Cherry Almond Crumble Bars

Cherry almond crumb bars are an easy and delicious summer treat that will quickly become a family favorite. 

Cherry Almond Crumble Bars

If you’re looking for a summer sweet treat that isn’t a cookie or brownie, cherry almond crumble bars should be on your baking list. These bars have the perfect mix of tart cherry filling and a buttery almond crumb plus they are super easy to make.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• The cherry and almond flavor combination. There’s something special about pairing juicy, tart cherries with sweet, nutty, almonds.
• Simple pantry ingredients, you don’t need dozens of ingredients to make these cherry bars.
• Cherry bars are perfect for bbq’s, potluck dinners, desserts or with a simple cup of tea or coffee.

Want more cherry desserts? Try Roasted Cherry Streusel Bars, Cherry Almond Coffee Cake, Cherry Slab Pie,

The Main Ingredients

• Cherries are the star of these bars, you can use fresh or frozen. If fresh cherries are not in season, frozen works fine. Make sure to thaw the cherries first and drain any extra juice before using them in this recipe.
• Almond adds a lovely nutty flavor to the bars. If you want, walnuts or pecans could work too, but almonds are the classic combination.
• Good butter is key for the rich, crumbly texture in the crust and topping.
• All-purpose flour is the base that holds everything together in the crust and topping.
• For more almond flavor you could substitute a little of the white flour with almond flour. The texture may change.

What You Need to Make Cherry Almond Crumble Bars

• 1 stick plus 5 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 3 cups cherries pitted
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

How to Make Cherry Almond Crumble Bars

• Line an 8 inch square pan with parchment paper, either butter the pan or spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment cream the sugar and the butter until light and fluffy. Be sure to scrape down the bowl and the sides.
• Add the salt and then slowly add the flour beat until the dough forms clumps. You can also mix this by hand or in a food processor.
• Put 2 1/2  cups of the mixture into the pan and pat into the bottom of the prepared pan and 1 inch up the sides. Set aside and mix the filling.
• In a separate  bowl mix together the pitted cherries, sugar, lemon juice, flour and salt.
• Pour the mixture over the crust, then top with the remaining dough by squeezing together to make clumps. Scatter these around the cherries then sprinkle with the almond slices. Bake for 60-65 minutes. If the bars are browning too fast tent with foil. Remove from oven when golden brown and bubbly.
• Let bars cool 20 minutes in the pan on a wire rack, then remove from pan and leave to cool completely.

Notes

• Drain the cherries well if you’re using frozen cherries. Too much liquid can make the bars soggy.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting, they will firm up and you will have clean slices instead of messy bars.

Recipe Variations

• Use raspberries, blueberries, or a mix for a different bar that’s equally tasty.
• Mix some white or dark chocolate chips into the crumble topping or sprinkle on top before baking for extra sweetness.
  Stir in a little  lemon or orange zest into the cherry filling or crumble.
• Mix some rolled oats into the crumble topping for a nutty taste and texture.
•  A simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled bars adds a little extra shine and sweetness.
• Or before baking, sprinkle some coarse sugar on the crumble topping for a slightly crunchy an sparkly finished look.

What To Serve With Cherry Almond Crumble Bars

• Coffee or tea are perfect with these nutty bars and make a delicious sweet breakfast or afternoon break. Call it a coffee break, self-care or fika.
• Vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream takes these bars from snacks to desserts! Serve it for the 4th of July or other summer gatherings.

How to Store Leftover Cherry Bars

• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. ​
• Wrap the cherry bars in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container, freezer bag or rap in tin foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the bars in the refridgerator overnight and let come to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use cherry jam instead of fresh cherries?

Yes, you can use cherry jam or preserves as the filling if you don’t have fresh or frozen cherries.

Can I make the crumble topping nut-free?

Absolutely. Replace almonds with extra oats or seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch without the nuts.

Can I double the recipe?

You can double it, just use two baking dishes or a larger pan and adjust the baking time as needed, checking for doneness along the way.

Until Next Time

These cherry almond crumble bars really hit the spot when you want something that is fresh, easy and delicious. Or you need a dessert in a pinch for a barbecue or dinner. They are great when the cherries are fresh in the summer but can also be made in the depths of winter using frozen cherries or jam. Grab your apron and let’s make some crumble bars.

Have a great day friends and happy baking. Thank you for spending part of your day with me.

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Cherry Almond Crumble Bars

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Cherry almond crumb bars are an easy and delicious summer treat that will quickly become a family favorite. 

• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: 12 bars 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 stick plus 5 tablespoons butter, softened

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1/4 cup sliced almonds

3 cups cherries pitted

1/2 cup sugar

2 tablespoons flour

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Line an 8 inch square pan with parchment paper, either butter the pan or spray with cooking spray. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment cream the sugar and the butter until light and fluffy. Be sure to scrape down the bowl and the sides.

Add the salt and then slowly add the flour beat until the dough forms clumps. You can also mix this by hand or in a food processor.

Put 2 1/2  cups of the mixture into the pan and pat into the bottom of the prepared pan and 1 inch up the sides. Set aside and mix the filling.

In a separate  bowl mix together the pitted cherries, sugar, lemon juice, flour and salt.

Pour the mixture over the crust, then top with the remaining dough by squeezing together to make clumps. Scatter these around the cherries then sprinkle with the almond slices. Bake for 60-65 minutes. If the bars are browning too fast tent with foil. Remove from oven when golden brown and bubbly.

Let bars cool 20 minutes in the pan on a wire rack, then remove from pan and leave to cool completely.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart

• Author: Elizabeth
• Prep Time: 10 minites
• Cook Time: 60-65 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American