You know that delightful moment when sweet cherries burst in your mouth, mingling with a crumbly topping that seems to melt away your worries? Well, get ready for Cherry Crumble Bars that’ll make you weak in the knees! Picture this: a warm summer afternoon, the sun shining brightly, and you sitting on your porch with a plate of these cherry beauties. Their aroma wafts through the air, beckoning you to take a bite.
Now, imagine sharing these treats at a family gathering where everyone fights over the last piece because they’re just that good. These Cherry Crumble Bars are not only delicious but also easy to whip up. Trust me; they’ll bring smiles and happy bellies all around. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cherry Crumble Bars are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy days
- The balance of tart cherries and sweet crumble creates an irresistible flavor profile
- Their vibrant colors will make any dessert table pop with visual appeal
- Best of all, they are versatile enough to enjoy as breakfast or dessert any time of the year
I remember the first time I made Cherry Crumble Bars for my family reunion; everyone went wild over them and demanded the recipe!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cherries: Use ripe cherries for maximum sweetness; pitting them can be a fun family activity.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetener helps balance the tartness of cherries; adjust it based on your taste preferences.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the crumble topping and giving it structure.
- Oats: Rolled oats add a chewy texture and heartiness to the crumble.
- Butter: Use cold butter for the best crumbly texture; it brings richness to the bars.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps create a light and airy texture in your bars.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth—don’t skip this ingredient!
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all flavors beautifully, balancing sweetness and tartness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper—this makes cleanup so much easier!
Prepare Your Cherries: Wash and pit about two cups of fresh cherries. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen work too—just let them thaw first. Toss them in a bowl with some sugar and set aside while you mix your crumble.
Create the Crumble Mixture: In another bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix them well until everything is nicely blended together.
Add in Butter: Cut cold butter into small pieces and add it to your dry mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to incorporate until it resembles coarse crumbs—this is where magic happens!
Layer Your Ingredients: Spread half of your crumble mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan; press down firmly. Then layer those luscious cherries evenly on top before sprinkling the remaining crumble over.
Bake Until Golden: Place your pan in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and bubbly—your kitchen will smell divine!
Let those Cherry Crumble Bars cool completely before slicing into squares (trust me; patience is key here). Serve them warm with ice cream drizzled on top if you’re feeling extra indulgent—the contrast is heavenly! Enjoy every bite as you reminisce about sunny days spent with loved ones!
You Must Know
- Cherry crumble bars are not just a dessert; they’re an experience
- The sweet and tart filling, paired with a buttery crumble, creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds
- These bars are perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it’s heating, mix the crust ingredients and prepare the cherry filling. This way, everything comes together smoothly and bakes evenly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different fruits like blueberries or peaches! You can also add nuts or spices like cinnamon to elevate the flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For reheating, pop them in a warm oven for about 10 minutes to regain their crispness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best texture, use cold butter in your crumble mix
- Ensure your cherries are pitted and chopped uniformly for even cooking
- Don’t skip chilling the crust before baking; it helps maintain its shape!
The first time I made cherry crumble bars, my friends devoured them within minutes, demanding the recipe as if I had just revealed state secrets!
FAQ
What is the best type of cherries for this recipe?
Fresh or frozen tart cherries work best for a balanced flavor in cherry crumble bars.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend for delicious results.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for a golden-brown top and bubbling filling; this indicates your cherry crumble bars are ready!
Cherry Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 9 servings 1x
Description
Cherry Crumble Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balance the tartness of fresh cherries with a buttery, crumbly topping. Ideal for any occasion, these bars are not only simple to make but also a crowd-pleaser. Picture yourself enjoying these sweet delights on a warm summer afternoon, sharing them at family gatherings, or savoring them as a special dessert. With their vibrant colors and irresistible flavor, they are sure to bring smiles all around!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, toss pitted cherries with half the sugar and set aside.
- In another bowl, mix flour, oats, remaining sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press half of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Spread cherries evenly over the crumble layer and top with remaining crumble mixture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (60g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg