Cherry Crumble Bars with Buttery Oat Crust

Made with a buttery oat crust and a freshly prepared cherry filling, these cherry crumble bars are a perfect summer treat. As they bake, the filling thickens into a jammy center while the oat crumble becomes crisp at the edges. Use fresh or frozen cherries for an easy dessert that’s simple to assemble and satisfying to serve.

These bars are closely related to a cherry almond crumble variation and can be adapted to your flavor preference by swapping vanilla for almond extract. The oat base gives a pleasant chew while the brown sugar and butter deliver a rich, slightly caramelized flavor. They can also be made dairy-free by using plant-based butter.

Ingredients for Cherry Crumble Bars

This recipe uses a short list of pantry-friendly ingredients. If it’s cherry season, you may already have everything on hand.

• Cherries. Fresh cherries give the best texture, but thawed frozen cherries or well-drained canned cherries will also work.
• Granulated sugar. A small amount helps macerate the fruit and contributes to a thicker filling.
• All-purpose flour. Used both in the filling to help thicken the juices and in the crumble base for structure.
• Vanilla or almond extract. Either extract brightens the cherries; almond pairs especially well if you enjoy that flavor.
• Old-fashioned rolled oats. These give the crumble a hearty texture; quick oats can be substituted in a pinch.
• Brown sugar. Adds depth and a touch of caramel-like flavor to the crumble.
• Salted butter. Melted butter binds the crumble and keeps the crust tender. Use unsalted butter if you prefer and add a bit more salt if needed.
• Salt. A pinch heightens the overall flavor.

Quick Tips for Prepping Easy Cherry Crumble Bars

This recipe comes together in just two bowls and about 30–35 minutes total. Start by macerating the cherries, then prepare the oat crumble while the fruit rests.

Making the Crumble’s Cherry Filling

Begin by tossing the cherries with granulated sugar, the small amount of flour called for in the filling, and your choice of vanilla or almond extract. The sugar will draw liquid from the cherries, creating a dark pink syrup that will thicken as it bakes. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes while you assemble the crumble base.

Making the Oat Crumble

Combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt so the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Pour in melted butter and stir until the mixture is uniform, breaking up any large clumps so it spreads easily.

Press two-thirds of the crumble into an ungreased 8″ (20 cm) square pan using the back of a spatula for an even layer. Spoon the cherry mixture over the crust, spreading it to the corners. Some liquid may pool on top — that’s normal and will thicken while baking.

Scatter the remaining crumble evenly across the top, pressing gently at the edges. For a finishing touch, sprinkle sliced almonds over the top if you like.

Baking the Cherry Crumble Bars

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until the crumble is golden and the cherry filling bubbles around the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool completely — about an hour — so the filling sets and the bars cut cleanly.

A metal pan helps produce sharper corners, while a glass pan is fine but may require a couple extra minutes of baking for a golden crust.

FAQs about Gluten-free Cherry Crumble

Other Recipes You May Enjoy

If you enjoy cherries, try making handheld cherry pies or a cherry-flavored ice cream to pair with these bars. A cherry almond variation is also a nice gluten-free alternative for those who prefer it.

Dish Cleanup: Not Too Bad

On a scale from 1 to 5 (1 being minimal dishes), this recipe ranks about a 2. You only need a couple of bowls and a pan; most mixing bowls and utensils are dishwasher-safe, and the pan is the main item to wash by hand unless you used parchment for easy removal.

Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe

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Cherry Crumble Bars

Quick and easy cherry crumble bars made with a buttery oat base and a fresh cherry filling — about 30–35 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

For the cherry filling

• 2 cups (300 g) cherries, pitted and quartered (about 60)
• 2 Tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
• 2 Tablespoons (16 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract

For the crumble

• 1 cup (100 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
• 3/4 cup (90 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (105 g) brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 Tablespoons (85 g) salted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Optionally line an 8″ (20 cm) square pan with parchment for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, combine cherries, granulated sugar, flour, and extract. Set aside to macerate for about 10 minutes.
3. In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is even and any large clumps are broken up.
4. Press about two-thirds of the crumble into the bottom of the ungreased pan using the back of a spatula. Spread the cherry mixture over the crust, reaching the edges. Sprinkle the remaining crumble over the top.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the cherry filling bubbles at the edges.
6. Allow the bars to cool at least 20 minutes (longer is better) before cutting into 16 squares and serving.

Notes

*Cherry measurement depends on how they are prepared. This recipe uses two cups of cherries that are already pitted and quartered (about 60 cherries or roughly 2/3 lb).

**Parchment is optional but makes lifting the first bar out of the pan easier.

Store loosely covered at room temperature for up to three days or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Bars stored airtight will soften slightly.

Nutrition (per bar)

Serving: 1 bar • Calories: 162 kcal • Carbohydrates: 26 g • Protein: 3 g • Fat: 5 g • Saturated Fat: 3 g • Sugar: 11 g • Fiber: 2 g

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