Get ready to experience a dessert that's about to revolutionize your baking game! These Sour Cherry Almond Bars are not just another sweet treat - they're a perfect symphony of tangy cherries, nutty almonds, and buttery goodness that will transport you to dessert heaven. Whether you're a baking enthusiast or a casual home cook, this recipe promises to deliver a mouth-watering experience that's both simple to make and incredibly impressive.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cherries, pitted
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer. Mix for approximately 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and smooth.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a crumbly dough forms. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the dough for the topping.
- Press the remaining dough firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a compact base layer.
- Spread the pitted sour cherries evenly over the base layer, ensuring they are distributed uniformly.
- Sprinkle the reserved dough crumbles over the cherries. Top with sliced almonds for added texture and visual appeal.
- Drizzle almond extract over the entire surface to enhance the almond flavor profile.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cherries are bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour. This allows the bars to set and makes cutting easier.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 12 even squares.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finishing touch.
Tips
- Use fresh, pitted sour cherries for the most vibrant flavor. If fresh aren't available, high-quality frozen cherries work well too.
- Make sure your butter is truly softened but not melted - this ensures the perfect crumbly texture for your bar base.
- Don't skip the almond extract! It intensifies the nutty flavor and adds a sophisticated touch to the dessert.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat squares that hold their shape.
- For an extra touch of elegance, use a fine-mesh sieve to dust powdered sugar over the bars just before serving.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For best results, use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts to get perfectly uniform bars.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
