Name: Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (300 g) cherries, pitted and quartered (about 60); 2 Tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar; 2 Tablespoons (16 g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract; 1 cup (100 g) old-fashioned rolled oats; 3/4 cup (90 g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup (105 g) brown sugar; 1/4 tsp salt; 6 Tablespoons (85 g) salted butter, melted

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If you’re looking for a treat that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tart, and buttery, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe. With a juicy cherry filling nestled between layers of golden, oat-studded crumble, these bars bring out the essence of summer in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, needing a potluck showstopper, or just craving something cozy alongside your coffee, these cherry crumble bars never disappoint. Their simplicity is matched only by their irresistibly delicious flavor!

Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe is that the ingredient list is short, sweet, and full of staples you might already have. Each component, from tart cherries to rich brown sugar, plays a starring role in flavor, texture, and even color. Here’s exactly what you’ll need and why every item matters:

Cherries: Fresh, pitted, and quartered cherries are the vibrant, juicy core that makes every bite pop with summery flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Brings just enough sweetness to balance the natural tartness of the cherries.
All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the cherry filling and creates that tender, sturdy crumble.
Vanilla or Almond Extract: Either one adds incredible aroma and depth, but almond gives an especially classic cherry dessert touch.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Provide heartiness and a satisfyingly chewy crumble layer.
Brown Sugar: Adds moistness, sweetness, and a subtle caramel note to the topping.
Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the sweet flavors and keeps everything balanced.
Salted Butter: Melted for easy mixing, butter ensures every layer is rich, golden, and totally crave-worthy.

How to Make Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

To start off right, crank your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s piping hot when you’re ready. If you want easy bar removal (and fewer pan-scrubbing battles), line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper. It’s optional, but it really does make a difference for neat slices.

Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling

In a medium bowl, gently stir together your quartered cherries, granulated sugar, flour, and a dose of vanilla or almond extract. The flour works its magic to thicken the juices as the bars bake, so each slice holds together beautifully instead of oozing everywhere. Set this gorgeous filling aside for a moment.

Step 3: Mix the Crumble Layers

In another medium bowl, blend the oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Drizzle in your melted butter, then give everything a good mix until all the dry pockets dissolve and you’ve got a lovely, clumpy crumble mixture in your bowl. This mixture works double-duty as both the base and the topping, bringing that dreamy oatiness throughout the Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe.

Step 4: Layer and Assemble

Take about two-thirds of your crumble mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use a spatula or even your hands—just make sure it forms a sturdy, compact layer. Spoon the cherry filling over the top, making sure to get those cherries right to the edges. Sprinkle the remaining crumble over the cherries so you’ve got little nuggets of golden goodness waiting to crisp up.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop your pan into the hot oven for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crumble is a light golden brown and the cherry filling along the edge is bubbling gently. The aroma wafting through your kitchen is your cue that something magical is happening.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

It’s so tempting to dig in immediately, but do let the pan cool for at least 20 minutes first. This short wait lets the bars firm up so you can cut them into clean, shareable portions—no crumbling disasters, just perfect squares of cherry bliss.

How to Serve Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe

Garnishes

For a final flourish, I love dusting the Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or adding a handful of sliced almonds on top for crunch. If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns these bars into an unforgettable dessert experience.

Side Dishes

Serving a plate of these bars with creamy Greek yogurt or alongside a fresh fruit salad makes for a well-rounded, brunch-worthy spread. They also pair perfectly with a cup of hot tea, iced coffee, or lemonade—just right for afternoon snacking!

Creative Ways to Present

Because they look so pretty, these bars shine on a rustic wooden board or a cake stand. Want to impress a crowd at your next gathering? Stack them in staggered layers with parchment between each row or cut them into bite-sized squares for a sweet little treat platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your freshly baked Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe stays delicious for days! Store them loosely covered at room temperature for up to three days. If you’d rather keep them longer, an airtight container in the fridge will keep them fresh for up to five days—just be aware the bars might soften as they absorb some of that juicy cherry goodness.

Freezing

To freeze, simply wrap the fully cooled bars individually or in layers with parchment paper in an airtight container. They’ll hold up beautifully for up to three months. When you’re ready for a spontaneous treat, just thaw at room temperature until soft, and enjoy!

Reheating

If you prefer your Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe warm, pop a bar in the microwave for 10–20 seconds. For a crispier texture, reheat them in a 325°F (160°C) oven for just a few minutes to revive that golden crumbly goodness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for the Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap in frozen cherries—no need to thaw. Just toss them with the sugar, flour, and extract and proceed as usual. The baking time may increase by a couple of minutes since the fruit will release extra liquid.

What’s the best way to cut the bars neatly?

Letting the bars cool completely makes cutting much easier. Use a sharp knife (wiping it clean between slices) or even a bench scraper for nice, tidy squares. Lining the pan with parchment helps you lift the whole slab out before slicing.

Can I substitute other fruits in this recipe?

Definitely! This Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe works with a variety of fruits—try blueberries, raspberries, or a summer mix. Just keep the measurements the same and adjust the sugar slightly if your chosen fruit is sweeter or tarter than cherries.

Why do my bars seem too soft after storing?

It’s completely normal for the crumble base to soften after a day or two, especially if stored in an airtight container. The cherry juices gradually soak into the crumble, but the flavors only get more delicious. If you miss the crunchy top, a few minutes in a low oven will perk them up.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just use your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour and be sure to grab gluten-free oats. The rest of the Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe remains the same, so everyone can enjoy a taste of cherry heaven.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a dessert that’s as easy as it is crowd-pleasing, you have to give this Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe a whirl. There’s something instantly comforting about their tart, jammy filling and golden crumble top. Whether you serve them at a gathering or sneak one for a midnight snack, these bars always get rave reviews. Happy baking and enjoy every delicious bite!