These Cherry Almond Crumble Bars are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. With a buttery oat crust and a sweet cherry filling, they are sure to please.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly.
Greasing the dish ensures the bars won't stick and makes cleanup easier.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Mix well.
Use a whisk to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Add the butter to the dry mixture and mix until crumbly.
Using your hands can help achieve a better crumbly texture.
Press two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
Press firmly to ensure the crust holds together after baking.
Spread the cherry preserves evenly over the crust.
Warming the preserves slightly can make spreading easier.
Mix the sliced almonds into the remaining oat mixture and crumble it over the cherry layer.
Leave some gaps to let the cherry filling peek through for a rustic look.
Bake in the preheated oven for 28-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Check the bars at the minimum time to avoid overbaking.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the dish before cutting into squares.
Cooling fully ensures clean cuts and prevents crumbling.