Cherry Almond Bars Recipe
Indulge in the delightful symphony of flavors with these irresistible Cherry Almond Bars. Bursting with juicy cherries and a nutty almond essence, these bars offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy texture, surrounded by the warm aroma of freshly baked almonds. Each bite promises a delightful experience, making these Cherry Almond Bars an ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or serving them at a gathering, these bars are sure to become a family favorite.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.Incorporate the Eggs and Extracts
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts until fully combined.Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender texture.Fold in Cherries and Almonds
Gently fold the chopped cherries and sliced almonds into the batter using a spatula. This will help to distribute the fruit and nuts evenly throughout the bars.Spread the Batter in the Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the surface with a spatula.Bake the Bars
Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Once cool enough to handle, transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing them into squares.Serve and Enjoy
Enjoy your Cherry Almond Bars at room temperature, or you can store them for later!
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Choose Quality Cherries: Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor. If using frozen, make sure to defrost and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to keep them soft and chewy.
Use Parchment Paper: For easy removal and cleanup, lining your baking pan with parchment paper will make it easy to lift out the whole batch once cooled.
Check for Doneness: Ovens may vary; check your bars around the 25-minute mark to ensure they don’t overbake.
Let Them Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and to help them set properly.
Variations and Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Different Fruits: Substitute cherries with blueberries, raspberries, or even diced peaches for a new twist!
- Add Chocolate: Sprinkle in some chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.
- Reduced Sugar: Reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup if you prefer a less sweet bar, or use a sugar substitute like erythritol for a lower-calorie option.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store your Cherry Almond Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply let them thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds until warm.
FAQs
Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned cherries, but be sure to rinse and drain them well to remove excess syrup.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. They often taste even better after a day as the flavors meld.
What can I serve with Cherry Almond Bars?
These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Can I omit the almond extract?
Yes, if you don’t have almond extract or prefer not to use it, you can simply double the vanilla extract for a more pronounced vanilla flavor.
Nutrition Estimate
Each Cherry Almond Bar contains approximately 180 calories, 3g of protein, 20g of carbohydrates, and 10g of fat. These bars are a delightful treat that fits into various dietary plans when enjoyed in moderation.
Now, gather your ingredients, and let the baking begin! Enjoy every taste of these Cherry Almond Bars that are sure to wow your friends and family alike.
Cherry Almond Bars
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Incorporate the Eggs and Extracts
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts until fully combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender texture.
Fold in Cherries and Almonds
- Gently fold the chopped cherries and sliced almonds into the batter using a spatula. This will help to distribute the fruit and nuts evenly throughout the bars.
Spread the Batter in the Pan
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the surface with a spatula.
Bake the Bars
- Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Slice
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Once cool enough to handle, transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing them into squares.
Serve and Enjoy
- Enjoy your Cherry Almond Bars at room temperature, or you can store them for later!
