Sour Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe are one of those delightful treats that remind me of sunny afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen. The sweet and tart flavor of sour cherries combined with a crumbly topping makes for a perfect snack or dessert. I still remember the first time my grandma taught me how to make these bars. She would always say, “Baking is like a hug you can eat.” I couldn’t agree more.
Why Sour Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe?
Sour cherries are not just delicious; they are also packed with nutrients. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Their tartness makes them a perfect candidate for desserts, balancing out the sweetness of sugar and other ingredients. When I bite into a sour cherry crumble bar, I feel like I am tasting summer in every bite.
Ingredients for Sour Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
To make these delightful bars, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen sour cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crumble:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
How to Make Sour Cherry Crumble Bars
1: Prepare the Filling
Start by preparing the cherry filling. In a medium bowl, combine the pitted sour cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix everything well until the cherries are evenly coated. Let this mixture sit while you prepare the crumble.
2: Make the Crumble
In another bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until everything is mixed well. Then, pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The texture should be crumbly but hold together when pressed.
3: Assemble the Bars
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the pan to form a crust.
4: Add the Cherry Filling
Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust. Then, sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top of the cherries. This will create a delicious crumb topping that will bake to perfection.
5: Bake the Bars
Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbly. The aroma that fills your kitchen during baking is absolutely heavenly.
6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut them into squares.
Tips
- Use Fresh Cherries: If you have access to fresh sour cherries, definitely use them. They taste amazing and make the bars extra special.
- Frozen Cherries Work Too: If fresh cherries are not available, frozen sour cherries are a great alternative. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste preference, you can adjust the amount of sugar in the filling. Some people like it sweeter, while others prefer a more tart flavor.
- Customize the Crumble: Feel free to add nuts or spices like cinnamon to the crumble for added flavor.
Serving Ideas for Sour Cherry Crumble Bars
These sour cherry crumble bars are delicious on their own, but there are many ways to enjoy them. Here are some ideas:
- With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm crumble bar is pure bliss.
- With Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy touch.
- As Breakfast: These bars can double as a sweet breakfast treat. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful start to your day.
Storing Sour Cherry Crumble Bars
If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house), here’s how to store them:
- Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: If you want to keep them longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: You can freeze the bars for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutritional Information
While I love indulging in these bars, I also think about balance. Here’s a rough idea of the nutritional content per serving (assuming 12 servings):
- Calories: Approximately 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
Why You’ll Love Sour Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe
These bars are not just a treat; they are a celebration of flavors. The tartness of the cherries combined with the sweet and buttery crumble creates a delightful contrast. Each bite is a reminder of summer and family gatherings.
Baking sour cherry crumble bars is not just about making a dessert; it’s about creating memories. Every time I make these bars, I think of my grandmother and the love she put into her baking. I hope you enjoy making these bars as much as I do. They are a perfect treat for any occasion, and I would love to hear your thoughts and variations.