Almond Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Almond Cherry Pie Bars combine a buttery, crumbly crust with sweet cherry pie filling and a crunchy almond topping. They’re easy to make and perfect for sharing at any gathering or enjoying as a delightful homemade treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cold
• ½ cup (110g) granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 ¼ cups (255g) flour
• ½ cup sliced almonds
• 1 20-ounce can cherry pie filling (or homemade)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch pan with foil or parchment paper and spray it with nonstick cooking spray for easy removal.
2. Step 2: Place the cold butter, granulated sugar, salt, and flour into a food processor. Pulse the mixture until it starts to come together. Alternatively, use a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment to combine in a large bowl.
3. Step 3: Press two-thirds of this dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating the base crust.
4. Step 4: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the dough layer.
5. Step 5: Mix the sliced almonds into the remaining dough using your fingers until it becomes crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cherry filling.
6. Step 6: Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the bars are cooked through and the top is lightly golden.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, toast the sliced almonds lightly before mixing them into the crumb topping.
• Try substituting cherry pie filling with blueberry or mixed berry for a different fruit variation.
• Use homemade cherry pie filling for a fresher taste and control over sweetness.
• Make sure the butter is cold to achieve a tender, flaky crust.

Storage

Store the pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week. To reheat, warm them gently in a microwave or oven for a few minutes to restore their fresh-baked texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.

Can I freeze Almond Cherry Pie Bars?

Absolutely. Wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Almond Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 77 reviews

These Almond Cherry Pie Bars combine a buttery, crumbly crust with a sweet and tangy cherry pie filling, topped with crunchy sliced almonds for a delightful texture contrast. Perfect for dessert or a special treat, these bars are easy to prepare and bake in a single pan, making them a convenient and delicious option for cherry lovers.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust and Topping

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cold
• ½ cup (110g) granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 ¼ cups (255g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sliced almonds

Filling

• 1 20-ounce can cherry pie filling (or homemade equivalent)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
2. Make the Dough: Combine the cold butter, granulated sugar, salt, and flour in a food processor. Pulse the mixture until it just comes together into a dough. Alternatively, you can mix these ingredients in a large bowl using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until crumbly and combined.
3. Press the Crust: Take about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust layer. Use your hands or the bottom of a glass to smooth it out evenly.
4. Add Cherry Filling: Spread the entire can of cherry pie filling evenly over the pressed crust layer, ensuring a consistent fruit layer.
5. Prepare Topping: Mix the sliced almonds into the remaining one-third of dough using your fingers, breaking it up until crumbly.
6. Top and Bake: Sprinkle the almond-dough mixture evenly over the cherry filling layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the bars are cooked through and the topping turns a light golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the foil or parchment edges. Cut into squares and serve as a delicious dessert or snack.

Notes

• Using cold butter helps achieve a crumbly, tender crust texture.
• For a homemade cherry filling, you can cook fresh or frozen cherries with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch until thickened.
• Ensure the bars cool fully before cutting to prevent the filling from spilling.
• These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
• For a nut-free version, omit the sliced almonds and sprinkle extra crumb topping instead.

Keywords: almond cherry pie bars, cherry dessert bars, easy cherry bars, bake at home cherry bars, almond crumble bars