Buttery Oat Crumble with Sweet Cherry Filling
There’s something beautifully simple about a classic Cherry bars — a buttery oat base, a sweet layer of cherry filling, and a golden crumble topping baked to perfection.
These Cherry Bars strike the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent. With rolled oats, a mix of whole wheat and white flour, and a generous layer of cherry spread, they feel rustic yet satisfying. Perfect for potlucks, lunchboxes, coffee breaks, or a simple after-dinner treat.
This master recipe walks you through texture control, layering technique, and baking precision to ensure clean slices and a perfectly golden crumble.
Recipe Overview
Yield: 16–20 bars (13×9-inch pan)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes + cooling
Cuisine Style: Classic American Bake Sale
Skill Level: Beginner
Ingredients and Their Purpose
The Buttery Oat Base
¾ cup light butter, softened
Provides richness and tender crumb.
1 cup brown sugar
Adds moisture and caramel-like sweetness.
1 egg
Binds ingredients together.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Enhances flavor.
The Dry Ingredients
1 cup whole wheat flour
Adds subtle nuttiness and structure.
1 cup white flour + 2 tablespoons white flour
Creates balance and tenderness.
1 teaspoon baking powder
Gives slight lift to base.
2 cups rolled oats
Adds texture and hearty chew.
The Filling
1 cup cherry spread (double fruit type)
Provides sweet-tart layer and moisture.
Equipment Needed
- 13×9-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Wooden spoon
- Spatula
- Wire rack
Step-by-Step Master Instructions
Step 1: Cream Butter & Sugar
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
In large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add egg and vanilla.
Beat until smooth.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In separate bowl, combine:
- Whole wheat flour
- White flour
- Baking powder
Gradually add dry mixture to butter mixture.
Beat on low speed.
Stir in rolled oats with wooden spoon.
Mixture should resemble thick crumbly dough.
Step 3: Build the Base
Reserve ½ cup (125 ml) of oat mixture.
Press remaining mixture evenly into lightly greased 13×9-inch pan.
Press firmly for compact base.
Step 4: Add the Cherry Layer
Spread cherry spread evenly over base.
Leave slight border around edges if desired to prevent bubbling over.
Step 5: Add Crumble Topping
Sprinkle reserved oat mixture evenly over cherry layer.
Do not press down.
Step 6: Bake
Bake 35 minutes, or until top is golden brown.
Edges should be lightly crisp.
Step 7: Cool & Slice
Place pan on wire rack.
Cool completely before slicing.
Cooling ensures clean cuts and firm structure.
Texture & Flavor Profile
Base: Firm, slightly chewy
Middle: Sweet-tart cherry layer
Top: Golden oat crumble
Flavor: Buttery, fruity, lightly nutty
Common Problems & Fixes
Crumbly bars:
Did not cool completely before slicing.
Too dry:
Overbaked.
Filling leaking:
Spread too close to edges.
Too soft:
Bake 3–5 minutes longer next time.
Variations
Berry Swap
Use raspberry or blueberry spread.
Citrus Twist
Add lemon zest to cherry layer.
Almond Upgrade
Add ½ teaspoon almond extract to batter.
Nutty Crumble
Mix chopped almonds or pecans into topping.
Serving Suggestions
- With vanilla ice cream
- With whipped cream
- Alongside coffee or tea
- As lunchbox treat
Storage & Shelf Life
Room Temperature:
Store covered up to 3 days.
Refrigerator:
Up to 1 week.
Freezer:
Freeze individually wrapped bars up to 3 months.
Nutritional Overview (Approximate Per Bar)
Calories: 180–220
Carbohydrates: 28–32 g
Fat: 6–8 g
Protein: 3–4 g
(Varies by cherry spread used.)
Why This Recipe Works
- Oats provide structure and texture
- Brown sugar adds moisture
- Whole wheat flour enhances depth
- Simple layering ensures even baking
It’s rustic, reliable, and always crowd-pleasing.
Final Thoughts
Cherry Bars are the kind of recipe that never goes out of style. Simple pantry ingredients transform into something comforting, sweet, and perfect for sharing.
Save it. Bake it. Share it.
If you love easy fruit desserts like this, stay tuned — more classic favorites coming your way.
