Almond Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly balances fruity sweetness with a nutty crunch, these Almond Cherry Pie Bars are your new go-to treat. Imagine buttery, tender crust underneath luscious cherry pie filling, all topped with a delightful crumbly almond topping that adds texture and flavor in every bite. Almond Cherry Pie Bars are simple to make yet impressive enough to serve at any gathering or to enjoy as a special homemade indulgence. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Almond Cherry Pie Bars lies in their straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each element is crucial, contributing texture, sweetness, and that unmistakable nutty aroma that sets this bar apart from your average fruit dessert.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, cold): This provides a rich, flaky base that’s essential for that perfect bar texture.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup): Balances the tartness of the cherries and enhances the buttery crust.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Just a pinch to lift all the flavors and keep the sweetness from becoming flat.
• Flour (2 ¼ cups): The structural heart of the bars, creating that tender yet sturdy crust and crumb topping.
• Sliced almonds (½ cup): Adds a crunch and a subtle earthy flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.
• Cherry pie filling (1 20-ounce can or homemade): The star of the show, juicy and sweet, providing a vibrant, luscious fruit layer.

How to Make Almond Cherry Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch pan with foil or parchment paper and give it a quick spray of nonstick cooking spray. The lining ensures your bars lift out easily without sacrificing any crumbly goodness.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Next, combine the cold butter, granulated sugar, salt, and flour in your food processor. Pulse just until the mixture comes together—it’s important not to overwork the dough to maintain that tender, flaky texture. If you don’t have a food processor, using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment works just fine.

Step 3: Form the Base

Press about two-thirds of this dough firmly into the prepared pan’s bottom. This layer will be the buttery, sturdy base that holds everything, so make sure it’s even and covers the entire bottom.

Step 4: Add the Cherry Pie Filling

Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough base. This juicy, fruity layer balances the richness of the crust, giving each bite a burst of sweet-tart brightness.

Step 5: Crumble the Almond Topping

Mix the sliced almonds into the remaining dough piece with your fingers until it becomes crumbly and scattered with almond pieces. Then, gently sprinkle this crumb topping evenly over the cherry filling. This topping bakes up beautifully, adding texture, flavor, and a golden hue.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake your Almond Cherry Pie Bars in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is light golden and the cherry filling bubbles just around the edges. Let them cool completely before slicing to keep all the layers intact.

How to Serve Almond Cherry Pie Bars

Garnishes

To make your Almond Cherry Pie Bars even more irresistible, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. For a creamy touch, add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These little extras bring out the dessert’s warmth and nutty charm beautifully.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a warm mug of tea, balancing sweetness with a robust drink. For brunch or an afternoon snack, serve them alongside fresh fruit or a simple green salad to contrast the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gift-giving, cut the Almond Cherry Pie Bars into small bite-sized squares and arrange them on a pretty platter, garnished with roasted almonds for added flair. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine also makes for a charming, homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Almond Cherry Pie Bars keep well at room temperature for up to two days, tightly covered. For longer freshness, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This helps keep the almonds crisp and the cherries juicy.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars for up to three months. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

To enjoy your Almond Cherry Pie Bars warm, gently reheat individual servings in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm a whole pan in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This revives their buttery aroma and softens the filling to perfection.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?

Absolutely! If you have fresh cherries, you can cook them down with sugar and a bit of cornstarch until thickened to make a homemade filling. It adds a wonderful freshness that pairs beautifully with the almond crust.

What can I substitute for sliced almonds?

If you’re allergic or just don’t have almonds on hand, chopped pecans or walnuts make a great alternative. They add a similar crunch and warmth that complements the cherry filling.

Is it important to use cold butter in the dough?

Yes, cold butter helps create that tender, flaky crust and crumb topping by ensuring small butter pockets remain in the dough, which melt during baking to produce the perfect texture.

Can I make Almond Cherry Pie Bars gluten-free?

For a gluten-free twist, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just keep an eye on the dough texture and adjust if needed, adding a touch more butter if it feels too dry.

How thick should I cut these bars?

Cutting the bars into 2-inch squares is ideal for serving—they hold together well, while giving you a perfect balance of almond crust and cherry filling in each bite.

Final Thoughts

These Almond Cherry Pie Bars are pure joy in dessert form – easy to make, packed with flavor, and irresistibly satisfying. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a cozy night in, I promise these bars will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. So don’t wait—grab your ingredients and dive into making this truly delightful treat today!

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