Almond Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

There is something utterly irresistible about Almond Cherry Pie Bars that brings all the magic of a homemade cherry pie into a convenient, handheld treat. These bars combine a buttery, tender crust with a bright, luscious cherry filling and a delightful almond crumb topping that adds just the right crunch. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a special occasion, Almond Cherry Pie Bars are the perfect way to serve up classic flavors with a fun twist that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Almond Cherry Pie Bars are wonderfully simple but each plays a crucial role to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the richness of cold unsalted butter to the sweet pop of cherry pie filling and the nutty depth from sliced almonds, every item contributes to creating a truly memorable dessert.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, cold): Using cold butter helps create that tender, flaky crust that melts in your mouth.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds just the right sweetness to balance the tart cherries and buttery crust.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness from being overpowering.
• Flour (2 ¼ cups): The foundation of the crust, providing structure with a soft bite.
• Sliced almonds (½ cup): Adds a lovely crunchy texture and a complementary nutty flavor on top.
• Cherry pie filling (1 20-ounce can): The heart of the bars, offering sweet, juicy cherries or you can opt for homemade to tailor the flavor.

How to Make Almond Cherry Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when the bars are assembled. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper and give it a light spray with nonstick spray. This lining step makes it incredibly easy to lift out the bars once baked for neat cutting.

Step 2: Make the Crust Dough

Next, combine the cold butter, granulated sugar, salt, and flour in a food processor. Pulse until the dough just starts to come together into coarse crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, no worries—you can use a hand mixer or paddle attachment in a stand mixer, mixing until the same crumbly texture is achieved. This crust will be buttery and delicate.

Step 3: Press the Base Layer

Take about two-thirds of your dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Press firmly to ensure it holds together during baking but don’t overwork it, as that could toughen the crust. This base is the sturdy yet tender bed for your luscious cherry filling.

Step 4: Add the Cherry Filling

Spread the entire can of cherry pie filling evenly over the crust layer. The juicy, sweet cherries will provide a beautiful vibrant layer and a burst of flavor that defines these bars.

Step 5: Make the Almond Topping

To finish, mix the sliced almonds into the remaining dough using your fingers until it becomes crumbly and a bit clumpy. Sprinkle this almond-infused crumble generously over the cherry filling, creating a textured topping that bakes to a light golden perfection.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until the topping has turned a lovely light golden color and the filling is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing so your bars hold together perfectly.

How to Serve Almond Cherry Pie Bars

Garnishes

While Almond Cherry Pie Bars are stunning all on their own, consider adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to each serving. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few toasted almond slivers can elevate the presentation and add an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a simple cup of coffee or a fresh fruit salad to round out a dessert spread. They’re also excellent alongside a mild cheese plate for a more sophisticated twist at brunch or tea time.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, cut the bars into smaller bite-sized squares and serve them on a pretty platter for easy sharing. You might even layer them with whipped cream and fresh cherries in individual parfait glasses for a fun trifle variation that showcases each component.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store your Almond Cherry Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, placing them in the refrigerator will keep them fresh for about 4 to 5 days without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these bars ahead of time, you can freeze them after baking and cooling. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy warm bars, reheat slices in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to keep the crumb topping from becoming soggy and to maintain the crisp texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries can be used, but you’ll want to cook them down with some sugar and cornstarch to create a thicker filling that won’t run. This can add a fresher cherry flavor to your bars.

What can I substitute for sliced almonds?

If you’re not a fan of sliced almonds, chopped walnuts or pecans make excellent substitutes and deliver a similar nutty crunch that complements the cherry filling beautifully.

How thick should I press the crust dough in the pan?

Press the crust dough to form an even layer about half an inch thick. This ensures a nice base that supports the filling without being too crumbly or overly dense.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum to substitute the regular flour in equal amounts. It may change the texture slightly but will still be delicious.

Are Almond Cherry Pie Bars suitable for a picnic?

Definitely. These bars are sturdy and portable, making them a fantastic sweet treat to bring along for outdoor gatherings or picnics. Just keep them covered and cool until serving.

Final Thoughts

Making Almond Cherry Pie Bars is like capturing the best parts of a classic pie in a fun, easy-to-share treat. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, a seasonal celebration, or simply treating yourself, these bars never fail to bring smiles and satisfied sighs. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe soon—you just might find your new favorite way to enjoy cherry pie!

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