Cherry Almond Crumble Bars

$To make delicious Cherry Almond Crumble Bars, gather these ingredients: - 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) These ingredients combine to create a sweet and tangy treat. You can customize your bars by adding extra flavors or textures. Try these options: - Cinnamon for warmth - Coconut flakes for a tropical twist - Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch - A splash of almond extract for deeper almond flavor Mix and match to suit your taste! To make this recipe a breeze, gather these tools: - 8x8 inch baking dish - Parchment paper for easy removal - Mixing bowls—one medium and one large - Whisk for dry ingredients - Pastry cutter or your hands to mix butter - Spatula for spreading Having these tools ready will help you create your Cherry Almond Crumble Bars quickly and easily! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, grab an 8x8 inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang. This helps lift the bars out later. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of halved cherries, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the cherries. Set this mixture aside. The flavors will blend perfectly while you work on the crust. In a large bowl, whisk together 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, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix well to combine. Now, add 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to blend everything. Aim for a coarse crumb texture and avoid large butter chunks. Take about two-thirds of the crumble mixture and press it into the bottom of your baking dish. This forms a solid base. Next, evenly spread the cherry mixture over this layer. Make sure to distribute the cherries for a tasty bite every time. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top, covering the cherries well. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of sliced almonds on top for extra crunch. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden brown topping and bubbling cherries. After baking, let the bars cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out and cut them into squares. Enjoy your easy and delightful cherry almond crumble bars! Choose fresh cherries that are bright and firm. Look for deep red or dark purple colors. They should feel heavy for their size. If using frozen cherries, select high-quality ones without added sugar. Frozen cherries work well, but fresh gives the best flavor. Always pit the cherries before use, as it makes for a better bite in the bars. For a great crumble, combine the dry and wet ingredients just right. Mix the almond flour, oats, and other dry items well. When adding butter, use your fingers to blend. Aim for coarse crumbs, not a smooth dough. This texture helps create a nice crunch on top. Also, don’t pack the crumble too tightly in the dish. This keeps it light and airy. Serve the bars on a rustic wooden board for a homey feel. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a sweet touch. Garnish with fresh cherries on top for color and charm. You can also pair the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This contrast enhances the cherry flavor and creates a lovely dessert. Pro Tips Choose the Right Cherries: Fresh cherries will provide the best flavor, but frozen cherries work well too. If using frozen, thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in your bars. Butter Temperature Matters: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This will help create the perfect crumbly texture for the topping. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to swap out sliced almonds for other nuts like walnuts or pecans for a different flavor profile and crunch. Storage Tips: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness. {{image_4}} You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your needs. For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the right texture. For a vegan option, replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use a flax egg instead of regular eggs if you ever want to add one for binding. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty bars. Adding spices can elevate the flavor of your cherry almond crumble bars. Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. You could also include some lemon or orange zest. This adds a fresh taste that pairs well with cherries. Experiment with different spices to find your favorite mix. While cherries shine in this recipe, you can switch things up with other fruits. Try using blueberries, raspberries, or diced apples. Each fruit brings its own flavor and texture. Mix and match to create your unique crumble bars. Just remember to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your fruit choice. You can store Cherry Almond Crumble Bars easily. First, let the bars cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Place the squares in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to store them longer, the fridge works well too. Just remember to use a container that seals tightly. Freezing these bars is simple. Wrap each square in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. These bars can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just take out a square and let it thaw at room temperature. Cherry Almond Crumble Bars stay fresh for about a week in the fridge. For reheating, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This helps keep the crumble nice and crisp. You can also microwave them for about 20 seconds for a quick warm-up. Enjoy these tasty treats any time you crave something sweet! Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just thaw them first. Drain any extra juice. This helps keep the bars from getting too soggy. Frozen cherries still taste great! You can use regular all-purpose flour instead of almond flour. If you need a nut-free option, try oat flour or coconut flour. Each one gives a different taste and texture, so choose what you like best. To make the bars less sweet, reduce the brown sugar by a quarter cup. You can also use unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas as a natural sweetener. This way, you enjoy the fruit flavor more. Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. Bake them, then let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to a month. The bars are done when the top is golden brown and the cherries are bubbling. You can also poke the center with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the bars are ready. Let them cool before cutting. In this blog post, we explored how to make cherry almond crumble bars. We covered key ingredients, showed you step-by-step instructions, and provided helpful tips. You learned about variations and how to store these tasty treats. Remember, your choices can make these bars unique. Get creative with flavors and toppings. Enjoy baking and sharing your delicious creations!$

Cherry Almond Crumble Bars

Delicious bars made with fresh cherries and a crunchy almond topping.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

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
1 cup almond flour
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sliced almonds (for topping)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring there’s some overhang on the sides to make it easy to lift the bars out after baking.
Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the halved cherries with cornstarch and lemon juice. Gently toss the mixture until the cherries are evenly coated. Set this fruity mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Incorporate the Butter: Add the softened butter and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, blend everything together until it resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring there are no large chunks of butter remaining.
Form the Base Layer: Take about two-thirds of this crumble mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will create a sturdy base for your crumble bars.
Add the Cherry Layer: Evenly distribute the cherry mixture over the crumb layer, ensuring that the cherries are spread out for uniform flavor in every bite.
Top with Remaining Crumble: Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the cherry layer, making sure it is evenly distributed for a nice, flaky topping.
Finish with Almonds: Generously sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top of the crumble mixture for a delightful crunch that complements the soft fruit beneath.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherries are bubbling beautifully.
Cooling & Serving: Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment overhang to lift the entire block out of the dish, then cut into squares for serving.

Notes

Present the bars on a rustic wooden board, light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of elegance. Garnish with fresh cherries for a vibrant pop of color.

Keyword almond, bars, cherry, crumble, dessert