Sweet Cherry Crumble Bars
Sweet Cherry Crumble Bars combine tart cherries with a buttery crumble topping and base. These easy-to-make bars embody the perfect harmony of sweet and tart flavors with a delightfully crunchy topping.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries pitted and chopped
- ½ cup granulated sugar to sweeten the cherries
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour for the crumble and base
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats to add texture and heartiness
- ½ cup brown sugar for depth of flavor in the crumble
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted for that rich base
- 1 teaspoon baking powder to help the bars rise slightly
- ¼ teaspoon salt to balance the sweetness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for warmth and flavor
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, mix the chopped cherries with granulated sugar and allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes, releasing the juices.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt, and stir until well mixed.
- Pour in melted butter and vanilla extract and mix until crumbly dough forms, adding a splash of water if the mixture seems dry.
- Reserve one cup of the crumble mixture for topping and press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
- Spoon the cherry mixture evenly over the crumb base.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumble over the cherry filling, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish before cutting them into squares and enjoy warm or at room temperature.