Delightful Cherry Crumble Bars 🍒🍪

Delightful Cherry Crumble Bars 🍒🍪

These cherry crumble bars are a perfect combination of sweet, tart cherries and a buttery, crumbly topping. They're the ideal treat for any occasion, easy to make, and so delicious! A perfect balance of fruit and crumble, each bite is heavenly.

📋 Ingredients

• For the Cherry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)

• For the Crust and Crumble Topping:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

📝 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Cherry Filling:
In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the cherries soften (about 5-7 minutes).
Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the almond extract (if using).
Set aside to cool while you prepare the crust and topping.
2️⃣ Prepare the Crust and Crumble Topping:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and crumbly.
Reserve about 1 cup of the crumble mixture for the topping, and press the remaining crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
3️⃣ Assemble the Bars:
Spoon the cooled cherry filling over the crust, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the cherry filling, covering it completely.
4️⃣ Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
5️⃣ Serve:
Once cooled, cut into squares or bars.
Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
✨ Tips & Variations:
Frozen Cherries: You can use frozen cherries if fresh ones aren't available. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid.
Nutty Crumble: Add chopped walnuts or almonds to the crumble topping for extra texture.
Other Fruits: Try substituting cherries with blueberries, strawberries, or peaches for a different fruit flavor.
🍰 Storage:
These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Enjoy these Delightful Cherry Crumble Bars with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect treat! 🍒🍪