Cherry Crumble Bars

My family cookbook comes to the rescue again! These Cherry Crumble Bars are simple, delicious AND my whole family loved them. These are a pretty sturdy bar cookie, and if you let them sit overnight before cutting into them (who am I kidding...), they are perfect for lunches or to take along somewhere for dessert. I thought they might be good with ice cream, but they are honestly so good out of the oven that I didn't even bother with the ice cream.

This is a very simple recipe using basic staples like flour, oats and brown sugar. I used these for a Home Ec lesson in our school time to help my daughter learning precise measurement, a 9 year old made the bars that you see pictured, so I have every confidence that you can make these as well.

I used to think that I didn't like cherries, I'm not really sure when I decided that, but I've found out that I LOVE them! This is a great way to use any flavor pie filling like strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, blackberry or even apple or peach! I'm looking forward to making these bars again and again with all kinds of different flavors.

I think you could even add some almonds, pecans or walnuts to the crust/topping as well as coconut. YUM!! Ok, enough about how much I love these, I bet you'd like to know how to make them, wouldn't you? I thought so. These aren't New Year's Resolution bars, so don't even think about the ingredients...just make them and pretend like they are healthier than they actually are. I'm Sorry! and You're Welcome all at once :)

Cherry Crumble Bars

• 2 1/4 cups oats
• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but delicious)
• 1 1/2 cups butter, melted
• 1 can Cherry Pie Filling, or flavor of your choice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 inch pan with non-stick spray, set aside. In a large bowl, add the first 7 ingredients; add the butter and stir well. Press 1/2 of the mixture into the bottom of the baking dish and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and spread on the can of pie filling, sprinkle on the remaining 1/2 of the reserved crust/topping mixture. Bake for an additional 30 minutes. Let cool before cutting. Makes 16 good sized bars. 

This recipe has been linked up at the Mountain Woman Rendezvous!!

*Read my Disclosure