Sweet Cherry Crumble Bars
These Sweet Cherry Crumble Bars feature a buttery oat crust, juicy cherry filling, and a crunchy crumble topping. Perfect for a fruity dessert or snack!
Ingredients
Crust & Crumble
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.75 cup unsalted butter cold, cut into small cubes
Cherry Filling
- 4 cups pitted cherries fresh or frozen, sweet or tart
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar adjust based on cherry sweetness
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
- 0.5 teaspoon almond extract optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9x9-inch pan or line with parchment paper with an overhang.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.
- Measure about 2 ½ cups of the crumble mixture and press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside the remaining mixture for topping.
- In a medium bowl, combine cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract (if using). Stir gently until evenly coated.
- Pour cherry filling over crust and spread evenly. Sprinkle remaining crumble mixture on top.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes until filling is bubbly and crumble is golden brown.
- Cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. Use parchment overhang to lift bars, then cut into 16 squares.
Notes
Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon to the crumble for extra flavor. If using frozen cherries, do not thaw and add 5-10 minutes to baking. Bars freeze well for up to 3 months.
