When you bite into a Cherry Crumble Bar, the first thing that hits you is the delightful contrast of tart cherries and crumbly sweetness. The aroma wafting from the oven is nothing short of magical, promising a treat that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Picture yourself nestled on your couch with this delectable bar in hand, the flavors dancing on your tongue as you reminisce about summer picnics.
I remember the first time I made Cherry Crumble Bars; my kitchen transformed into a cherry-scented wonderland, and my friends were practically begging for seconds. These bars bring people together, making them perfect for family gatherings or casual brunches — they might even make you the star of the dessert table! Trust me, once you try these treats, you’ll be counting down the days until cherry season rolls around again. For more inspiration, check out this satisfying dinner ideas recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Cherry Crumble Bars are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy bakers
- Their sweet-tart flavor profile is irresistible, enchanting both kids and adults alike
- Visually, these bars boast a stunning ruby-red filling that will brighten any dessert table
- Versatile enough for any occasion, they shine at potlucks or cozy family dinners
I still chuckle when I think about my friend’s face after tasting one of these bars for the first time; it was pure bliss!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cherries: Opt for ripe, vibrant cherries without blemishes for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweeten the filling with sugar to balance out the tartness of the cherries perfectly.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use this for both the crust and crumble topping to achieve that delightful texture.
- Oats: Rolled oats add a nutty flavor and chewy texture to your crumble topping.
- Baking Powder: A must-have leavening agent that helps create the perfect rise in your crust.
- Butter: Choose unsalted butter for rich flavor; it also ensures better control over saltiness in your recipe.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing zing to your cherry filling.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all flavors beautifully; don’t skip it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Make the Cherry Filling: In a bowl, combine pitted cherries with sugar and lemon juice. Toss gently until combined. Set aside to allow juices to mingle while preparing crust.
Create the Crust Mixture: In another bowl, mix flour, oats, baking powder, and salt. Add melted butter to this mixture and stir until crumbly but well combined.
Assemble Your Bars: Press two-thirds of your crust mixture into an even layer at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Pour cherry filling evenly over this layer.
Add Topping : Sprinkle remaining crust mixture generously over cherry filling. Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Cool Before Serving : Allow your bars to cool completely before cutting into squares. This will help them hold their shape beautifully when served.
These steps will ensure that each bite is bursting with flavor while maintaining that perfect crumbly texture we all love!
Serving these Cherry Crumble Bars fresh out of the oven will create an unforgettable experience—just envision those smiles as friends gather around!
You Must Know
- Cherry Crumble Bars are not just delicious; they bring out the joy of baking
- The sweet aroma fills your kitchen, making everyone curious about what you’re up to
- Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself—no judgment here!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare the crumble and cherry filling simultaneously for efficiency. This way, you’ll have everything ready at once, ensuring perfect timing.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cherries for blueberries or raspberries based on your preference. You can also sprinkle in some nuts or oats for added texture and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Cherry Crumble Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat them in a microwave for a few seconds to enjoy warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh cherries when possible; they elevate the flavor dramatically
- Ensure even crumble by mixing with cold butter
- Always let the bars cool before cutting; this helps maintain their shape
Baking these Cherry Crumble Bars reminds me of my childhood summers spent with my grandma, who always made dessert first—no questions asked! Her secret? A pinch of love mixed with a generous scoop of patience. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert recipes recipe.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cherries for Cherry Crumble Bars?
Yes, frozen cherries work well; just thaw and drain excess juice beforehand.
How do I make the crumble extra crispy?
Adding oats or using cold butter ensures a delightful crunch in your crumble topping.
Can I substitute flour in this recipe?
Yes, gluten-free flour is a great alternative to regular flour in these bars.
Cherry Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Cherry Crumble Bars are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of fresh cherries with a buttery crumble topping. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy afternoons, these bars boast a ruby-red filling and an irresistible flavor that will leave everyone craving more. Easy to make and even easier to share, they are sure to become a seasonal favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix pitted cherries with sugar and lemon juice; set aside.
- In another bowl, combine flour, oats, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
- Press two-thirds of the mixture into the baking dish, layer with cherry filling, then sprinkle remaining crumble on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Allow cooling before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg