Cherry Oatmeal Squares are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that perfectly balances chewy oats with bursts of sweet, tart cherry goodness, making them an ideal grab-and-go breakfast, satisfying snack, or simple dessert.
Key Ingredients for Cherry Oatmeal Squares:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries (if frozen, do not thaw)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
How to Make Cherry Oatmeal Squares:
Get ready for a wonderfully simple yet incredibly satisfying bake! These Cherry Oatmeal Squares are remarkably easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous sweet cravings. The magic lies in their perfectly chewy texture and the delightful interplay of wholesome oats with vibrant, fruity cherries. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can assemble these delicious bars, with a total preparation time of just about 20 minutes, and baking time around 30-35 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your Cherry Oatmeal Squares won’t stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender base.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the two large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the old-fashioned rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon. Make sure these dry ingredients are well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want a tender crumb.
- Fold in Cherries (and Nuts): Gently fold in the pitted cherries (fresh or frozen – no need to thaw) and any optional chopped nuts. Ensure the cherries are distributed evenly throughout the dough. The dough will be thick.
- Press Dough into Pan: Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This will form the base of your Cherry Oatmeal Squares.
- Add Remaining Dough as Topping: Crumble or thinly spread the remaining one-third of the dough over the cherry layer. This creates a delightful oat topping that will become golden brown and slightly crispy during baking.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter.
- Cool: Let the Cherry Oatmeal Squares cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares. This is important for them to hold their shape.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Oatmeal Squares:
You’ll absolutely adore these Cherry Oatmeal Squares for their perfect blend of wholesome, chewy oats and vibrant, sweet-tart cherry bursts. Unlike a simple cookie, these bars offer a more substantial, satisfying bite that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. Plus, making them at home is incredibly cost-effective compared to bakery treats, giving you a delicious homemade goodness without breaking the bank. The burst of juicy cherries, whether fresh or frozen, provides a delightful contrast to the nutty, satisfying oat base, making each bite a delightful experience.
Ready to experience this delightful combination yourself? These Cherry Oatmeal Squares are a fantastic way to brighten your day with minimal effort. Imagine enjoying a piece alongside your morning coffee or sharing them with friends – they’re sure to be a hit! Give this recipe a try and discover a new favorite quick and easy baked good.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Properly storing your Cherry Oatmeal Squares will ensure they remain deliciously fresh for days. Once completely cooled, cut them into squares and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, transfer them to the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to a week. If you wish to freeze them for future enjoyment, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat refrigerated squares, simply warm them in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until slightly softened. Frozen Cherry Oatmeal Squares can be thawed at room temperature or gently reheated directly from frozen in a toaster oven until warm.
Final Thoughts:
These Cherry Oatmeal Squares are a simple yet sensational recipe that brings together comforting oats and bright cherry flavors. We encourage you to whip up a batch at home; you’ll be delighted by their easy preparation and irresistible taste!
Cherry Oatmeal Squares
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- Beat in the two large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the old-fashioned rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon.3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined.
- Gently fold in the pitted cherries and any optional chopped nuts. Ensure the cherries are distributed evenly throughout the dough. The dough will be thick.2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries, ½ cup chopped nuts
- Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Crumble or thinly spread the remaining one-third of the dough over the cherry layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Let the Cherry Oatmeal Squares cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.