Total Cooking Time: ~50 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy (Beginner-Friendly)
Sweet, buttery, and irresistibly comforting, these Easy Cherry Crumble Bars are the kind of bake that feels right at any time of day. A tender, golden base supports a layer of juicy cherry filling, all topped with a crisp, crumbly streusel that melts into the fruit as it bakes. The aroma of warm cherries and vanilla fills the kitchen, hinting at cozy mornings and relaxed dessert moments ahead.
What makes these bars truly special is their versatility. They’re sturdy enough to slice and pack for breakfast on the go, yet indulgent enough to serve as a dessert with a scoop of yogurt or ice cream. Whether you’re baking for family, meal prep, or a casual gathering, these cherry crumble bars strike the perfect balance between comforting and crowd-pleasing.
Estimated Calories: ~220–250 calories per bar (depending on size and filling thickness)
🧺 Key Ingredients
These bars come together with simple pantry staples, each adding flavor, texture, and balance:
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base and crumble structure
- Rolled Oats – Add hearty texture and rustic crunch
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the crust and topping
- Brown Sugar – Adds warmth and caramel-like depth
- Unsalted Butter (cold, cubed) – Creates a tender base and crumbly topping
- Salt – Enhances sweetness and fruit flavor
- Baking Powder – Gives the base a slight lift
- Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and rounds out flavors
- Cherry Filling (fresh, frozen, or canned) – Juicy, sweet-tart centerpiece
- Lemon Juice – Brightens and balances the cherries
- Cornstarch – Thickens the cherry layer
- Almond Extract (optional) – Enhances cherry flavor beautifully
- Cinnamon (optional) – Adds subtle warmth
- Powdered Sugar (optional) – Light finishing touch on top
👩🍳 How to Make It (Step-by-Step Method)
- Prep the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. - Make the Crumble Base
In a large bowl, whisk flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if using. - Cut in the Butter
Add cold butter cubes and work them into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits. - Form the Base
Reserve about 1 cup of the crumble mixture for topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the prepared pan to create an even base. - Prepare the Cherry Filling
In a bowl, mix cherries with lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using. The mixture should look glossy and thick. - Assemble the Bars
Spread the cherry filling evenly over the base. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the top. - Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the topping is golden and the cherry layer is bubbling around the edges. - Cool and Slice
Let bars cool completely in the pan (about 1 hour) for clean slices. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Cherry crumble bars are incredibly flexible when it comes to serving. For a cozy breakfast or brunch spread, serve them slightly chilled or at room temperature alongside Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, and coffee or tea. Their sturdy texture makes them perfect for slicing into neat squares that travel well—ideal for lunchboxes or grab-and-go mornings. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds just enough sweetness without overpowering the fruit.
For dessert, warm the bars slightly and serve them on plates with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm cherries and cool topping is especially comforting. You can also dress them up for gatherings by cutting them into smaller squares and arranging them on a platter with fresh cherries or mint leaves. Whether casual or dressed up, these bars always feel inviting and homemade.
🧊 Storage + Meal Prep
Once fully cooled, store cherry crumble bars in an airtight container. They’ll keep at room temperature for 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Chilling helps the bars firm up, making them even easier to slice and pack.
For longer storage, these bars freeze very well. Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature. To refresh, warm briefly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 8–10 minutes or enjoy chilled straight from the fridge. Add fresh toppings just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
❤️ Conclusion
Easy Cherry Crumble Bars are one of those recipes that quickly become a household favorite. They’re simple to make, comforting to eat, and flexible enough to enjoy from breakfast to dessert. The combination of buttery crumble and juicy cherries is timeless and always satisfying.
Bake a batch and enjoy them your way—warm, chilled, plain, or topped. Don’t forget to experiment with different fruits or spice blends to make them your own. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how you served it and who you shared it with. Happy baking!
