Cherry-Coded Sour Cherry Bars (Print Version)

Layers of tangy cherries and golden oat crumble create irresistible bars for dessert or snacks.

# Components:

→ Crumble Base & Topping

01 - 1 1/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 cups (135 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
03 - 3/4 cup (150 g) light brown sugar, packed
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
05 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
06 - 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
07 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Sour Cherry Filling

08 - 2 1/2 cups (400 g) pitted sour cherries, fresh or frozen (thawed and drained if frozen)
09 - 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
10 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
12 - 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there's an overhang for easy removal of the finished bars.
02 - In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, light brown sugar, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Stir to ensure even distribution.
03 - Add the slightly cooled melted unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until the composition forms moist, cohesive crumbs.
04 - Press approximately two-thirds of the prepared crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even base layer.
05 - In a separate medium bowl, combine the pitted sour cherries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, fresh lemon juice, and finely grated lemon zest. Toss gently until the cherries are uniformly coated.
06 - Evenly distribute the dressed cherry filling over the pressed crumble base, spreading it gently to the pan's edges.
07 - Sprinkle the remaining oat crumble mixture evenly over the cherry layer, pressing down lightly to secure it.
08 - Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the surface achieves a golden brown hue and the cherry filling appears to be bubbling.
09 - Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan situated on a wire rack. Once cooled, utilize the parchment overhang to lift the entire block from the pan. Subsequently, cut into individual bars.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 1 hour from start to finish
  • Uses simple pantry staples you likely already have
  • Perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors
  • Versatile enough for dessert or afternoon snack
  • Easily adaptable with different fruit options
02 -
  • These bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months
  • The recipe doubles easily for a 9×13 inch pan
  • Perfect make ahead dessert for gatherings
  • Can be served warm with ice cream for an elevated dessert
  • Contains approximately 220 calories per serving
03 -
  • For the most vibrant cherry flavor, look for Montmorency sour cherries when in season or in the frozen section. Their bright red color and perfect balance of sweetness and acidity make them ideal for baking.
  • When making the crumble, use your fingers to create varied texture with some larger clumps for the topping portion. This creates those irresistible buttery clusters that provide contrast to the smooth filling.
  • Finally, line your pan with parchment paper that extends up all four sides for the easiest removal and cleanest cuts.

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