Cherry Pie Crumble Bars

Cherry Delight Crumble Bars are a delightful dessert that perfectly balances the tartness of cherries with a sweet, crumbly topping. This treat not only tempts your taste buds but also offers a visually appealing slice of vibrant red fruit nestled under a golden-brown crust. The sweetness of the cherries, combined with the texture of the crumble, creates an irresistible combination that delights dessert lovers of all ages.

Discover the deliciousness of Cherry Delight Crumble Bars with this easy recipe that blends the tartness of cherries with a sweet, crumbly topping. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are visually appealing and incredibly tasty. Learn how to prepare the cherry filling and the crumble base, along with tips for baking and serving. Ideal for picnics, birthday celebrations, or a cozy day at home, this dessert will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings.

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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 brown sugar, packed

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

For Serving:

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Cherry Filling:

- In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and almond extract if using. Stir well to combine.

- Heat over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes until the cherries release their juices and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it 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.

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

- Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve about 1 cup of the crumble mixture for the topping.

Assemble the Bars:

- Press the remaining crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer.

- Pour the cherry filling over the crumble base, spreading it out evenly.

- Sprinkle the reserved crumble topping over the cherry filling, covering it completely.

Bake:

- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve:

- Once completely cool, cut into squares and serve. These bars are delightful on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

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