Cherry Crumble Bars Recipe

Rolled oats: Adds a chewy texture and nutty flavor to the crumble.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the crumble mixture.

Brown sugar: Sweetens the crumble and adds a hint of molasses flavor.

Vegan butter: Binds the crumble mixture together and adds richness.

Cherries: The star ingredient, providing tartness and juiciness.

Maple syrup: Sweetens the cherry filling naturally.

Cornstarch: Thickens the cherry filling to prevent it from being too runny.

When preparing the crumble mixture, ensure that the vegan butter is fully melted and evenly mixed with the rolled oats, flour, and brown sugar. This will help achieve a uniform texture and prevent any dry spots. Additionally, when spreading the cherry mixture over the base, make sure the cherries are evenly distributed to ensure each bar has a consistent flavor.

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

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour adds a nutty flavor and is gluten-free, which can be beneficial for those avoiding gluten.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and provides a caramel-like flavor similar to brown sugar.

• melted vegan butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a plant-based fat that can replicate the richness and moisture provided by vegan butter.

• pitted and halved cherries - Substitute with pitted and halved plums: Plums offer a similar sweetness and texture, making them a suitable replacement for cherries.

• maple syrup - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar is a plant-based sweetener that has a similar consistency and sweetness level to maple syrup.

• cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder is a natural thickener that works similarly to cornstarch and is often preferred in vegan recipes.

• Allow the cherry crumble bars to cool completely before storing. This helps to maintain their structure and prevents them from becoming soggy.

• 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.

• If you prefer to keep them fresh for a longer period, refrigerate the bars. Again, use an airtight container and layer with parchment paper if stacking. They will stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge.

• To freeze the cherry crumble bars, first, ensure they are completely cooled. Cut them into individual portions for easier handling.

• Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap. This helps to prevent freezer burn and keeps the bars from absorbing any unwanted odors.

• Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of their freshness.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, you can let them sit at room temperature for a couple of hours.

• To reheat, if you prefer them warm, you can pop the bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, use a microwave for a few seconds, but be cautious not to overheat and dry them out.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the cherry crumble bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the bars loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. The crumble topping should be crisp and the cherry filling should be bubbly.
  5. Let them cool slightly before serving.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the cherry crumble bars on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the bars with a microwave-safe cover or another plate to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds. Check to see if they are warmed through.
  4. If needed, continue heating in 15-second intervals until the desired temperature is reached. Be cautious not to overheat, as the crumble topping may become soggy.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the cherry crumble bars on a piece of aluminum foil or a small baking tray.
  3. Heat for about 8-10 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure they don’t burn.
  4. The crumble topping should be crisp and the cherry filling should be warm.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
  2. Place the cherry crumble bars in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not stacked.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. Check halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. The crumble topping should be crisp and the cherry filling should be warm.

• Stovetop Skillet Method:

  1. Preheat a non-stick skillet over low heat.
  2. Place the cherry crumble bars in the skillet.
  3. Cover with a lid to create a mini-oven effect.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure they don’t burn.
  5. The crumble topping should be crisp and the cherry filling should be warm.

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

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and melted vegan butter into a crumbly mixture.

• Baking dish: A greased dish where the crumble mixture and cherry filling are layered and baked.

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

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring ingredients like rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and maple syrup.

• Measuring spoons: Important for measuring smaller quantities like the cornstarch.

• Knife: Needed for pitting and halving the cherries.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for preparing the cherries.

• Cooling rack: Allows the baked bars to cool evenly before cutting.

• Mixing spoon: Used to mix the cherries, maple syrup, and cornstarch together.

• Grease brush: Handy for greasing the baking dish to prevent sticking.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and prepare all ingredients like rolled oats, flour, and cherries in advance to streamline the process.

Use a food processor: Quickly mix the crumble mixture by pulsing the oats, flour, brown sugar, and vegan butter in a food processor.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven as you gather your ingredients to save time.

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 cherries to save time on pitting and halving.