Hey there! If you find joy in the sweet aroma of baking sweets wafting through your home, then this recipe is perfect for you. Today, I’m excited to share a delightful treat that ticks all the boxes: Easy & Tasty Cherry Crumble Bars. Imagine sinking your teeth into a chewy, buttery base, topped with luscious cherries and a heavenly crumble. Trust me, this is one treat that you’ll not only love making but will also quickly become a go-to dessert in your kitchen. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Crumble Bars
Cherry Crumble Bars are not just any dessert; they are a slice of sunshine on your plate. Let me tell you why this recipe is worth your time.
- Simplicity: These bars are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. The steps are straightforward, and you don’t need to fuss over complicated techniques.
- Versatile Ingredients: Using fresh or frozen cherries ensures that you can whip these bars up any time of year. If cherries aren’t your favorite, feel free to swap them with other seasonal fruits, making this a versatile recipe.
- Heartwarming Flavor: The combination of sweet cherries, rich butter, and warm spices creates a comforting flavor profile that feels like a warm hug. Plus, the cinnamon adds a touch of warmth that brings everything together.
- Perfect for Sharing: These bars are ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in. They slice beautifully into bars that are easy to share, because who doesn’t love sharing delicious treats with loved ones?
- Make Ahead: You can easily prepare these bars ahead of time. Just bake, store, and enjoy them later for a quick sweet fix whenever the craving strikes.
Now that you know why this recipe is so special, let’s get started on how to make these delightful Cherry Crumble Bars!
How to Make Cherry Crumble Bars
Get ready to create something wonderful in your kitchen! Follow these easy steps to whip up your Cherry Crumble Bars.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and give it a good greasing to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine your cherries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix it well, and then set it aside to let those flavors mingle beautifully.
- Make the Crumble Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, melted butter, salt, and cinnamon until the mixture is crumbly and everything is well incorporated.
- Assemble the Base: Take half of your crumble mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the greased baking dish. This will form the delicious base for your bars.
- Add the Cherry Layer: Spread your cherry mixture over the crust you just created, ensuring it’s evenly spread.
- Finish with Crumble: Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumble topping over the cherries, distributing it evenly.
- Bake to Perfection: Pop your dish into the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and inviting.
- Cool and Slice: Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the baking dish before cutting them into squares. This will help them set and make slicing much easier.
Now, your Cherry Crumble Bars are ready to serve and enjoy!
Best Ways to Serve Cherry Crumble Bars
Serving your Cherry Crumble Bars can be just as fun as baking them. Here are some ideas on how to present and enjoy these lovely treats:
- Warm with Ice Cream: Serve them warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast of warm and cold is absolutely divine!
- Drizzle of Cream: A light drizzle of cream or a dollop of whipped cream offers a rich and indulgent touch.
- Add Fresh Mint: For a pop of color and freshness, garnish your bars with fresh mint leaves before serving. It adds a lovely flair!
- Tea Time: Pair your bars with a warm cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat that makes any moment feel special.
Keeping Your Cherry Crumble Bars Fresh
Storing your Cherry Crumble Bars is simple and ensures you can enjoy them for days. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to eat them within a couple of days, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate your bars. Place them in an airtight container, and they should last for about a week.
- Freezing: Want to preserve them even longer? These bars freeze beautifully! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cherry Crumble Bars
Here are some handy tips to ensure your Cherry Crumble Bars come out perfectly every time:
- Ripe Cherries: Using ripe cherries will give you the best flavor. If using frozen, make sure they’re patted dry to avoid excess moisture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your topping ingredients, mix until just combined to keep the texture crumbly and light.
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on how sweet your cherries are, feel free to adjust the granulated sugar to match your taste.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to jazz up the flavor with nutmeg or even ginger for an extra layer of warmth.
Delicious Variations of Cherry Crumble Bars
Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations you can try with your Cherry Crumble Bars:
- Berry Blend: Mix in other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry crumble that’s bursting with different flavors.
- Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts like almonds or pecans into the crumble for added crunch and texture.
- Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
FAQs
Can I use canned cherries for this recipe?
Yes! Canned cherries can work just fine; just make sure to drain any excess liquid to prevent a soggy base.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cherry filling the night before and store it in the fridge. Just mix it in right before you’re ready to bake.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
You can substitute butter with coconut oil or a vegan alternative. For a vegan egg replacement, try using unsweetened applesauce in the crumble mix.
Now that you have this delightful Cherry Crumble Bars recipe, it’s time to dive into the baking world. Enjoy each moment, reflect on the beauty of baking, and share these delicious bars with those you love. Happy baking!
Print
Easy Cherry Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Cherry Crumble Bars with a chewy base, luscious cherry filling, and a heavenly crumble topping.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, melted butter, salt, and cinnamon until crumbly.
- Press half of the crumble mixture into the greased baking dish to form the base.
- Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the base.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble topping over the cherries.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool before slicing into bars.
Notes
Serve warm with ice cream or a drizzle of cream for an indulgent treat. Can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for a couple of days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg