Cherry Pie Crumble Bars

Cherry Delight Crumble Bars are a delightful dessert that encapsulates the essence of summer in every bite. With their irresistible combination of sweet, juicy cherries and a buttery, crumbly topping, these bars are more than just a treat; they are a celebration of flavor and texture. Whether you are hosting a family gathering, heading out for a picnic, or simply craving a sweet snack to brighten your day, these crumble bars are sure to impress.

Indulge in the delightful taste of Cherry Delight Crumble Bars, a perfect summer treat that combines juicy cherries with a buttery crumble topping. This simple recipe is versatile, allowing you to use fresh or frozen cherries while letting your creativity shine through with customizable flavors. Easy to prepare and ideal for any occasion, these bars promise a burst of flavor and a satisfying texture. Enjoy them warm with whipped cream or ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience!

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Ingredients

For the Cherry Filling:

2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For the Crumble Base and Topping:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

For Serving:

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Cherry Filling:

- In a medium saucepan, combine the halved cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and almond extract if using. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure that all ingredients are well incorporated.

- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for approximately 5 minutes or until the cherries release their juices and the mixture begins to thicken. Once ready, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Make the Crumble Base:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix well to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly blended.

- Gradually pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract while mixing continuously until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside about 1 cup of this crumble mixture for the topping.

Assemble the Bars:

- Take the remaining crumble mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create an even layer.

- Evenly pour the cooled cherry filling over the crumble base, spreading it out to cover the entire area.

- Finally, sprinkle the reserved crumble topping evenly over the cherry filling, ensuring it is well covered.

Bake:

- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly and fragrant.

- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve:

- After the bars have cooled completely, cut them into squares. These delightful bars can be enjoyed on their own or enhanced with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fluffy whipped cream for that extra touch of indulgence.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour | 12 bars