Cherry Almond Crumble Bars

$You can use either fresh or frozen cherries for this recipe. I find fresh cherries add a nice bite. If you choose frozen, thaw them first. Remove the pits and cut them in half. You'll need about 2 cups of cherries. For sweetness, you can use honey or maple syrup. Just one tablespoon is enough to enhance the cherries' natural taste. Add one tablespoon of lemon juice for some zing. Don't forget to include one teaspoon of almond extract. This gives your bars a lovely almond flavor. The dry mix is simple and essential. Start with 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of rolled oats. These provide the base for your bars. Next, add ½ cup of brown sugar for sweetness. Include ½ teaspoon of baking powder to help them rise. Finally, add ½ teaspoon of salt to balance all the flavors. Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter and mix it in. Top it off with ½ cup of sliced almonds for crunch. First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect heat for baking. Next, grab an 8x8 inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This will help you lift the bars out later. In a small bowl, take your cherries. You can use fresh or frozen. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Then, mix in 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. Toss the cherries well. Set this bowl aside. The juices will mix and add flavor. In a large bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients well. Then, pour in the melted butter and almond extract. Stir until you get a crumbly mix. Now, take half of this mixture. Press it into the bottom of your baking dish. This creates a nice base. Next, spread the cherry mixture evenly over this crust. Make sure to distribute the cherries well. Finally, take the rest of the crumble mixture. Sprinkle it over the cherries. Add the sliced almonds on top. Bake your bars in the oven for about 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and bubbly cherries. Once baked, take the dish out of the oven. Let it cool for 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift it out. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. If you want, dust it with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cherry Almond Crumble Bars! When picking cherries, aim for fresh, ripe ones. Look for bright color and firmness. If you use frozen cherries, thaw and drain them first. This keeps the bars from getting too soggy. Sweet cherries work best for these bars. Sour cherries can add a nice tang if you enjoy a bit of tartness. For a great crumble, mix the dry ingredients well. Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. When you add melted butter, stir until crumbs form. Don't overmix; you want some texture. The perfect crumble is buttery and holds together. Press half into the pan firmly for a strong base. These bars are great warm or cold. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a special touch. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert treat. They also pair well with coffee or tea. Pack them for lunch or a picnic. Enjoy sharing them with friends and family! {{image_2}} You can swap cherries for other fruits. Try blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Each fruit brings a unique taste. Blueberries add a sweet burst. Raspberries offer a tart kick. Peaches give a juicy, summer vibe. Just keep the same amount. Adjust sweetness based on the fruit. Need a gluten-free version? Use almond flour or oat flour instead of regular flour. Both options work well in this recipe. Rolled oats are naturally gluten-free, but check the label. This change keeps the bars soft and tasty. You won’t miss the gluten! Want to spice things up? Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumble mix. Just a pinch can enhance the flavor. Consider adding vanilla extract for more depth. Each spice brings warmth and comfort to your bars. Mix and match to find your favorite combo! To keep your cherry almond crumble bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. They can stay at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. When you're ready to enjoy your bars again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This helps restore their lovely, warm texture. You can also use a microwave. Heat for 15-20 seconds, but watch closely to avoid overheating. To freeze, cut the bars into squares first. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Enjoy a taste of summer anytime! Yes, you can use frozen cherries. They are great when fresh ones are not in season. Just thaw and drain them before mixing. This helps keep the bars from being too watery. The flavor stays rich and sweet, just like fresh cherries. Look for a golden-brown top. The edges should be firm and the center slightly jiggly. The cherries will bubble up, showing they are cooked. Bake for about 30-35 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Let them cool before slicing to get neat bars. You can use walnuts or pecans instead. If you want a nut-free option, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. These options add crunch without the nut flavor. You can also skip the nuts altogether if you prefer a simpler taste. We explored how to make amazing cherry almond crumble bars. We discussed ingredients, like fresh or frozen cherries and the best sweeteners. I provided clear steps for prepping, mixing, and baking. You now have tips for picking cherries and perfecting the crumble's texture. We even explored fun variations and smart storage methods. These bars are tasty and easy to customize. Enjoy them warm or cold. Keep experimenting until you find your favorite twist!$

Indulge in the perfect blend of flavors with these Cherry Almond Crumble Bars! Made with fresh or frozen cherries and crunchy almonds, this easy recipe is ideal for a sweet treat anytime. In just 50 minutes, you can create a dessert that's not only delicious but also visually appealing. Don't wait to satisfy your cravings! Click through for the full recipe and discover how to make these delightful bars at home.

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Ingredients

2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup rolled oats

½ cup brown sugar

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

½ cup sliced almonds

1 teaspoon almond extract

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

In a small bowl, combine the cherries, lemon juice, and honey (or maple syrup). Toss to coat and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.

Add the melted butter and almond extract to the dry ingredients, stirring until a crumbly mixture forms.

Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a base layer.

Evenly spread the cherry mixture over the crust, making sure to distribute the cherries well.

Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the cherries, followed by the sliced almonds on top.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cherries are bubbly.

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting it out using the parchment paper.

Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into bars. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 12 bars