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Chewy Tart Cherry Oat Crumble Bars Recipe with Easy Almond Streusel Topping

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These chewy tart cherry oat crumble bars feature a hearty oat base, a tangy cherry filling, and a crunchy almond streusel topping. Perfect for potlucks, snacks, or a quick breakfast treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (120g) rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour (can substitute with almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (use dairy-free butter if needed)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (300g) fresh or frozen tart cherries, pitted (if using frozen, thaw and drain excess juice)
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for paleo)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (60g) rolled oats
  • 1/3 cup (40g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup (65g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (75g) sliced almonds (toasted if desired)
  • 1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup rolled oats, 3/4 cup flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
  3. Pour in the melted butter, add the egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and mix until just combined.
  4. Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  5. In a medium bowl, toss the pitted cherries with 1/4 cup sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  6. Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the oat base.
  7. In another bowl, combine remaining oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in sliced almonds.
  8. Add cold cubed butter and rub it into the dry ingredients with your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  9. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cherry layer without pressing down.
  10. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. Check at 30 minutes if oven runs hot.
  11. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes if desired for easier cutting.
  12. Use parchment paper overhang to lift bars out of the pan and cut into 12 squares with a sharp knife.

Notes

Do not overmix the oat base to keep bars tender and chewy. Use cold butter for streusel to create pea-sized crumbs. Press the base firmly to hold bars together. Drain frozen cherries well to avoid sogginess. Cool bars completely before cutting. Toast almonds for deeper flavor. Tent with foil if streusel browns too fast.

Nutrition

Keywords: tart cherry bars, oat crumble bars, almond streusel, chewy bars, cherry dessert, easy baking, gluten-free option, vegan option

Find it online: https://cooksyla.com/chewy-tart-cherry-oat-crumble-bars-recipe-with-easy-almond-streusel-topping/