Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly balanced dessert that combines the rustic charm of oatmeal, the sweet-tart burst of cherries, and a crumbly, buttery streusel topping. These Cherry Oatmeal Streusel Bars are not just a recipe—they're a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible treat that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this foolproof recipe promises to deliver a mouthwatering dessert that's as easy to make as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix well until all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of melted butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until it is crumbly and well combined. You should have a mixture that holds together when pressed.
- Take about two-thirds of the oat mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This will form the base for your streusel bars.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the pressed oat base. Make sure to cover the base completely with the cherry filling.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the top of the cherry filling. Try to distribute it as evenly as possible for a nice topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to cut into bars.
- After cooling slightly, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into 12 equal pieces. Allow them to cool completely before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Cherry Oatmeal Streusel Bars as a sweet treat or dessert!
Tips
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and a more consistent crumbly texture.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the dry ingredients or using vanilla bean paste instead of extract.
- If you want a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, toast the cinnamon briefly in a dry pan before adding it to the mix.
- Make sure to press the base layer firmly and evenly to create a solid foundation for your bars.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat slices.
- For a more decadent version, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze on top after cooling.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
