Introduction

Cherry Almond Bars are a delightful confection that marries the tanginess of cherries with the nutty sweetness of almonds. These bars boast a buttery crust, a luscious cherry filling, and a crumbly almond topping, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every bite.

Who This Recipe Is For

This recipe is ideal for those who appreciate the delightful combination of fruity tartness and nutty richness. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, seeking a dessert for a family gathering, or simply craving a sweet treat, these Cherry Almond Bars offer a delightful indulgence.

Why It’s Great

The appeal of Cherry Almond Bars lies in their simplicity and the delightful contrast between the tartness of cherries and the sweet nuttiness of almonds. With a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can create these bars that are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced

For the Cherry Filling:

• 2 cups cherries, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Almond Topping:

• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• Pinch of salt

Directions

Crust Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold diced butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
4. Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

Cherry Filling:

1. In a saucepan, combine the halved cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries release their juices and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and spread the cherry filling evenly over the partially baked crust.

Almond Topping:

1. In a bowl, combine the sliced almonds, sugar, melted butter, almond extract, and a pinch of salt.
2. Spread the almond mixture over the cherry filling.

Baking:

1. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
2. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Kitchen Equipment

• 9×9-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Wire rack

Serving Suggestions

Slice the Cherry Almond Bars into squares or rectangles for serving. These bars are delightful on their own but also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.

Storage Instructions

Store the Cherry Almond Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate in the same manner for up to a week.

Recipe Variations

For a twist, consider adding a hint of almond extract to the cherry filling for an extra layer of almond flavor.

Conclusion

Savor the delightful blend of tart cherries and nutty almonds in these delectable Cherry Almond Bars. These bars are a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.