These Almond Cherry Streusel Bars are a tasty treat with a delicious mix of sweet cherries and crunchy almond topping. Perfect for dessert or a snack!
They’re so easy to make that you can whip them up any day of the week. Trust me, you’ll want to keep a stash for those late-night cravings! 🍒🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the main structure for the bars. If you’re gluten-free, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve experimented with it, and it works surprisingly well!
Almond Flour: It adds a lovely nuttiness to the bars. You can swap it with additional all-purpose flour, but I love the texture almond flour gives. If you have hazelnut flour, that can work too!
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the bars. You can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor or coconut sugar for a healthier option. Both will change the taste slightly, but in a delicious way!
Cherry Pie Filling: This is key for flavor. If you can’t find it, fresh or frozen cherries mixed with a bit of sugar and cornstarch can be a great fresh alternative!
Sliced Almonds: These add crunch and beauty. If you don’t have them, chopped walnuts or pecans can work nicely too—just use your favorite nut!
Almond Extract: It gives a wonderful almond flavor kick. If almond extract isn’t available, vanilla extract can replace it. I tend to use both for extra depth!
How Do I Make the Perfect Crust for My Streusel Bars?
Creating the crust is a simple yet important part of this recipe. A crumbly, well-mixed crust provides the right base for your delicious cherry filling.
- First, combine your flours, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Melt the butter, then mix it with the egg and vanilla. Be sure it’s not too hot to avoid cooking the egg!
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and stir gently until they just come together. Over-mixing can lead to a tough crust.
- Press two-thirds of this mixture firmly into the baking pan to form a solid base; use your fingers or a spatula for evenness.
How to Make Almond Cherry Streusel Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup almond flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. Overall, you will need around 1 hour to make these tasty Almond Cherry Streusel Bars, including cooling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease an 8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This will help you easily lift the bars out later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, half of the granulated sugar (¾ cup, so use ½ cup here), baking powder, and salt. Give it a good whisk to mix everything together evenly.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir it well to ensure everything is blended nicely.
4. Combine Both Mixtures:
Pour the butter mixture into your flour mixture. Now, stir it until just combined. Don’t worry if it looks crumbly; that’s how it should be!
5. Create the Base:
Next, take about two-thirds of your mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This will be your delicious base.
6. Add the Cherry Filling:
Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust you just made. Make sure to cover it well so every bite has some cherry goodness!
7. Crumble and Top:
Now crumble the remaining one-third of the crust mixture over the cherry filling. Then, sprinkle those sliced almonds all over the top. They’ll add a nice crunch!
8. Optional Almond Flavor:
If you’d like a little extra almond flavor, drizzle the optional almond extract over the almond topping. It’s a small touch that can make a big difference!
9. Bake to Perfection:
Pop your pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll want to take them out when the topping is golden brown and looks delicious.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes. If you used parchment paper, gently lift the bars out using the paper and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares or bars and dust with powdered sugar if you wish.
11. Enjoy!
Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Almond Cherry Streusel Bars! Perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself). Happy baking!
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Cherry Pie Filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh cherries, you can use about 2 cups of pitted and sliced cherries. Just combine them with a bit of sugar and a tablespoon of cornstarch to help thicken the filling as it bakes, then spread the mixture over the crust as you would with pie filling.
What If I Don’t Have Almond Flour?
No problem! You can substitute almond flour with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, though this will change the flavor slightly. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, consider using coconut flour or oat flour, adjusting the amount as needed since they have different absorbency compared to almond flour.
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The almond cherry streusel bars can be made a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving!
How to Store Leftover Bars?
To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to prolong shelf life, consider refrigerating them, which can keep them good for up to a week. Be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
