Cherry Almond Crumble Bars Simple and Tasty Treat

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If you’re searching for a sweet treat that’s easy to make and incredibly tasty, you’ve found it! These Cherry Almond Crumble Bars combine juicy cherries with a crunchy almond topping. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen cherries, this recipe is simple and satisfying. Join me as we dive into the ingredients and steps to create this delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion! Let’s get baking!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet and tart cherries paired with the nutty almond flavor create a perfect balance that is irresistible.
  2. Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal prep and simple ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
  3. Versatile Recipe: These crumble bars can be enjoyed as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast treat, making them perfect for any time of day.
  4. Great for Sharing: With nine generous squares, these bars are perfect for gatherings, picnics, or just to share with friends and family.

Ingredients

For these Cherry Almond Crumble Bars, you need a simple list of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

– 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch

– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

– 1/2 cup almond flour

– 1 cup rolled oats

– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

– 1/2 cup brown sugar

– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1/2 cup sliced almonds for topping

Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cherries bring a sweet and tart taste, while the almond flour adds a nutty flavor. The rolled oats and all-purpose flour create the right crumble texture.

Cornstarch thickens the cherry filling and lemon juice brightens the flavor. Brown sugar gives sweetness and richness. Baking powder helps the crumble rise, while salt enhances all the flavors. Finally, unsalted butter and vanilla extract bind everything together beautifully.

Using sliced almonds on top not only adds crunch but also a lovely nutty taste. Each bite will make you want more!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the oven and baking dish

First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature gives the bars a nice, even bake. Grab an 8×8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps you lift the bars out easily later.

Making the cherry filling

In a bowl, add 2 cups of cherries. You can use fresh or frozen ones; both work well. Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Gently toss the cherries until they are well coated. Let this sit while you prepare the crumble.

Preparing the crumble mixture

In another bowl, mix together the following dry ingredients:

– 1/2 cup almond flour

– 1 cup rolled oats

– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

– 1/2 cup brown sugar

– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

After mixing, add 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix it until you have coarse crumbs.

Assembling the bars

Press about 2/3 of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will be the base. Next, spread the cherry mixture evenly over the crumble. Top the cherries with the rest of the crumble mixture. Finally, sprinkle some sliced almonds on top for a tasty crunch.

Baking and cooling

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and bubbling cherries. Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan. When cool, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares. Enjoy your delicious Cherry Almond Crumble Bars!

Tips & Tricks

How to select the best cherries

Choose cherries that are bright and firm. Look for deep red colors. Avoid any with bruises or soft spots. If you can, try to smell them; fresh cherries have a sweet scent. When shopping, check for seasonal cherries. They taste better and are usually cheaper.

Making the crumble topping extra crunchy

To get a crunchy topping, use cold butter. Cut it into small pieces before adding it to the dry mix. This helps create more crumbs. You can also mix in some nuts like pecans or walnuts. These add both texture and flavor, making each bite special.

Serving and presentation suggestions

Serve the bars on a wooden board for a rustic look. Dust the top with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Add fresh cherries around the bars to make the dish pop. Cut them into squares and stack them for a fun display. This makes your treat look as good as it tastes!

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Cherries: For the best flavor, opt for fresh cherries when in season. They provide a juicier and more vibrant taste compared to frozen ones.
  2. Customize the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the brown sugar quantity based on your preference for sweetness or the tartness of the cherries used.
  3. Chill the Butter: For a flakier crumble, consider chilling the butter before mixing it into the dry ingredients. This helps maintain a crumbly texture.
  4. Storage Tips: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Variations

Alternate fruits for the filling

You can change the filling with many fruits. Try blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Each fruit offers a new taste. Mix fruits for a fun blend, too. For a tropical twist, use diced mango or pineapple. These fruits work well with almond flavor.

Gluten-free adaptations

If you need gluten-free bars, make easy swaps. Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour. You can also use certified gluten-free oats. This keeps the texture right while making it safe for all. Always check labels to ensure no gluten sneaks in!

Flavor enhancements with spices or extracts

Adding spices makes these bars even better. Consider cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. A pinch of cardamom gives a unique twist. You can also try almond extract for a stronger flavor. Just a few drops can change the whole taste. Mixing in a bit of vanilla can add depth, too.

Storage Info

Best practices for storing bars

To keep your cherry almond crumble bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking. This prevents sticking. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, move them to the fridge. They can last up to a week this way.

Freezing cherry almond crumble bars

Freezing is a great option for longer storage. First, cut the bars into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature.

How to reheat for best taste

To reheat your bars, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warm. This method keeps the crumble crispy and the cherries juicy. Enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream for a tasty treat!

FAQs

Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, you can use canned cherries. Just make sure to drain them well. Canned cherries can be softer, so adjust the baking time. They will add a nice sweetness to your bars.

What can I substitute for almond flour?

You can use all-purpose flour if you want. Another option is oat flour, which adds a unique taste. Just keep in mind that the texture may change slightly.

How long do the bars last after baking?

These bars last about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want them to last longer, try freezing them.

Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes, you can make them vegan easily. Use a vegan butter substitute and replace the butter with coconut oil. You can also use a flax egg instead of regular eggs if you want to bind the mixture.

What occasions are these bars perfect for?

These bars work well for picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings. They are also great for baking at home when you want a sweet treat. Serve them at birthday parties or holiday celebrations for added joy.

