Almond Cherry Streusel Bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
With a buttery almond crust, a juicy cherry filling, and a crumbly streusel topping, these bars offer layers of texture and flavor in every bite.
Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a snack, they are sure to impress.
The combination of fresh or frozen cherries with almond paste gives a delightful richness that complements the sweet-tart filling.
Almond Cherry Streusel Bars
Indulge in these buttery Almond Cherry Streusel Bars with a sweet, tart cherry filling and an irresistible almond crumble!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ½ cup almond paste (about 3 oz)
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds
- ¼ cup water
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (increase to 3 tablespoons if using frozen cherries)
- 4 cups pitted sweet cherries (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons milk
- ⅛ teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust and Topping
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with foil, leaving an overhang on two sides to make lifting the bars easier. Lightly grease the foil and set the pan aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter, almond paste, and almond extract. Mix on medium-low speed until the mixture forms small pebbles, and the texture is similar to wet sand. Remove 1 heaping cup of the mixture and set it aside for the topping.
Press the remaining dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
2. Prepare the Cherry Filling
While the crust is baking, prepare the cherry filling. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the water, lemon juice, and cornstarch until smooth. Add the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, butter, and a pinch of salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently until it comes to a simmer and thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat.
3. Assemble and Bake
Spread the cherry filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. To the reserved crust mixture, stir in the sliced almonds, then sprinkle this almond topping evenly over the cherry filling. Pinch small portions of the topping together to form clusters for added texture.
Bake the bars for 25-30 minutes, or until the cherry filling is bubbly and the almond streusel topping is golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack.
4. Add the Icing
While the bars cool, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. If the icing is too thick, add a little more milk; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
Drizzle the icing over the cooled bars. You can transfer the icing to a small zip-top bag, snip off the corner, and pipe it for an even drizzle effect. Chill the bars in the refrigerator for easier slicing.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries. If you do, increase the cornstarch to 3 tablespoons to help thicken the filling since frozen cherries release more liquid during baking.
2. What can I substitute for almond paste?
If you don’t have almond paste, you can make a homemade version by blending together equal parts almond flour and powdered sugar, then mixing it with a little butter and almond extract until a paste forms.
3. How do I store Almond Cherry Streusel Bars?
Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last up to 5 days chilled, and taste great when served slightly cool or at room temperature.
4. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze Almond Cherry Streusel Bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
5. Can I use a different fruit?
Yes, these bars are versatile, and you can substitute cherries with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches. Just be mindful of the moisture content, as you may need to adjust the cornstarch to ensure the filling thickens properly.
