Easy Cherry Crumble Bars

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These Cherry Crumble Bars are so easy to make and taste like a pie in a bar! This recipe will definitely become one of your favorites for any occasion. Serve warm with ice cream or cold with coffee. Any way you eat them, they are delicious!

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Why I Love This Recipe
Key Ingredients For This Recipe
Ingredient Tip
Fruit Substitutes for These Oat Crumble Bars
How to Make Cherry Pie Bars
How to Serve These Fruit Bars
How to Store Oatmeal Cherry Bars
Recipe FAQs
Other Delicious Fruit Recipes to Check Out
Easy Cherry Crumble Bars

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it uses fresh cherries and has an almond flavor that pairs perfectly with this sweet, juicy fruit. I also love that it's easy to make and everyone seems to like these because they disappear as soon as I put them out.

If you're a cherry fan, be sure to check out my Fresh Cherry Tart, Homemade Luxardo Cherries, and Amarena Cherry recipes!

Key Ingredients For This Recipe

Fresh Cherries: Sweet, juicy fruit that provides the tartness and flavor base for the crumble bars.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a crispy, flaky texture in the crumble topping.
Quick Oats: Soft and finer than old-fashioned oats, giving the crumble topping a tender, chewy texture.
Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and moisture, adding a caramel-like richness to the bars.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice, enhancing the flavor of the cherries and almonds.
Nutmeg (freshly grated or ground): Offers a subtle, aromatic spice that complements the cherries and cinnamon perfectly.

*See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.

Ingredient Tip

Freshly grated nutmeg has a stronger flavor, so a little goes a long way. If unavailable, ground nutmeg works too.

Fruit Substitutes for These Oat Crumble Bars

The great thing about this recipe is you can use any fruit you want, not just cherries. It would be delicious with blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, peaches, etc.

How to Make Cherry Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare the baking dish with non-stick spray and/or parchment paper. Combine all of the ingredients for the cherry filling in a bowl, stir together gently to combine, and refrigerate until ready to build the bars.

Step 2: In another bowl place the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to combine and add the melted butter a little at a time to combine completely with the flour mixture.

Step 3: Press ⅓ of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the pan to form an even crust. Bake for 12 minutes, then cool for at least 10 minutes. Once cooled, spread the cherry mixture evenly on top.

Step 4: Sprinkle the reserved crumble over the cherries and gently press down. Bake for 25 minutes until the topping is lightly browned. Cool the bars in the pan; they will firm up as they cool.

How to Serve These Fruit Bars

You can serve these bars right away after they have a chance to cool for 10-15 minutes. The bars will still be warm and soft and are delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!

If you prefer a firmer bar, allow the bars to cool for 20 minutes on the counter and then place them in the fridge to continue to cool and firm. The firmer version is delicious on its own or served with a cup of coffee or tea the next day.

cherry crumble bars stacked on top of each other

How to Store Oatmeal Cherry Bars

To store cherry crumble bars, start by allowing them to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, place the bars in an airtight container or tightly wrap them with plastic wrap, ensuring a tight seal.

It is best to store the bars in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and extend their shelf life. If storing multiple layers, separate each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Don't forget to label the container with the date for reference. Enjoy the cherry crumble bars within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?

You can use frozen cherries instead of fresh cherries. Ensure you thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture.

Can I substitute the butter with something else?

If you don't want to use butter you can use margarine or coconut oil, however, butter provides the best flavor and texture.

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats to make cherry bars?

Yes, but old-fashioned oats may give the bars a chewier texture.

Can I freeze these cherry bars?

Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly before freezing.

How do I store cherry crumble bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I use a different fruit instead of cherries?

Yes, you can use other fruits like blueberries, peaches, or raspberries instead of cherries. You can also use a variety of fruits if you want.

Can I make these cherry bars gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free flour and gluten-free oats to make the cherry bar recipe gluten-free.

Other Delicious Fruit Recipes to Check Out

If you get a chance to make these Easy Cherry Crumble Bars, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes in your inbox.