These Easy Almond Cherry Streusel Bars are a delightful treat! With a buttery almond base and tangy cherry filling, they’re perfect for any snack or dessert time.
Honestly, the crumbly streusel topping is my favorite part. It’s like a sweet hug for the cherries! Just bake, slice, and enjoy—so simple and satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is the best choice for baking, as it allows you to control the salt level in your dessert. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
Cherry Filling: Fresh cherries work wonderfully, but frozen cherries are a great alternative. Just thaw them first and drain excess liquid. Canned cherries can also be used—just make sure to drain well.
Sliced Almonds: These add a nice crunch and flavor. If you’re nut-free, you can leave them out or replace them with rolled oats for a similar texture. Sunflower seeds can also be a good nut-free option!
Granulated Sugar: This is key for sweetness, but if you want less sugar, use a sugar substitute like Stevia or coconut sugar. Sweetness can vary with different substitutes, so be sure to adjust according to taste.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Streusel Topping?
The streusel topping gives these bars their signature crunch! To make it perfect, keep a few tips in mind:
- Ensure your butter is cold and cubed before mixing it with the flour and sugar. This helps create that crumbly texture.
- Don’t over-mix the streusel; you want small clumps that will bake up crispy!
- Cover the cherry filling evenly with the streusel, but don’t pack it down. This lets the topping stay light and crunchy.
By following these tips, you’ll get a deliciously textured top that pairs perfectly with the cherry filling. Enjoy baking!
Easy Almond Cherry Streusel Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Streusel:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sliced almonds
For the Cherry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries (or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take around 15 minutes to prep and about 50 minutes to bake, with additional cooling time afterward. Overall, you’ll be enjoying these tasty bars in about 1.5 to 2 hours, including cooling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some extra hanging out over the edges. This helps make it easy to lift the bars out later!
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. Finally, fold in the sliced almonds.
3. Set Aside the Streusel:
Take about 1 1/2 cups of the dough and set it aside for the streusel topping. You’ll use the rest to form the crust.
4. Form the Crust:
Press the remaining dough firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan, covering the bottom completely to form the crust.
5. Cook the Cherry Filling:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, and water. Stir often until the mixture starts to bubble. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the lemon juice to form a slurry. Stir this into the cherry mixture. Cook for an additional few minutes until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
6. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust in the pan. Then, crumble the reserved streusel dough over the cherry layer, covering as much as possible.
7. Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. After it’s cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and enjoy!
These bars combine a buttery almond crust, a sweet-tart cherry filling, and a crumbly almond streusel topping for a deliciously textured dessert or snack. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Fruits for the Filling?
Absolutely! While cherries are delicious, you can substitute them with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even a mixed berry blend. Just adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose!
How Do I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2 months—just make sure to wrap them tightly!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the bars a day ahead. Bake them, let them cool completely, then cover them tightly and store them in the refrigerator. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Just be sure to check that the other ingredients like baking powder and oats are also gluten-free if needed!
