The Easiest Cherry Almond Delight Bars Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Sweet cherry almond delight bars bring an irresistible combination of fruity and nutty flavors that dance across your palate.

Soft, buttery textures meld with rich, golden layers of pure comfort.

Every bite promises a delightful balance between tart cherries and smooth, roasted almonds.

Imagine a dessert that feels like a warm embrace from your favorite bakery.

These bars offer a perfect mix of crunch and tenderness that make them impossible to resist.

Homemade treats like these connect us to cherished memories and simple pleasures.

You will absolutely love how easily these bars come together in your kitchen.

Explore this delectable recipe and create a moment of pure culinary joy.

Cherry Almond Bars Summary

• These cherry almond bars deliver a perfect balance of sweet and tart cherry flavors that dance on your taste buds, creating an irresistible fruity experience.
• Enjoy a delightful contrast between the soft, tender cake-like base and the smooth cherry filling, topped with a silky glaze that adds a luxurious finishing touch.
• This recipe is a breeze to make, requiring just simple mixing and minimal prep time, making it ideal for busy home bakers who want to create something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Whether you're hosting a family gathering, preparing a potluck dessert, or craving a sweet afternoon snack, these cherry almond bars are perfect for any moment that calls for a delicious treat.

Ingredients for Cherry Almond Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the bars, whole wheat flour can be a hearty alternative.
• Sugar: Sweetens the bars and helps create a tender crumb, white granulated sugar works best.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a smooth, tender base, use unsalted for better control of saltiness.

• Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Brings depth and aromatic notes to the dessert, pure extracts recommend for best flavor.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds moisture, room temperature eggs mix more evenly.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Provides fruity sweetness and vibrant color, look for high-quality, thick filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze, sifted sugar prevents lumps.
• Milk: Helps thin and smooth the glaze, whole milk adds richness.

• Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and become light, fresh baking powder ensures good lift.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor, fine table salt recommended.

Instructions for Cherry Almond Bars

Step 1: Prepping the Baking Space

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch jelly roll pan with cooking spray or butter. Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugar

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar

Whip until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Incorporating Wet Ingredients

• Eggs (one at a time)
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract

Beat thoroughly after each addition until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Mixing Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Creating the Base Batter

Slowly fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be smooth and uniform.

Step 6: Layering the Bars

Separate the batter, reserving 1 1/2 cups. Spread the remaining batter evenly across the prepared pan. Carefully spread cherry pie filling over the base layer. Dollop the reserved batter on top, creating a marbled effect.

Step 7: Baking the Bars

Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and slightly firm to the touch.

Step 8: Cooling and Glazing

• Powdered sugar
• Milk

Stir until smooth and drizzle over the cooled bars.

Step 9: Serving

Cut into squares and serve. These bars are delicious at room temperature or slightly chilled. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Helpful Tips for Cherry Almond Bars

• Butter Softening Secret: Take butter out of the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before baking to ensure perfect creaming texture.
• Extract Balance Technique: Measure almond and vanilla extracts precisely to achieve a harmonious flavor without overpowering the cherries.
• Cherry Distribution Trick: Spread cherry pie filling evenly using the back of a spoon to create consistent layers and prevent clumping.
• Glaze Consistency Hack: Add milk to powdered sugar gradually, stopping when the glaze reaches a smooth, drizzle-friendly thickness that flows perfectly over the bars.
• Cooling Wisdom: Let bars cool completely before cutting to maintain clean, sharp edges and prevent crumbling.

Storing and Reheating Almond Bars

• Refrigerate: Store Cherry Almond Delight Bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent spoiling.
• Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for a delightful treat later.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, delicious texture before serving.

Cherry Almond Bar Pairings

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The rich, buttery bars find perfect harmony with a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
• Complement with Almond-Infused Coffee: A warm, nutty almond latte beautifully enhances the almond extract notes in the bars, creating a sophisticated taste experience.
• Match with Sparkling White Wine: A crisp prosecco or champagne cuts through the sweetness of the cherry and provides a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
• Serve alongside Whipped Mascarpone: A light, creamy mascarpone dollop adds an elegant touch that complements the fruity and nutty undertones of the dessert bars.

Variations of Cherry Almond Bars

• Tropical Cherry Fusion: Swap cherry pie filling with pineapple or mango preserves for a vibrant, sunny flavor profile that transports your taste buds to a beachy paradise.
• Chocolate Cherry Bliss: Fold in dark chocolate chips into the batter and drizzle melted chocolate over the glaze for an indulgent, rich dessert experience that chocolate lovers will adore.
• Nutty Berry Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between layers and on top for added texture and a nutty depth that complements the sweet cherry base.
• Spiced Cherry Sensation: Incorporate ground cinnamon and a pinch of cardamom into the batter to create warm, aromatic undertones that elevate the classic cherry almond combination.

Cherry Almond Bar FAQs

• How long can I store these Cherry Almond Delight Bars?

The bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerated for up to a week. Make sure to cover them well to maintain freshness.

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

It’s best to stick with pie filling for this recipe, as fresh cherries might release too much liquid and affect the bar’s texture. The pie filling provides the right consistency and sweetness.

• Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure you use a 1:1 replacement to maintain the recipe’s original texture.

• Can I freeze these Cherry Almond Delight Bars?

Absolutely! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Cherry Almond Delight Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet memories bloom with cherry almond delight bars, a nostalgic dessert blending tart cherries and nutty almonds into a delectable treat. Crumbly pastry and rich layers promise pure comfort that will transport home bakers to moments of pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226 grams) butter, soft
• 1 ¾ cups (350 grams) sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 ½ cups (313 grams) flour
• 1 ½ cups (425 grams) cherry pie filling

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Glaze:

• ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly coat a jelly roll pan with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal of the bars.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth foundation for the dessert.
3. Incorporate eggs one at a time, gently blending after each addition, then fold in the vanilla and almond extracts to infuse rich, aromatic flavors.
4. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, breaking up any potential lumps and ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until a uniform batter forms without overmixing.
6. Set aside 1 1/2 cups of batter, then carefully spread the remaining batter across the prepared pan, creating an even base layer.
7. Gently spread the cherry pie filling over the base layer, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
8. Delicately drop spoonfuls of the reserved batter across the cherry layer, creating a marbled, rustic appearance.
9. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
10. Allow the bars to cool for 15 minutes, which helps them set and makes cutting easier.
11. Whisk powdered sugar and milk together to create a silky, smooth glaze, then artfully drizzle over the cooled bars.

Notes

• Versatile Dessert Delight: A sweet treat that combines the classic flavors of cherries and almonds in a delectable bar format, perfect for gatherings or personal indulgence.
• Precise Baking Technique: Ensure even baking by spreading the batter carefully and maintaining consistent oven temperature for a golden, moist texture.
• Strategic Layer Building: The reserved batter creates a marbled effect when dolloped over cherry filling, adding visual appeal and interesting texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: These bars can be prepared in advance and stored at room temperature, making them ideal for meal prep or unexpected guests.
• Customization Potential: Experiment with different extracts or fruit fillings to create your unique twist on this classic dessert bar.
• Serving Suggestions: Best enjoyed slightly warm with a drizzle of glaze, paired with coffee or as a delightful afternoon snack.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg