Sweet Cherry Summer Treat
Bright, simple, and perfect for snack time or potlucks—these bars are a little bit crisp, a little bit gooey, and totally irresistible on a sunny afternoon.
introduction
Easy & Tasty Cherry Crumble Bars are a warm, nostalgic dessert that’s fuss-free and crowd-pleasing. This recipe balances tart cherries with a buttery oat crumble for bars you can bake once and enjoy all week.
If you love trying different dessert bars, you might also enjoy a chewy twist from this other favorite: Biscoff Blondies Chewy Cookie Butter Dessert Bars.
Why You’ll Love This Easy & Tasty Cherry Crumble Bars:
- Classic cherry flavor with a crunchy oat crumble — comforting and bright.
- Quick to assemble with pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Makes a large 9×13 pan for easy sharing, potlucks, or meal prep.
- Family-friendly: kids love the sweet filling and buttery crumble.
- Easy to customize with frozen cherries or spice add-ins.
Ingredients Needed :
Fruit filling
- 2 cups cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crumble and crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix the cherries with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and set aside.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix in the softened butter until crumbly.
- Press half of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the cherry mixture over the crust, then sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.
Serving Suggestions Easy & Tasty Cherry Crumble Bars
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate.
- Pack squares in lunchboxes or plate them with fresh mint for a pretty dessert.
- For a dessert board, pair a few bars with other treats like brownies or cookies — try a contrast in textures with Brookie Bars for variety.
Tips for Success Easy & Tasty Cherry Crumble Bars
- Use ripe but firm cherries for the best texture; if using frozen cherries, thaw and drain excess liquid.
- Press the bottom crust firmly and evenly so the bars hold together when cut.
- Don’t overmix the crumble — you want a coarse, sandy texture before pressing.
- Cool completely for cleaner slices; warm bars are delicious but softer to cut.
- If serving outdoors with a grilled main, plan timing around the entree — here’s a handy grilled chicken guide to help coordinate the meal: Chicken Breast on Pellet Grill.
variation (if any)
- Lemon-Cherry: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the filling for a citrusy lift.
- Almond Crunch: Swap 1/4 cup oats for chopped almonds for extra crunch.
- Mixed Berry: Replace half the cherries with blueberries for a mixed berry bar.
- Gluten-free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen cherries?
A: Yes — thaw and drain them well so extra liquid doesn’t make the bars soggy. Pat with a paper towel if needed.
Q: How should I store these bars?
A: Keep cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly for that fresh-baked feel.
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Absolutely — bake a day ahead and store chilled. Bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
Q: Can I halve the recipe for a smaller pan?
A: Yes. Use an 8×8 inch pan and watch the bake time; start checking around 25–30 minutes.
Q: Are these freezer-friendly?
A: Yes. Freeze individual bars wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Fruit filling
- 2 cups cherries, pitted and halved Use ripe but firm cherries for the best texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crumble and crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Can be substituted with a gluten-free flour blend.
- 1 cup rolled oats Use certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free version.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix the cherries with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and set aside.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix in the softened butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Press half of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the cherry mixture over the crust, then sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top.
Baking
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.
