Cherry Almond Crumble Bars Recipe

Rolled oats: Provide a hearty texture and a bit of chewiness to the crumble.

Almond flour: Adds a nutty flavor and makes the bars gluten-free.

Coconut oil: Used as a healthier fat alternative, it helps bind the ingredients together.

Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that adds a rich, caramel-like flavor.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic touch.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

Cherries: The star ingredient, providing tartness and juiciness.

Cornstarch: Thickens the cherry filling, preventing it from becoming too runny.

To ensure the crumble mixture binds well and forms a solid base, press it firmly into the baking dish using the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed measuring cup. This will help create a sturdy foundation for the cherry layer and prevent the bars from falling apart when you cut them.

• Rolled oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes provide a similar texture and are also gluten-free, making them a good alternative for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Almond flour - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour is a great gluten-free option that offers a mild flavor and similar texture to almond flour.

• Melted coconut oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier fat alternative and provides a different but pleasant flavor profile.

• Maple syrup - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar has a similar sweetness and consistency, making it a good vegan-friendly alternative.

• Vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can enhance the almond flavor in the recipe and provides a slightly different but complementary taste.

• Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a more natural alternative and often has a more complex flavor.

• Pitted and halved cherries - Substitute with pitted and halved plums: Plums offer a similar texture and sweetness, making them a good alternative when cherries are not in season.

• Cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder is a great thickening agent that is also gluten-free and works similarly to cornstarch.

• Maple syrup - Substitute with brown rice syrup: Brown rice syrup is another vegan-friendly sweetener that has a similar consistency and can be used to replace maple syrup.

• Allow the cherry almond crumble bars to cool completely at room temperature. This ensures they firm up and are easier to handle.

• For short-term storage, place the bars in an airtight container. You can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

• For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. First, cut the bars into individual portions. Lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don't touch each other. Freeze for about 1-2 hours or until solid.

• Once frozen, transfer the bars to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Label with the date to keep track of freshness. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• When ready to enjoy, you can thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. For a quicker option, microwave individual bars on a low setting for 20-30 seconds.

• To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid refreezing the bars once they have been thawed.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cherry almond crumble bars on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps retain the crispiness of the crumble.

• For a quicker option, use a microwave. Place a portion of the crumble bars on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as the crumble might become soggy.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F (160°C). Place the bars in the basket and heat for 3-5 minutes. This method helps maintain the crunchy texture of the topping.

• For a stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the crumble bars in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure they don't burn. This method can help keep the crust crispy while warming the cherry filling.

• Oven: Used to bake the crumble bars at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Baking dish: The container in which the crumble bars are baked. It should be greased to prevent sticking.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the ingredients for the crumble mixture.

• Mixing bowl: Another bowl is needed to mix the cherry filling.

• Spatula: Useful for pressing the crumble mixture into the baking dish and spreading the cherry filling evenly.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the oats, almond flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities like vanilla extract and salt.

• Knife: Needed to pit and halve the cherries.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for pitting and halving the cherries.

• Cooling rack: Allows the bars to cool evenly after baking.

• Grease brush: Used to grease the baking dish with coconut oil or another vegan-friendly option.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and prepare all ingredients like rolled oats, almond flour, and cherries before starting. This will streamline the process.

Use a food processor: Quickly combine the oats, almond flour, coconut oil, and other dry ingredients in a food processor to save time.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the crumble mixture to ensure it's ready when you are.

Line the baking dish: Use parchment paper to line the baking dish for easy removal and less cleanup.

Use frozen cherries: If fresh cherries are not available, use frozen ones to save time on pitting and halving.