These Cherry Crumble Bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a buttery crust and golden oat topping that practically melts in your mouth. The juicy cherry filling adds a vibrant pop of flavor, making each bite a celebration of summer’s best fruit.
This easy dessert is ideal for casual gatherings, afternoon tea, or an indulgent weekday treat. The combination of fresh cherries and old-fashioned oats delivers that nostalgic bakery taste while keeping it simple for home bakers. Make a big batch and watch them disappear in minutes, they’re that good!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the crust and crumble topping:
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1 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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3/4 tsp salt
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
For the cherry filling:
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3 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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1 tbsp lemon juice
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
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In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
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Stir in the flour and oats until a crumbly dough forms.
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Press about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
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In another bowl, mix the cherries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice until the cherries are evenly coated.
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Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.
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Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the cherry filling.
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Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling.
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Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 16 bars
The Magic of Cherry Crumble Bars: A Perfect Balance of Sweet, Tart, and Buttery
Few desserts strike the perfect balance between rustic charm and irresistible flavor like Cherry Crumble Bars. Whether you’re using fresh cherries during the peak of summer or frozen ones in the colder months, this timeless dessert delivers a buttery, crumbly texture paired with a juicy cherry center that melts in your mouth.
Cherry crumble bars evoke a certain nostalgia, of grandma’s kitchen, weekend bakes, and mid-afternoon snacks with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. What makes them so special isn’t just the taste; it’s how incredibly easy they are to prepare; with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike.
In this deep dive, we’ll explore why cherry crumble bars should be your next go-to dessert, how to make them perfectly every time, and some creative variations that take this classic treat to a whole new level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are dozens of reasons to fall in love with these cherry crumble bars, but here are a few highlights:
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Easy to Make – No need for mixers or fancy equipment. Just a bowl, a spoon, and a baking pan.
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Pantry-Friendly Ingredients – Butter, sugar, flour, oats, and cherries. Simple and accessible.
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Versatile – Can be adapted for gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan diets with a few swaps.
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Perfect for All Occasions – Whether you’re hosting a party or need a sweet treat for weekday lunches, these bars fit the bill.
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Freezer Friendly – Make a big batch and freeze individual portions for future cravings.
Let’s Talk About the Ingredients
Cherries
The star of the show! You can use fresh, frozen, or even jarred sour cherries depending on the season and your preference. Fresh sweet cherries provide that rich, juicy pop of flavor, but tart cherries work wonderfully too, especially if you like your desserts with a tang.
If you’re using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw and drain them slightly so the bars don’t turn soggy. The cornstarch in the recipe helps to thicken the cherry juices during baking, giving you a jammy, luscious layer.
Butter
Butter provides the base of flavor and richness. It creates a soft, tender crust and a golden crumble topping. Melted butter is easier to incorporate with dry ingredients, saving you the hassle of a pastry cutter or mixer.
For a dairy-free alternative, vegan butter or coconut oil works well, though the flavor profile may change slightly.
Rolled Oats
Old-fashioned rolled oats add texture and heartiness to the crumble topping. They toast beautifully in the oven, giving you that nutty, crispy finish. Avoid quick oats or steel-cut oats, as they’ll either turn mushy or stay too hard.
Flour and Sugar
All-purpose flour forms the bulk of the crust and crumble. If you want a gluten-free version, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. As for sugar, granulated white sugar sweetens both the base and the cherry filling. You can reduce it slightly if you’re using very sweet cherries, or substitute with brown sugar or coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
Lemon Juice & Cornstarch
These two might seem like minor details, but they play a crucial role. Lemon juice enhances the natural brightness of the cherries, while cornstarch ensures the filling thickens properly so it doesn’t leak or pool.
Tips for the Perfect Cherry Crumble Bars
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Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan makes it easier to lift the bars out once they’ve cooled, which helps with clean, beautiful cuts.
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Don’t Skip the Cooling Time: It’s tempting to slice them warm, but patience pays off. Let the bars cool completely so the filling can set.
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Customize Your Crumble: Add chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch and flavor.
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Add a Hint of Spice: A touch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the oat topping adds warmth and depth to the bars, especially great during fall and winter.
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Watch the Oven: Ovens vary, so start checking your bars at the 35-minute mark. The top should be golden brown and the cherry filling bubbly.
Variations You’ll Love
While the classic version is already irresistible, here are some creative spins you might want to try:
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Almond-Cherry Crumble Bars: Add almond extract to the filling and top with slivered almonds before baking.
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Chocolate-Cherry Bars: Sprinkle dark chocolate chips over the cherry layer for a more decadent twist.
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Cherry-Blueberry Bars: Combine half cherries and half blueberries for a berrylicious mix.
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Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and substitute honey or maple syrup for a vegan-friendly treat.
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Coconut Cherry Bars: Mix in some shredded coconut with the oat topping for a tropical flair.
How to Serve
These bars are lovely served as-is, either chilled or at room temperature. For an extra indulgence, serve them warm with:
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A scoop of vanilla ice cream
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A dollop of whipped cream
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A drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate
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A dusting of powdered sugar
They also pair well with coffee or tea for a perfect midday treat or brunch addition.
How to Store & Freeze
Storing: Once completely cooled, you can store cherry crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual bars in parchment paper and place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the fridge or microwave for 20–30 seconds before enjoying.
Nutrition at a Glance
At around 310 kcal per bar, these are a satisfying treat without going overboard. They contain fiber from oats and antioxidants from cherries, making them a better choice than many store-bought sweets.
Conclusion
Cherry crumble bars are one of those rare treats that hit every note: comfort, convenience, texture, and flavor. They can be made in under an hour, require no fancy tools, and adapt beautifully to whatever fruits are in season. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe will quickly become part of your dessert rotation.
The real joy of these bars lies not just in eating them, but in the process of baking them, mixing, layering, and smelling that rich cherry aroma fills your kitchen. And once they’re out of the oven, cooled, and cut into perfect little squares, you’ll know exactly why this recipe deserves a spot in every baker’s arsenal.