Description
These Cherry Crumble Bars feature a luscious cherry filling sandwiched between layers of buttery oat crumble, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a delightful dessert or an afternoon treat, they combine tart cherries with a sweet, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Scale
Cherry Filling
- 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
Crumble Topping and Base
- 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 teaspoon salt
- 6 Tablespoons (85 g) salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prep Oven & Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
- Make Cherry Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the pitted and quartered cherries, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and vanilla or almond extract. Mix well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare Crumble Topping: In a separate medium bowl, stir together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour the melted salted butter over the mixture and stir thoroughly until everything is moistened and no dry clumps remain.
- Assemble Bars: Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan, creating an even layer. Spoon the cherry filling evenly over the base, spreading it to the edges. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly on top of the cherries.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the crumble topping is lightly golden and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool & Serve: Let the cherry crumble bars cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. Once cooled, cut them into 16 bars and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Using parchment paper in the pan helps lift the bars out easily without sticking.
- Ensure cherries are well pitted to avoid any surprises while eating.
- You can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract depending on preference.
- Dates when cherries are out of season can substitute frozen cherries, just thaw and drain excess liquid before use.
- For a nuttier texture, consider adding chopped almonds or walnuts to the crumble topping.
