The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and the aroma of freshly baked goods wafts through the air. Imagine biting into a crumbly, buttery bar filled with tangy cherries and a hint of almond—your taste buds will dance! This fresh cherry almond bars recipe is perfect for picnics, family gatherings, or just because you deserve a treat. cozy gathering recipes.
Now, if you have ever found yourself in a baking frenzy while wondering what to do with those juicy cherries sitting on your counter, this recipe will be your new best friend. It’s easy, delicious, and makes you feel like a baking superstar without requiring any fancy pastry skills!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These fresh cherry almond bars are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
- The balance of sweet cherries and nutty almonds creates an irresistible flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- With their vibrant colors and delightful aroma, these bars are visually stunning and sure to impress at any gathering.
- Plus, they are versatile enough to be enjoyed as a dessert or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients for Fresh cherry almond bars recipe
For more inspiration, check out this pecan pie bars recipe recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cherries: Choose ripe, juicy cherries for the best flavor; pitting them can be messy but is totally worth it!
- Almond Extract: A little goes a long way; it adds that distinct nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with cherries.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness of your bars.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar works great here; it’ll help to sweeten those tart cherries.
- Flour: All-purpose flour gives the bars their structure; don’t forget to sift it for a light texture.
- Eggs: Large eggs bind everything together beautifully while adding richness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Fresh cherry almond bars recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab an 8×8 inch baking dish and grease it with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Cherries
Wash your fresh cherries thoroughly and remove the pits. A cherry pitter works wonders here—if you don’t have one, just use a knife carefully. Once pitted, chop them into halves or quarters depending on how chunky you want your filling.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time along with the almond extract. Whisk until fully combined—this step brings all that dreamy nutty flavor!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix! Gently add in those beautiful cherry pieces.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Pop it in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let it cool in the pan before slicing into squares. Serve these glorious bars warm or at room temperature—ideal for sharing (or not).
And there you have it—a delightful treat that will make everyone wonder if you’re secretly a professional baker!
You Must Know
- This fresh cherry almond bars recipe is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a delightful way to brighten up any day.
- The vibrant cherries and crunchy almonds blend beautifully, making each bar a little piece of happiness.
- Perfect for sharing, or not; we won’t judge!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you prepare the cherry almond mixture. Mix your wet ingredients first, then fold in the dry ones, ensuring everything is well combined before adding the cherries and almonds. Finally, pour the mixture into the pan and bake until golden.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cherries for other fruits like blueberries or raspberries if you’re feeling adventurous! Add a splash of almond extract for an extra nutty flavor or toss in some chocolate chips for a delightful twist. Customize these bars to your heart’s content!
Storing & Reheating
Store your fresh cherry almond bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for a week or freeze for up to three months. Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use ripe cherries for maximum sweetness; under-ripe ones can be tart and spoil the fun.
- Cut your bars while they are still slightly warm for cleaner edges.
- If you want an extra crunch, toast your almonds before adding them to the mixture!
It was at my cousin’s wedding when I first made these cherry almond bars. Everyone raved about them, and I felt like a superstar baker that day! Nothing beats seeing loved ones enjoy something you’ve created with love.
FAQs :
What are the main ingredients in the fresh cherry almond bars recipe?
The fresh cherry almond bars recipe features a delightful combination of fresh cherries, almond flour, butter, sugar, and eggs. These ingredients create a sweet and nutty flavor profile that perfectly complements the tartness of the cherries. easy weeknight meal To enhance the taste, you can also add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. This simple yet flavorful list ensures that your cherry almond bars will be both delicious and satisfying.
How do you store fresh cherry almond bars?
To keep your fresh cherry almond bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating them. They can last up to a week when stored properly in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen cherries for the fresh cherry almond bars recipe. While fresh cherries offer superior flavor and texture, frozen cherries work well too. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to your batter. Using frozen cherries may slightly alter the texture but will still yield delicious results.
What variations can I try with the fresh cherry almond bars recipe?
You can experiment with various variations of this fresh cherry almond bars recipe to suit your taste preferences. For instance, consider adding lemon zest for a citrusy kick or using different nuts like pecans or walnuts instead of almonds. keto-friendly dessert recipes You could even substitute some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness. These tweaks will keep your dessert exciting and adaptable for any occasion.
Conclusion for Fresh cherry almond bars recipe :
In conclusion, the fresh cherry almond bars recipe is an easy and delightful treat that balances sweet and tart flavors beautifully. Using simple ingredients like fresh cherries and almond flour results in a satisfying dessert perfect for any gathering. delightful dessert option Feel free to customize this recipe with variations to keep things interesting! Whether served warm or chilled, these bars are sure to impress friends and family alike.
Fresh Cherry Almond Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Fresh Cherry Almond Bars are a deliciously sweet and nutty treat that perfectly blends fresh cherries with almond flavor. These buttery, crumbly bars are simple to prepare, making them ideal for picnics, family gatherings, or whenever you crave a delightful dessert. With their vibrant colors and irresistible aroma, they are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy them!
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
- 2 large eggs
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and mix in almond extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually fold this into the wet mixture until just combined, then gently stir in the chopped cherries.
- Pour batter into the prepared dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown; a toothpick should come out clean.
- Allow to cool before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: - For added texture, toast almonds before mixing in. - Experiment with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a twist.