You now have a simple recipe for cherry almond crumble bars. We covered all you need, from the ingredients to the step-by-step baking process. I shared tips for selecting the best cherries and added ideas for variations and storage. Keep this guide handy for any occasion; these bars can impress anyone! Trust me, they will love the taste. Enjoy baking and sharing this treat with friends and famil

For these Cherry Almond Crumble Bars, you need a simple list of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/2 cup almond flour - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/2 cup sliced almonds for topping Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cherries bring a sweet and tart taste, while the almond flour adds a nutty flavor. The rolled oats and all-purpose flour create the right crumble texture. Cornstarch thickens the cherry filling and lemon juice brightens the flavor. Brown sugar gives sweetness and richness. Baking powder helps the crumble rise, while salt enhances all the flavors. Finally, unsalted butter and vanilla extract bind everything together beautifully. Using sliced almonds on top not only adds crunch but also a lovely nutty taste. Each bite will make you want more! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature gives the bars a nice, even bake. Grab an 8x8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps you lift the bars out easily later. In a bowl, add 2 cups of cherries. You can use fresh or frozen ones; both work well. Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Gently toss the cherries until they are well coated. Let this sit while you prepare the crumble. In another bowl, mix together the following dry ingredients: - 1/2 cup almond flour - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt After mixing, add 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix it until you have coarse crumbs. Press about 2/3 of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will be the base. Next, spread the cherry mixture evenly over the crumble. Top the cherries with the rest of the crumble mixture. Finally, sprinkle some sliced almonds on top for a tasty crunch. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and bubbling cherries. Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan. When cool, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares. Enjoy your delicious Cherry Almond Crumble Bars! Choose cherries that are bright and firm. Look for deep red colors. Avoid any with bruises or soft spots. If you can, try to smell them; fresh cherries have a sweet scent. When shopping, check for seasonal cherries. They taste better and are usually cheaper. To get a crunchy topping, use cold butter. Cut it into small pieces before adding it to the dry mix. This helps create more crumbs. You can also mix in some nuts like pecans or walnuts. These add both texture and flavor, making each bite special. Serve the bars on a wooden board for a rustic look. Dust the top with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Add fresh cherries around the bars to make the dish pop. Cut them into squares and stack them for a fun display. This makes your treat look as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Use Fresh Cherries: For the best flavor, opt for fresh cherries when in season. They provide a juicier and more vibrant taste compared to frozen ones. Customize the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the brown sugar quantity based on your preference for sweetness or the tartness of the cherries used. Chill the Butter: For a flakier crumble, consider chilling the butter before mixing it into the dry ingredients. This helps maintain a crumbly texture. Storage Tips: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness. {{image_2}} You can change the filling with many fruits. Try blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Each fruit offers a new taste. Mix fruits for a fun blend, too. For a tropical twist, use diced mango or pineapple. These fruits work well with almond flavor. If you need gluten-free bars, make easy swaps. Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour. You can also use certified gluten-free oats. This keeps the texture right while making it safe for all. Always check labels to ensure no gluten sneaks in! Adding spices makes these bars even better. Consider cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. A pinch of cardamom gives a unique twist. You can also try almond extract for a stronger flavor. Just a few drops can change the whole taste. Mixing in a bit of vanilla can add depth, too. To keep your cherry almond crumble bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking. This prevents sticking. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, move them to the fridge. They can last up to a week this way. Freezing is a great option for longer storage. First, cut the bars into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature. To reheat your bars, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warm. This method keeps the crumble crispy and the cherries juicy. Enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream for a tasty treat! Yes, you can use canned cherries. Just make sure to drain them well. Canned cherries can be softer, so adjust the baking time. They will add a nice sweetness to your bars. You can use all-purpose flour if you want. Another option is oat flour, which adds a unique taste. Just keep in mind that the texture may change slightly. These bars last about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want them to last longer, try freezing them. Yes, you can make them vegan easily. Use a vegan butter substitute and replace the butter with coconut oil. You can also use a flax egg instead of regular eggs if you want to bind the mixture. These bars work well for picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings. They are also great for baking at home when you want a sweet treat. Serve them at birthday parties or holiday celebrations for added joy. You now have a simple recipe for cherry almond crumble bars. We covered all you need, from the ingredients to the step-by-step baking process. I shared tips for selecting the best cherries and added ideas for variations and storage. Keep this guide handy for any occasion; these bars can impress anyone! Trust me, they will love the taste. Enjoy baking and sharing this treat with friends and family!

Cherry Almond Crumble Bars

Delicious bars made with cherries and almond crumble topping.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 9
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 0.5 cup almond flour
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 0.5 cup sliced almonds (for topping)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  • In a bowl, combine the cherries, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Toss gently until the cherries are well coated. Set aside.
  • In another bowl, mix together the almond flour, rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  • Add the softened butter and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Press about 2/3 of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will form the base.
  • Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the base layer.
  • Top the cherries with the remaining crumble mixture, ensuring an even distribution.
  • Sprinkle sliced almonds over the top of the crumble for added crunch.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cherries are bubbling.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then lift out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares.

Notes

Serve the bars on a rustic wooden board, optionally dust with powdered sugar, and garnish with fresh cherries for an appealing display.
Keyword almond, bars, cherry, crumble, dessert

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