Almond Cherry Streusel Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly combines the rich flavors of almonds and sweet cherries. These bars are ideal for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to elegant dinner parties. The unique almond paste and cherry filling make them stand out, while their easy preparation ensures you can whip them up anytime you crave a delicious dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile Ingredients: Use fresh or frozen cherries depending on what you have on hand.
- Quick Preparation: With only 25 minutes of prep time, these bars are perfect for a last-minute dessert.
- Deliciously Nutty Flavor: The almond paste and extract create a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of cherries.
- Perfect Texture: A crumbly streusel topping contrasts beautifully with the soft cherry filling.
- Great for Sharing: This recipe yields 12 bars, making it easy to share with friends and family.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Almond Cherry Streusel Bars, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking pan (9×9 inches)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking pan: A sturdy pan ensures even cooking and helps achieve the ideal texture for your bars.
- Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients helps prevent clumping and ensures thorough mixing.
- Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down sides of bowls and transferring the mixture without wasting any ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Crust and Topping
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
- 1/2 cup almond paste (about 3oz)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
For the Cherry Filling
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (increase to 3 scant tablespoons if using frozen cherries)
- 4 cups pitted sweet cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Pinch salt
For the Glaze
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons milk
- 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
How to Make Almond Cherry Streusel Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring even baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add in the cold butter cubes and almond paste. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until crumbly.
Step 3: Press into Pan
Press about two-thirds of this mixture into a greased baking pan evenly across the bottom. Set aside the remaining crumb mixture for topping later.
Step 4: Make Cherry Filling
In another bowl, combine water, lemon juice, cornstarch, sweet cherries, granulated sugar, butter, and pinch of salt. Stir until well mixed.
Step 5: Assemble Bars
Pour the cherry filling over the crust in the baking pan. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top evenly.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for about 42 minutes or until golden brown on top. Allow cooling before cutting into bars.
Step 7: Prepare Glaze
In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with milk and almond extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Almond Cherry Streusel Bars as a delightful dessert!
How to Serve Almond Cherry Streusel Bars
Almond Cherry Streusel Bars are delightful and versatile treats perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a sweet snack, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
Pair with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream complements the tartness of the cherry filling.
- Almond Gelato: Enhance the almond flavor with a scoop of almond gelato for a delightful twist.
Enjoy with Coffee or Tea
- Brewed Coffee: These bars pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, balancing sweetness with a rich flavor.
- Herbal Tea: A light herbal tea can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich streusel bars.
Serve as a Dessert Platter
- Mixed Fruit: Add seasonal fruits like berries and sliced apples for a colorful dessert platter.
- Cheese Selection: Include mild cheeses, such as brie or mascarpone, for an elegant touch to your dessert table.
Pack for Lunch
- Lunchbox Treat: Cut into smaller squares to pack as a sweet treat in lunchboxes for kids and adults alike.
- Picnics: These bars are easy to transport and make a great addition to any picnic spread.
How to Perfect Almond Cherry Streusel Bars
Making the perfect Almond Cherry Streusel Bars requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game.
- Use Fresh Cherries: Always opt for fresh cherries when available. They provide the best flavor and texture for your filling.
- Chill Your Butter: Ensure that your butter is cold when making the dough. This helps achieve a flaky crust.
- Adjust Sugar Levels: Taste your cherry mixture before adding more sugar. You may want less if using very sweet cherries.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This helps them set properly and prevents squishing.
- Experiment with Toppings: Consider adding sliced almonds or coconut flakes on top of the streusel for extra crunch.
Best Side Dishes for Almond Cherry Streusel Bars
Almond Cherry Streusel Bars are delightful on their own, but they can be even better with complementary side dishes. Here are some ideas that pair well:
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds richness and balances the tartness of cherries.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the bars for an indulgent dessert experience.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a balanced snack alongside the bars.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides brightness and contrasts nicely with the bars’ sweetness.
- Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses can enhance flavors, especially soft cheeses paired with sweet desserts.
- Nuts Mix: A simple nut mix offers crunch and protein that complements the soft texture of the bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Almond Cherry Streusel Bars, even small errors can affect the final product. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for:
Using stale ingredients: Always check the freshness of your baking ingredients, especially the flour and baking powder. Stale ingredients can lead to poor results.
Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science. Use precise measurements for flour, sugar, and other ingredients to ensure the right texture and flavor in your bars.
Overmixing the batter: When combining the ingredients, mix just until they are combined. Overmixing can result in dense and tough bars rather than light and crumbly ones.
Ignoring chilling time: If the dough is too warm when baked, it may spread too much. Chill your dough if it feels too soft before baking for better structure.
Skipping the almond extract: This ingredient adds depth to the flavor. Omitting or reducing it can lead to a less flavorful bar.
Not checking for doneness: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your bars as they bake; they should be golden brown on top but not overcooked.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing Almond Cherry Streusel Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.
Reheating Almond Cherry Streusel Bars
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds per bar. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make them tough.
Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cherries for Almond Cherry Streusel Bars?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries! Just add a bit more cornstarch if needed, as they might release more juice during cooking.
How do I know when my Almond Cherry Streusel Bars are done?
The bars should be golden brown on top and slightly firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
What can I substitute for almond paste?
You can use marzipan or finely ground almonds mixed with sugar as an alternative if you can’t find almond paste.
Can I customize this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other fruits or nuts according to your preference. You could try adding blueberries or walnuts for variation.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Almond Cherry Streusel Bars in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Final Thoughts
Almond Cherry Streusel Bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. The combination of sweet cherries and nutty almond flavors creates a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy. Experiment with different fillings or add-ins like chocolate chips or spices for unique variations. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious dessert that’s perfect year-round!
Almond Cherry Streusel Bars
Indulge in the delightful harmony of flavors with Almond Cherry Streusel Bars. These scrumptious treats combine the nutty essence of almond paste with the sweet tartness of fresh or frozen cherries, all nestled under a crumbly streusel topping. Perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to elegant dinner parties, these bars are as easy to prepare as they are delicious. In just 25 minutes of prep time, you can create a dessert that’s sure to impress. With their unique flavor profile and perfect texture, Almond Cherry Streusel Bars are a must-try for anyone who loves a good sweet treat.
- Total Time: 1 hour 7 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
- 1/2 cup almond paste (about 3oz)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (increase to 3 scant tablespoons if using frozen cherries)
- 4 cups pitted sweet cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Pinch salt
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk
- 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix in cold butter and almond paste until crumbly.
- Press two-thirds of the mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In another bowl, mix water, lemon juice, cornstarch, cherries, sugar, butter, and salt until combined.
- Pour the cherry filling over the crust and sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top.
- Bake for about 42 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool before cutting into bars.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 42 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (66g)
- Calories: 224
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For optimal flavor, use fresh cherries when available. Chill your butter before mixing it into the dough for a flakier texture. Feel free to experiment with different fruits or add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for variations.
