These cherry almond crumble bars are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cherries with the nutty flavor of almond flour. Perfect for a summer dessert or a sweet snack, these bars are easy to make and sure to impress.
If you don't usually have almond flour or coconut oil in your pantry, you might need to pick these up at the supermarket. Almond flour is a gluten-free alternative to regular flour and adds a rich, nutty flavor. Coconut oil is often found in the baking or health food section and provides a subtle coconut taste while keeping the bars moist.
Ingredients For Cherry Almond Crumble Bars
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.
Technique Tip for Making These Bars
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.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
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.
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How to Store or Freeze Your Crumble Bars
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.
How to Reheat Leftovers
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.
Best Tools for Making These Bars
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.
How to Save Time on Making These Bars
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.
Cherry Almond Crumble Bars
Ingredients
Crumble Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup almond flour
- ½ cup coconut oil melted
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cherry Filling
- 2 cups cherries pitted and halved
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine oats, almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until crumbly.
- Press half of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix cherries, cornstarch, and maple syrup. Spread over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the cherry layer.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before cutting into bars.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses for This Recipe
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