There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked Cherry Crumble Bars wafting through the house. Picture this: a buttery crumbly base topped with sweet, juicy cherries that burst in your mouth, all drizzled with a sprinkle of crunchy crumble. sweet breakfast indulgence If that doesn’t make your taste buds dance, I don’t know what will.
Let me take you back to my childhood. Every summer, my grandma would whip up these delightful Cherry Crumble Bars for our family picnics. We’d gather around the picnic table, laughter filling the air as we devoured these treats. cozy autumn dessert They became the highlight of our afternoons, and I can still hear my cousin exclaiming, “These are better than any dessert!” Now, it’s your turn to create those same magical memories.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] These Cherry Crumble Bars are easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients. The sweet-tart cherry flavor paired with a buttery crumble is absolutely irresistible. They look stunning on any dessert table and are perfect for any occasion from picnics to potlucks. [/info_box]
I remember the first time I made these bars for my friends; their faces lit up like Christmas morning when they took that first bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Cherries: Use ripe, sweet cherries for the best flavor and color; frozen cherries work too in a pinch.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cherry filling; adjust based on your taste preference.
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Brown Sugar: Adds a rich caramel flavor to the crumble topping; light or dark works well.
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All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of both the crust and crumble; sift it for a lighter texture.
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Unsalted Butter: Provides richness; make sure it’s cold for a flaky crust.
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Rolled Oats: Adds texture and heartiness to the crumble topping; quick oats also work fine.
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Baking Powder: Helps give your bars a slight rise; just a teaspoon will do.
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Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors; 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 Cherries
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, wash and pit about two cups of fresh cherries. You want them bright and juicy—no sad-looking cherries allowed! Toss them with sugar in a bowl until coated; this will bring out their natural sweetness.
Make the Crust
In another bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut cold butter into small cubes and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×9 inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes until slightly golden.
Create the Filling
Remove the crust from the oven and spread your sugared cherries evenly over it. Don’t be shy—make sure every inch gets some cherry goodness!
Prepare the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this topping generously over the cherry layer; it’s okay if some cherries peek through!
Bake It All Together
Pop your dish back into the oven for another 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point—like cherry heaven!
Cool and Serve
Once baked, let your Cherry Crumble Bars cool in the pan before slicing them into squares. Trust me; patience pays off here! Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for that extra indulgence. For more inspiration, check out this indulge in cheesy recipes recipe.
And there you have it! A simple yet absolutely delicious dessert that brings joy with every bite. delicious breakfast option So gather your loved ones around and enjoy these delightful Cherry Crumble Bars together!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Cherry Crumble Bars are not just a dessert; they’re a slice of happiness. Perfect for picnics, parties, or a cozy night in, these bars balance tart and sweet beautifully. The aroma while baking is heavenly and will have everyone asking for the recipe. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the perfect Cherry Crumble Bars, start by preparing the filling first. perfect pairing for desserts While it cools, make the crust and topping for an efficient workflow.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cherries with blueberries or raspberries for a delightful twist. Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance flavors further.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Cherry Crumble Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispiness.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor; frozen ones can work too but may be soggier. Ensure your butter is cold when mixing for a flaky crust. Let the bars cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling. [/info_box]
Baking these Cherry Crumble Bars took me back to summer afternoons with my grandma, who always had a batch ready when I visited her.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cherries for Cherry Crumble Bars?
Yes, frozen cherries can be used but may create extra moisture in the filling.
How long should I bake Cherry Crumble Bars?
Bake them for 35-40 minutes at 350°F until golden brown and bubbly.
Can I make Cherry Crumble Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! They store well and taste even better after resting overnight in the fridge.
Cherry Crumble Bars
Cherry Crumble Bars are a delightful dessert that combines a buttery, crumbly base with sweet, juicy cherries, all topped with a crunchy crumble. This nostalgic treat is perfect for summer picnics or cozy nights in. With their irresistible flavor and inviting aroma, these bars will quickly become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toss the pitted cherries with granulated sugar in a bowl; set aside.
- In another bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Press the mixture firmly into an ungreased 9×9 inch baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
- Spread sugared cherries evenly over the crust.
- Combine rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter in a separate bowl until crumbly; sprinkle over cherries.
- Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Allow to cool before slicing into squares.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximately 60g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg