Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin your journey by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This crucial step ensures that your crumb bars bake evenly and develop that golden, mouth-watering finish. The aroma of baking will soon fill your home, enticing everyone around!

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent your delicious Cherry Pie crumb bars from sticking, allowing for easy removal once they are baked to perfection. If you’re feeling creative, consider lining the dish with parchment paper for extra ease.

Step 3: Make the Crust and Topping Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and baking soda. Mix these dry ingredients together until combined. Gradually add in melted butter, ensuring everything is blended well. This mixture should resemble coarse crumbs, creating that perfect crumbly texture for both the base and the topping. Save a portion for sprinkling later; this will add a wonderful crunch!

Step 4: Set Aside for the Cherry Filling

Take a portion of your crumb mixture (about 1 cup) and set it aside in a separate bowl for the topping. The remaining mixture will be pressed into the prepared baking dish, forming the base of your Cherry Pie crumb bars. Press down firmly to create an even layer. This is where the magic begins!

Step 5: Prepare the Cherry Filling

In another bowl, combine your fresh or frozen cherries with sugar and cornstarch. Stir gently to coat the cherries completely. This mixture should be juicy but not too runny; you want your Cherry Pie filling to set beautifully without making the crust soggy. If you love that extra zing, feel free to mix in a splash of lemon juice!

Step 6: Assemble the Bars

Now for the fun part! Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust layer in the baking dish. This will be the heart of your delicious creation. Once evenly spread, sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture generously over the top. This will create a delightful crumble that contrasts beautifully with the sweet cherry filling.

Step 7: Bake

Place your assembled dish in the preheated oven. Let it bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. You’ll know it’s time when the aroma of warm cherries and buttery crumbs fills the air. It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for!

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow your Cherry Pie crumb bars to cool completely in the dish. This step is essential as it helps the filling set further. After cooling, cut them into squares or rectangles and serve. Consider topping with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent twist!