There’s something magical about biting into a Cherry Crumble Bar. Picture this: sweet, juicy cherries bursting with flavor, nestled beneath a buttery, crumbly topping that sends your taste buds dancing. Each bite is a delightful explosion of textures and tastes that makes you feel like you’re enjoying summer in every season. The aroma wafting from the oven is enough to make anyone weak in the knees, promising a treat that’s both comforting and indulgent.
I remember the first time I made these Cherry Crumble Bars for my family picnic. My cousin declared it the best dessert he’d ever tasted, and I’m pretty sure that moment single-handedly boosted my culinary confidence by at least 150%. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or even just a rainy day at home, these bars are versatile enough to be enjoyed anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up. Get ready to dive into this cherry-filled adventure that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! For more inspiration, check out this tasty dessert options recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Making Cherry Crumble Bars is easy and requires minimal prep time
- The perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors will have everyone begging for seconds
- Their vibrant color makes them an eye-catching addition to any dessert table
- Enjoy them warm with ice cream or chilled straight from the fridge; they’re delicious any way you slice it!
I still chuckle remembering how my dog tried to “help” by stealing one right off the counter when I turned my back for just a second.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this delicious dinner recipes recipe.
- Fresh Cherries: Use ripe cherries for maximum sweetness; pitting them can be a fun family activity.
- Granulated Sugar: Just the right amount will enhance the cherries’ natural sweetness without overwhelming their flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating that perfect crumbly texture in both the filling and topping.
- Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to control the saltiness; melted butter helps create that delightful crumble.
- Oats: Old-fashioned oats add chewy texture and heartiness to your crumble topping; they are essential for crunch!
- Baking Powder: This little leavener helps give rise to your tasty bars, making them light and fluffy.
- Cinnamon: A pinch adds warmth and depth, perfectly complementing the cherries’ bright flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up flavors and balances out sweetness; it’s like sunshine in your recipe.
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 a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter for easy removal.
Pit Those Cherries!: While your oven warms up, pit and slice your fresh cherries. You want about 3 cups of pitted cherries ready to go. Don’t forget—this can get messy!
Mix Your Filling: In a bowl, combine the pitted cherries with sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Toss until everything is well-coated; let it sit while you prepare your crumble layer.
Create the Crumble Topping: In another bowl, mix flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly. The mixture should resemble wet sand—a little clump here and there adds character!
Layer It Up!: Spread half of your crumble mixture evenly onto the bottom of the greased baking dish. Then pour on those cherry filling goodies—make sure every corner is covered! Top it all with the remaining crumble mix.
Bake Away!: Place in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown on top and bubbly around the edges. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time—try not to eat all your patience!
These Cherry Crumble Bars are sure to become a favorite in no time! Whether it’s summer or winter outside, these treats bring sunshine into any home with their delightful flavors!
You Must Know
- Cherry crumble bars are simple yet delicious
- The sweet-tart cherries combined with a buttery crumble create a heavenly treat
- Perfect for family gatherings or just because you deserve a sweet pick-me-up
- Enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen while baking these bars
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare the crust first, then make the filling while it cools, ensuring even flavor and texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cherries for other fruits like blueberries or peaches. Add nuts for crunch or spices for warmth, tailoring it to your taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cherry crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for about 10 minutes to regain their delightful crispness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect cherry crumble bars, always use fresh fruit and chill your butter before mixing for a flakier texture
- Avoid over-baking; watch for golden-brown edges to prevent dryness
- Lastly, let them cool completely before slicing to maintain shape and structure
Baking these cherry crumble bars reminds me of summer picnics with my family, where laughter mingled with the scent of baked goods wafting through the air.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cherries for cherry crumble bars?
Yes, frozen cherries work great; just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
How do I know when my cherry crumble bars are done?
The edges should be golden brown, and the center will feel slightly firm to the touch.
Can I make these cherry crumble bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend for delicious results.
Cherry Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Cherry Crumble Bars, where juicy cherries are enveloped in a buttery, crumbly topping. Perfect for any occasion, these bars deliver a delightful blend of sweet and tart that will transport you to summer bliss. Whether enjoyed warm with ice cream or chilled straight from the fridge, each bite promises an explosion of taste and texture that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pit and slice the cherries; combine them with sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- In another bowl, mix flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
- Spread half of the crumble mixture in the baking dish. Layer with the cherry filling and top with remaining crumble.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (100g)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg