The first time I really embraced seasonal baking, it was with a bounty of gorgeous, ruby-red cherries. My grandmother had a small, sprawling cherry tree in her yard, and every summer, we’d spend an afternoon picking fruit until our fingers were stained purple and our buckets overflowed. Those memories shaped my love for fresh, vibrant flavors, and they always come rushing back when I bake these delightful Cherry Crumble Bars.
This recipe isn’t just about dessert; it’s about capturing a moment, a flavor, and sharing a little bit of comfort. It’s an approachable recipe, perfect for any home baker, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special. The buttery crust, the luscious cherry filling, and that irresistibly crunchy crumble topping make these Cherry Crumble Bars an instant classic in any kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re about to discover your new favorite treat with these amazing Cherry Crumble Bars! Lena, my inner culinary guide, always emphasizes joy in the kitchen, and this recipe delivers exactly that. First, they are incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers.
You don’t need any fancy equipment or advanced techniques. Furthermore, these bars offer an irresistible combination of textures: a tender, buttery shortbread crust, a juicy, slightly tart cherry filling, and a sweet, crunchy oat crumble on top. This textural symphony makes every bite a pure delight.
Moreover, Cherry Crumble Bars are incredibly versatile. You can serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy them at room temperature with your morning coffee. They are perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply as a comforting dessert after a family dinner.
Using fresh, seasonal cherries truly elevates the flavor, but I’ll show you how to make them just as delicious with frozen fruit. This recipe provides a fantastic way to enjoy the vibrant taste of cherries in a convenient, handheld form. Get ready to bake a batch of pure happiness!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust & Topping:
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into small cubes
* 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
For the Cherry Filling:
* 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries (about 1.5 – 2 pounds)
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on cherry sweetness)
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
* 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but highly recommended)
Flexibility is the spice of life in the kitchen! These Cherry Crumble Bars are wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize them to your taste or what you have on hand. For more creative delights, check out our recipe for Heavenly Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating these delectable Cherry Crumble Bars is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a perfect batch every time.
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the bars out much easier later. Lightly grease the parchment paper for extra non-stick insurance.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Mixture (Crust & Topping)
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly. Next, add the very cold, cubed butter.
Using a pastry blender, your fingertips, or a fork, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Some pea-sized pieces of butter are perfectly fine. Incorporate the old-fashioned rolled oats into this mixture.
Gently mix until just combined. You have now created the versatile crumble mixture that forms both the bottom crust and the top layer of your Cherry Crumble Bars.
Step 3: Form the Crust
Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared 9×13-inch pan. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to firmly press it down, creating a compact base. Set the remaining one-third of the crumble mixture aside for the topping.
Step 4: Prepare the Cherry Filling
In a separate medium bowl, combine the pitted cherries (fresh or frozen), granulated sugar, cornstarch, and fresh lemon juice. If using, stir in the almond extract. Gently toss everything together until the cherries are evenly coated with the sugar and cornstarch mixture.
Step 5: Assemble the Cherry Crumble Bars
Evenly spread the cherry filling over the pressed crust in the baking pan. Then, crumble the reserved one-third of the topping mixture evenly over the cherry filling. Ensure a good distribution for that signature crunchy texture.
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Place the pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly and thickened. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
Step 7: Cool Completely
This step is crucial for perfectly formed Cherry Crumble Bars! Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This means allowing them to cool for at least 2 to 3 hours, or even longer.
Resisting the urge to cut into them too early ensures the filling sets properly, resulting in clean, firm bars. Once fully cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan.
Step 8: Cut and Serve
Finally, transfer the cooled slab to a cutting board. Cut the Cherry Crumble Bars into squares or rectangles of your desired size. Serve and enjoy these delicious treats!
Pro Tips for Success
Baking is an art and a science, and these pro tips will help you create the absolute best Cherry Crumble Bars every time.
* Cold Butter is Key: For the perfect crumbly texture in your crust and topping, always use very cold butter. Cold butter creates pockets of steam as it bakes, resulting in a tender crust and a crisp topping. If your butter gets too warm while mixing, pop the bowl into the fridge for 10-15 minutes.
* Don’t Overmix the Crumble: Once you’ve cut the butter into the dry ingredients, stop mixing as soon as the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough crust instead of a tender one for your Cherry Crumble Bars.
* Press the Crust Firmly: When forming the bottom layer, ensure you press the crumble mixture down very firmly and evenly into the pan.
A compact crust prevents the bars from falling apart when you cut them and provides a sturdy base for the juicy cherry filling.
* Fresh vs. Frozen Cherries: If using fresh cherries, make sure they are ripe but firm.
Pitting them can be messy, so consider investing in a cherry pitter for efficiency. If using frozen cherries, do not thaw them completely before mixing with the sugar and cornstarch. Using them mostly frozen helps prevent a soggy bottom and allows the filling to thicken properly.
* Cornstarch is Your Friend: Cornstarch is essential for thickening the cherry filling, preventing it from being too watery. Don’t skip it! If your cherries are extra juicy, you can add an extra half tablespoon of cornstarch.
* Almond Extract Boosts Flavor: The subtle hint of almond extract truly enhances the flavor of cherries. It brings out their natural sweetness and adds a sophisticated depth. If you don’t have it, vanilla extract is a good substitute, but almond extract is highly recommended for these Cherry Crumble Bars.
* Cool Completely, Seriously: This is arguably the most important tip. Cutting into warm Cherry Crumble Bars will result in a messy, crumbling disaster. The filling needs ample time to set and solidify as it cools.
Plan ahead and allow at least 2-3 hours for complete cooling, or even longer if possible. Patience will be rewarded with perfectly neat, delicious bars.
* Golden Brown Goodness: Bake the Cherry Crumble Bars until the topping is a deep golden brown and you see the cherry filling bubbling up around the edges. This indicates that the crust is fully baked and the filling has thickened.
Baking is an art and a science, and these pro tips will help you create the absolute best Cherry Crumble Bars every time. To enhance your culinary skills, consider trying our fresh take on Raw Avocado Pesto Zucchini Noodles for a light side dish.
Storage & Reheating Tips
You’ve made a batch of incredible Cherry Crumble Bars, and now you want to enjoy them for as long as possible! Proper storage ensures they stay fresh and delicious.
At Room Temperature:
Once the Cherry Crumble Bars have cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Make sure they are truly cool before covering to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
In the Refrigerator:
For longer freshness, especially if your kitchen is warm, store the Cherry Crumble Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. The colder temperature helps maintain their texture and prevents spoilage. Again, ensure they are completely cooled before refrigerating.
Freezing for Longer Storage:
Cherry Crumble Bars freeze beautifully!
* Baked Bars: Once completely cooled, cut the bars into individual portions. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw individual bars at room temperature for a few hours, or warm them directly from frozen.
* Unbaked Bars: You can also freeze the assembled, unbaked Cherry Crumble Bars.
Wrap the entire pan tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, unwrap and bake from frozen, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating Tips:
* Oven: For a warm, freshly baked experience, reheat individual Cherry Crumble Bars in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps to re-crisp the crumble topping.
* Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave a single bar for 15-30 seconds until warm. Be aware that the topping might lose some of its crispness this way.
No matter how you store them, these Cherry Crumble Bars remain a delightful treat to enjoy whenever a craving strikes!
What to Serve With This Recipe
These Cherry Crumble Bars are incredibly satisfying on their own, but pairing them with a few simple additions can elevate the experience even further.
Classic Companions:
* Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting over a warm Cherry Crumble Bar is pure heaven. The cold, sweet ice cream perfectly contrasts the warm, tart fruit and crunchy topping.
* Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy richness that beautifully complements the crumble bars.
You can sweeten the cream lightly or add a touch of vanilla extract.
* Custard: Warm vanilla custard or a simple crème anglaise poured over a serving of these Cherry Crumble Bars makes for an elegant dessert, especially for a special occasion.
Beverage Pairings:
* Coffee: A hot cup of coffee, especially a mild roast, pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the Cherry Crumble Bars, making them perfect for an afternoon treat.
* Tea: For tea lovers, a robust black tea or a fruity herbal tea can be a lovely accompaniment, balancing the flavors.
* Milk: A cold glass of milk is always a comforting choice, especially for children (and nostalgic adults!).
Beyond Dessert:
* Brunch Item: These Cherry Crumble Bars make a fantastic addition to a brunch spread. Their portability and crowd-pleasing flavor ensure they’ll be a hit.
* Snack: Enjoy a single bar as a delightful snack any time of day. They provide a satisfying combination of fruit, grains, and sweetness.
Ultimately, however you choose to serve these Cherry Crumble Bars, they are guaranteed to bring smiles and comfort to anyone who tries them.
These Cherry Crumble Bars are incredibly satisfying on their own, but pairing them with a few simple additions can elevate the experience even further. For a delightful main course to complement your dessert, explore our recipe for Oven Roasted French Garlic Chicken.
FAQs
How do I pit fresh cherries easily for these Cherry Crumble Bars?
Pitting cherries can be a bit of a chore, but several methods make it easier! A dedicated cherry pitter is the most efficient tool. Simply place the cherry in the pitter and squeeze, pushing the pit out.
If you don’t have one, you can use a sturdy chopstick or a metal piping tip. Place the cherry on a cutting board, stem side up. Push the chopstick or piping tip through the stem end until the pit pops out the other side. This method usually keeps the cherry mostly intact.
Can I use frozen cherries for these Cherry Crumble Bars?
Absolutely! Frozen pitted cherries work wonderfully in Cherry Crumble Bars. There’s no need to thaw them completely before mixing with the sugar and cornstarch.
Using them mostly frozen helps maintain their shape during baking and prevents the filling from becoming too watery. Just add them straight from the freezer to your mixing bowl. You might need to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if using frozen fruit.
Why are my Cherry Crumble Bars falling apart when I cut them?
The most common reason for crumbly Cherry Crumble Bars is not letting them cool completely. The cherry filling needs ample time to set and firm up as it cools. If you cut into them while they are still warm, the filling will be loose and gooey, causing the bars to fall apart.
Always allow them to cool for at least 2-3 hours on a wire rack, or even longer, before cutting. Also, ensure your bottom crust is pressed firmly into the pan to create a stable base.
How long do Cherry Crumble Bars last?
Properly stored, your Cherry Crumble Bars will last for 2-3 days at room temperature in an airtight container. If you refrigerate them in an airtight container, they can stay fresh for up to 5-7 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months, making them perfect for meal prepping or enjoying later.
Can I make these Cherry Crumble Bars ahead of time?
Yes, these Cherry Crumble Bars are an excellent make-ahead dessert! You can bake them completely, cool them, and then store them at room temperature or in the refrigerator until ready to serve. They actually firm up nicely overnight. You can also prepare and freeze them unbaked (as described in the storage section) for baking later.
What if I don’t have oats for the topping of my Cherry Crumble Bars?
If you’re out of oats, you can still make a delicious crumble topping for your Cherry Crumble Bars. Simply omit the oats from the recipe. The mixture of flour, sugar, butter, baking powder, and salt will still create a wonderful, buttery, crumbly texture. For an alternative crunch, you could add chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans) to the oat-free topping mixture.
Cherry Crumble Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the sweet-tart flavor of cherries with a crumbly topping, making them a favorite treat in many households. The process of creating these bars highlights the joy of baking with seasonal ingredients, contributing to their nostalgic charm, which you can learn more about through this article on desserts.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Cholesterol | 35 mg |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Total Sugars | 28 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
Cherry Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherry Crumble Bars are a delightful treat with a buttery shortbread crust, luscious cherry filling, and an irresistible crunchy oat crumble topping. Perfect for enjoying fresh cherries, they're also adaptable with frozen fruit and various flavor enhancements.
Ingredients
2 cups All-purpose flour
1 cup Granulated sugar
1 teaspoon Baking powder
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 cup Unsalted butter, very cold and cut into small cubes
1 cup Old-fashioned rolled oats
4 cups Fresh or frozen pitted cherries
1/2 cup Granulated sugar (adjust based on cherry sweetness)
2 tablespoons Cornstarch
1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs
- Press two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the pan to form the crust
- In a separate bowl, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract. Toss until cherries are coated
- Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust, then sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares
Notes
Letting the bars cool completely is crucial to ensure they hold their shape.
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or swapping out almond extract for vanilla.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 45-55 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg