Easy Cherry Crumble Bars (Buttery, Sweet & Perfect Summer Dessert)

These Easy Cherry Crumble Bars are a delightful summer dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and a crumbly topping, they are sure to impress family and friends. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make!

Why make this recipe

Cherry crumble bars offer a sweet and tangy flavor that captures the essence of summer in every bite. They’re versatile, too! Serve them as a dessert at a picnic or enjoy them with a scoop of ice cream for a cozy treat at home.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to make it

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is crumbly.
3. Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
4. In another bowl, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Pour the cherry filling over the crust in the pan.
5. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the cherry filling.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
7. Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.

How to serve it

These bars are best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature. Serve them as is, or for an extra treat, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

How to store it

Store your cherry crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze the bars; just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

Helpful tips

• If using frozen cherries, there’s no need to thaw them. Just toss them in the filling mixture straight from the freezer.
• For an extra pop of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the cherry filling.
• Make sure the cherry filling is well combined to evenly distribute the sweetness.

Optional variations

• Experiment with different fruits! Blueberries, raspberries, or peaches can easily replace cherries, depending on what you have on hand.
• For a nutty twist, add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the crumb topping.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, you can use canned cherries! Just make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The topping should be golden brown when it’s done. You can also check if the filling is bubbling gently.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that can be used for baking. Just make sure the oats are certified gluten-free as well.

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