Have you tried Starbucks's cherry oat bars? They are out-of-this-world delicious! Starbucks describes them as “Plump, juicy Michigan cherries and hearty oats are topped with a buttery streusel. This seasonal bar is perfect for a quick & easy breakfast or afternoon treat.”
It doesn’t have to be seasonal if you love these cherry filled treats. This recipe will help you make the famous cherry oat bars that taste just like the original bars that you buy at Starbucks, when they are in season that is.
In this recipe, I am using my favorite cherry pie filling that exceptionally delicious with a pleasant consistency. Not only does it taste good but it's also very simple to make. My kids made it several times following the recipe and every time it turned out very well. I am sure that Starbucks uses it's own recipe for the cherry filling but this taste every bit as good and even better if you ask me.
I keep these cherry oat bars at room temperature for a day or so, they just don't last any longer in my house. If you plan on keeping them longer, refrigerate. They will keep fresh for several days when refrigerated.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup flour
- 1 1/2 cup quick oats
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 3/4 cup butter at room temperature
For the Cherry Filling:
- 5 cups sweet cherries fresh or frozen; stemmed and pitted; see notes.
- 6 Tbsp water
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 3 Tbsp cornstarch
- 6 Tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the cherry filling in advance as it needs to cool. Place cherry filling ingredients in medium sauce pan and stir well. Turn the heat to medium and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely. If you want the filling to be smoother and less chunky, use a hand blender to slightly break the cherries into smaller pieces.
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Line a 9 x 12 inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Next prepare the base and the top dry layers. In a large bowl, stir together the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in the butter to form a crumbly mixture.
- Spread 2/3 of the oat mixture and pat firmly and evenly into the bottom of the baking pan.
- Spread the cherry filling evenly over the base.
- Spread cherry pie filling over oats.
- Crumble the rest of the oat mixture evenly over the cherry filling.
- Bake at 350F until light golden brown, about 40 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely before cutting.
Carrie
If using blueberries do I follow the cherry filling recipe?
The cherry was great! I just wanted to switch it up this time!
Victor @ Taste of Artisan
Glad you liked my recipe, Carrie. Yes, I would recommend following the cherry recipe, it should work.
Carrie
I’m confused…one thing says cherry filling and the next says cherry pie filling. Ingredients don’t call for cherry pie filling….
Victor @ Taste of Artisan
I've always thought of them as being interchangeable.
Sandy
So you use both? #6 says cherry filling snd #7 says pie filling.
Victor @ Taste of Artisan
Call it cherry filling or cherry pie filling, same thing to me.
Noelle
I made this with fresh tart cherries for a community luncheon today and it was a hit! I got so many compliments. Thank you for the recipe.
Victor @ Taste of Artisan
You are welcome, Noelle. Enjoy! Try my other recipes... I highly recommend the berry cake and ossi dei morti cookies among many other things.
Judi S
Probably the absolute best cherry bars out there! So buttery and flavorful. A definite recipe for cherry season!!
Victor @ Taste of Artisan
Thank you for the kind words, Judy. Enjoy!
Denise
While these had great flavor my topping had too many areas that were dry. I think I will make with less flour and a bit more butter the next time. Of course, our room temp is a bit cold right now,😬
Roxanne
These are a staple in my house, so delish! I know the recipe says to wait until they're completely cooled, but if you try these still warm out of the oven with a little ice cream on top... WOW! Amazingly good.
Monique
What's the difference between quick oats and rolled oats? Is it okay to just use rolled oats for this recipe?
Victor @ Taste of Artisan
Hi Monique, quick oats are rolled oats that are processed further to make them cook quicker. In this recipe, I think you can use both interchangeably.
Paula
These are Beyond compare! Simply Fabulous!
Victor @ Taste of Artisan
Thank you for the kind words, Paula.
Starbucks Girl
These cherry oat bars were delicious! I used fresh cherries from my local farmers market and the cherry filling turned out really, really good. This recipe is a gem.
Erica
I bought these 3 times a week from Starbucks.. I'm so excited I found this recipe cuz in Virginia Starbucks never has these anymore... Going to make them today!! Thank you so much
Kerrie
These were pretty good. The oat mixture tastes just like the Starbucks bars which is so great!
Melissa Fox-Austin
These are delicious! Thank you!
I used a combo frozen cherries and a can of tart cherries.
Tahani
Can this be made with frozen cheeries if fresh are not available?
victor
Yes. I used frozen and they worked out really well.
Jo
I recommend doubling the cherry filling! There wasn't enough to spread across all of the oats!
victor
Doubled in the recipe.
Lynn D
These are baking in the oven right now. So happy to have found some of the first cherries at the grocery store so I could make these.