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Almond Cherry Bars

Course Breakfast, Dessert
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings 9 bars

Ingredients

For the Bars

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour about 9 oz
  • 1/2 cup almond flour about 1.7 oz
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar about 5.3 oz
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon or lime
  • 12 tbsp unsalted butter at room temperature (6 oz)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract
  • 3 cups pitted cherries
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

For the Glaze

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar sifted (about 2.7 oz)
  • 1 tbsp almond milk or regular milk
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract

Instructions

Make the Bars

  • Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, almond flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder, kosher salt, and lemon zest.
  • Incorporate Butter: Add the room-temperature butter and mix until fully combined with the dry ingredients. You can use a spatula or your hands until no butter chunks remain.
  • Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, almond extract, and lemon juice. Stir until a soft, sticky dough forms, similar to cookie dough.
  • Prep Cherries: In a separate bowl, mix the pitted cherries with 3 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Set aside.
  • Prepare Pan: Line a 9x9-inch or 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  • Layer Dough: Spread half the dough evenly in the bottom of the pan.
  • Add Cherries: Pour the cherry mixture over the dough, spreading it evenly.
  • Top with Dough: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cherries, then use your hands to spread it out and flatten. If the dough is sticky, lightly flour your hands.
  • Bake: Bake for about 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown. It might take up to an hour depending on your pan and oven.
  • Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.

Make the Glaze

  • Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine sifted powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract.
  • Adjust Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add more milk a little at a time. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar.
  • Drizzle: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars. Optionally, sprinkle with sliced almonds.

Storage and Serving

  • Storage: Keep the bars in the fridge, covered, for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving to soften up.

Notes

  • Flour Options: You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a different texture.
  • Baking Time: Baking time can vary. If using a smaller pan, the bars will be thicker and may need up to 1 hour to bake.
  • Fruit Substitutes: You can use blueberries instead of cherries for a different flavor twist.