As a passionate home cook, I find joy in creating desserts that evoke warmth and nostalgia. Cherry Crumble Bars are one of those recipes that transport me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the sweet aroma of baked cherries filled the air. These bars are not just a treat; they are a celebration of flavors and textures, with a buttery crumble that perfectly complements the tart cherries. Whether you’re enjoying them warm with a scoop of ice cream or as a delightful afternoon snack, Cherry Crumble Bars are sure to bring smiles to your family’s faces. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe!
What is Cherry Crumble Bars?
Cherry Crumble Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of cherries with a buttery, crumbly topping. Originating from classic American baking traditions, these bars are a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors. The simplicity of the recipe makes it approachable for home cooks, while the vibrant color and taste of cherries add a touch of elegance. Whether you use fresh or frozen cherries, these bars are sure to impress. They embody the essence of comfort food, making them a beloved treat in many households.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Crumble Bars
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Deliciously sweet and tangy, satisfying your dessert cravings.
- Nutritious with fiber from oats and fruit, making them a guilt-free indulgence.
- Great for sharing at family gatherings or potlucks.
Who It’s For
These Cherry Crumble Bars are ideal for busy families looking for a quick dessert, health-conscious cooks wanting a sweet treat without the guilt, and food lovers who appreciate globally inspired recipes. They cater to all ages, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.
When to Cook It
Cherry Crumble Bars are perfect for various occasions, including weeknight dinners, celebrations, or simply as a sweet snack during the day. They also make a wonderful addition to picnics or potlucks, where they can be enjoyed by everyone.
How to Make the Perfect Cherry Crumble Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted: The star of the show, providing a sweet and tart flavor. Frozen cherries work well if fresh ones aren’t available.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the crumble, giving it structure.
- 1 cup rolled oats: Adds texture and a wholesome touch, making the bars heartier.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: For a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the cherries.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances the flavors and enhances sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the ingredients together and adds a rich flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a warm, aromatic note.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the crumble rise slightly, creating a light texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly, resembling wet sand.
- Press the base: Take half of the crumble mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
- Add cherries: Evenly spread the pitted cherries over the crust, ensuring they cover the entire surface.
- Top with crumble: Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the cherries, covering them completely.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cherries are bubbling.
- Cool and cut: Allow the bars to cool in the dish before cutting them into squares. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
For People with Diabetes: Sugar Substitutes
- Stevia: A natural sweetener with zero calories, perfect for reducing sugar intake.
- Monk fruit: Another natural option that provides sweetness without affecting blood sugar levels.
- Allulose: A low-calorie sugar that tastes like sugar but has minimal impact on blood glucose.
- Note: Avoid using honey or maple syrup as substitutes, as they can spike blood sugar levels significantly.
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×9 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Oven mitts
- Cooling rack
Top Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Chef Julia Child always emphasized the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Fresh cherries will elevate the flavor of your Cherry Crumble Bars.
- Chill the Butter: Renowned pastry chef Pierre Hermé suggests chilling your butter before melting it. This helps create a flakier crumble texture.
- Experiment with Spices: Chef Ina Garten recommends adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumble for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: According to Chef Thomas Keller, overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
- Let It Rest: Chef Martha Stewart advises allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set and makes for cleaner slices.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftover Cherry Crumble Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: To enjoy frozen bars, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Reheating: Warm bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
- Serving suggestion: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Unpitted Cherries: Always ensure your cherries are pitted before baking. Unpitted cherries can ruin the texture and make for an unpleasant eating experience.
- Overmixing the Crumble: Mixing too much can lead to tough bars. Aim for a crumbly texture by mixing just until combined.
- Not Greasing the Baking Dish: Failing to grease your baking dish can result in bars that stick. A light coating of butter or cooking spray will help them release easily.
- Baking at the Wrong Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C). Baking at a lower temperature can lead to soggy bars.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: Cutting the bars too soon can cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool completely for cleaner, more manageable slices.
FAQs About Cherry Crumble Bars
- Can I use frozen cherries for Cherry Crumble Bars? Yes, frozen cherries work perfectly in this recipe and can save you time during preparation.
- Are Cherry Crumble Bars suitable for a vegetarian diet? Yes, these Cherry Crumble Bars are vegetarian-friendly, as they contain no meat or animal-derived ingredients.
- Can I make Cherry Crumble Bars ahead of time? It depends; you can prepare the bars a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator for the best flavor.
- Do Cherry Crumble Bars need to be refrigerated? Yes, leftover Cherry Crumble Bars should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Are Cherry Crumble Bars gluten-free? No, traditional Cherry Crumble Bars are not gluten-free due to the use of all-purpose flour, but you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Cherry Crumble Bars
Cherry Crumble Bars are not just a dessert; they are a delightful way to bring family and friends together over a shared love for sweet treats. I hope you enjoy making and savoring these bars as much as I do. If you try this recipe, please share your thoughts in the comments below or tag me on social media. Happy baking!
Print
Cherry Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make cherry crumble bars that are perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the melted butter and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly.
- Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the cherries evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the cherries.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- For a sweeter taste, add more sugar to the cherries.
- These bars can be served warm or cold.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Cherry Crumble Bars, Cherry Dessert, Easy Dessert Recipe