun.
Now, picture this: you’re at a friend’s barbecue, and someone brings out a tray of these Cherry Crumble Bars. Suddenly, you find yourself surrounded by people fighting over the last piece. You can’t help but laugh as you shove half a bar into your mouth while trying to defend your territory. honeycrisp apple and feta salad These bars have a magical way of turning any moment into a celebration, and trust me, you’ll want to have this recipe handy for when those cherry cravings strike!
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] These cherry crumble bars are incredibly easy to make and perfect for beginners. Their sweet-tart flavor will have everyone asking for seconds. Visually stunning with their vibrant red filling and golden crumble topping, they elevate any dessert table. Versatile enough to be served warm with ice cream or chilled for breakfast bites! [/info_box]
I once made these Cherry Crumble Bars for my family reunion, and let’s just say they disappeared faster than my cousin’s attempts at telling dad jokes!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious apple snickerdoodles.
Fresh Cherries: Look for plump cherries that are deep red; they should be firm with no blemishes.
Granulated Sugar: A must for balancing the tartness of the cherries; feel free to adjust based on your taste.
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for both the crust and crumble; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Adds great texture; look for large oats rather than quick oats for that perfect chewiness.
Baking Powder: Helps give your bars that slight lift; don’t skip this ingredient! For more inspiration, check out this lemon lavender cookies recipe.
Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for the crumble; it creates that delightful flaky texture we all love.
Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances flavors beautifully; never underestimate the power of good vanilla.
Salt: Just a pinch helps balance sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare Your Cherries: Wash and pit about two cups of fresh cherries. Slice them in half if you prefer smaller pieces or leave them whole if you’re feeling rebellious.
Create the Filling Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine pitted cherries with granulated sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix gently until all cherries are coated evenly.
Make the Crumble Topping: In another bowl, combine flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs—get those fingers working!
Add Layers to Your Dish: Press half of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of your greased baking dish. Pour cherry filling on top evenly, then sprinkle remaining crumble over it like confetti.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake in preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes until golden brown on top and bubbly around edges. Your kitchen will smell heavenly; try not to drool too much!
After letting it cool slightly (if you can resist), slice into squares and serve warm or chilled—either way is an absolute treat! Enjoy every bite as if it’s your last because let’s face it—these Cherry Crumble Bars won’t last long around friends and family! For more inspiration, check out this lemon cheesecake squares recipe recipe.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Cherry crumble bars are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cherries with a buttery crumble. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make you feel like a pastry chef in a fancy bakery. They are perfect for parties or just to satisfy your sweet tooth. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while preparing the crust, ensuring it’s hot and ready for baking. This helps achieve that golden, crispy texture you crave.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap fresh cherries for frozen ones or mix in some blueberries for added flavor. A sprinkle of almond extract can elevate the taste too!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore that fresh-baked warmth.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Fresh cherries yield the best flavor, but frozen ones work too if you’re in a pinch. Don’t skip chilling the crust; it makes it easier to handle and keeps it from getting soggy. While baking, cover with foil if browning too quickly. [/info_box]
Creating cherry crumble bars always reminds me of summers spent with my grandma, who would let me pick cherries from her backyard tree. pineapple and chicken teriyaki Those sweet memories add an extra dash of joy every time I bake them.
FAQ
Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?
Absolutely! Raspberries, blueberries, and peaches are all delicious alternatives.
How do I know when my bars are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown, and the filling should bubble slightly.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, they store well in an airtight container for up to three days!
Cherry Crumble Bars
Indulge in the delightful taste of Cherry Crumble Bars, a perfect blend of sweet-tart cherries and a buttery crumble topping. These bars are not only easy to make but also visually stunning, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion. Whether served warm with ice cream or chilled for breakfast bites, they are sure to impress family and friends alike. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a treat that evokes cherished memories and brings everyone together.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Wash and pit the cherries; slice in half if desired.
- In a bowl, mix cherries with 1/4 cup sugar and vanilla extract until coated.
- In another bowl, combine flour, oats, remaining sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Press half the crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish. Spread cherry filling evenly over it and top with remaining crumble.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown on top and bubbly around edges.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Substitute fresh cherries with frozen if needed; thaw before using. Add blueberries for a mixed berry flavor or sprinkle almond extract for extra depth.
