Cherry Almond Bars Recipe

Flour: The base of the crust, providing structure and texture.

Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crust together.

Sugar: Sweetens the crust and balances the tartness of the cherry preserves.

Cherry preserves: The sweet and fruity layer that adds flavor and moisture.

Toasted sliced almonds: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the bars.

When combining the flour, butter, and sugar to create the crust, ensure that the butter is properly softened but not melted. This will help achieve a crumbly texture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend the ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique ensures that the crust will be tender and flaky.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and increases the fiber content.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: For those with gluten intolerance, a gluten-free blend works well.

• softened butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar texture and a subtle coconut flavor.

• softened butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used for a dairy-free option.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a bit of moisture.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a unique flavor and is a natural sweetener.

• cherry preserves - Substitute with strawberry preserves: Strawberry preserves provide a similar texture with a different fruit flavor.

• cherry preserves - Substitute with apricot preserves: Apricot preserves offer a slightly tangy and sweet alternative.

• toasted sliced almonds - Substitute with toasted pecans: Pecans provide a similar crunch and a rich, buttery flavor.

• toasted sliced almonds - Substitute with toasted walnuts: Walnuts add a different nutty flavor and texture.

• To store your cherry almond bars, first ensure they have completely cooled. Place them in an airtight container, layering parchment paper between each bar to prevent sticking.
• Keep the container at room temperature if you plan to consume the bars within 2-3 days. This will maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the bars. They can last up to a week in the fridge, but make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent them from drying out.
• If you wish to freeze the bars, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap. This helps to preserve their freshness and prevents freezer burn.
• After wrapping, place the bars in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag with the date to keep track of their storage time.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the bars at room temperature for about an hour or in the refrigerator overnight. This will ensure they return to their original, delectable state.
• For a quick treat, you can also warm the thawed bars in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will revive their crispiness and enhance the flavors of the cherry preserves and toasted almonds.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the cherry almond bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the bars loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want the almonds to regain some crunch.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a cherry almond bar on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
  4. Check the temperature and heat in additional 10-second intervals if needed.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the cherry almond bars on a small baking tray.
  3. Cover them with aluminum foil to maintain moisture.
  4. Heat for 8-10 minutes, removing the foil for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp up the almonds.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the cherry almond bars in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don’t overcook.
  4. If the almonds need more crunch, add an extra minute or two.

• Oven: Used to bake the cherry almond bars at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C)

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the flour, butter, and sugar until crumbly

• Baking pan: The container in which the crust mixture is pressed and the bars are baked

• Spatula: Useful for spreading the cherry preserves evenly over the crust

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, butter, sugar, and cherry preserves

• Measuring spoons: Useful for measuring smaller quantities, if needed

• Cooling rack: Allows the bars to cool evenly after baking

• Knife: Used to cut the cooled bars into individual servings

• Toaster or oven: Used to toast the sliced almonds before sprinkling them on top

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and toast the sliced almonds ahead of time to save prep time.

Use a food processor: Combine flour, butter, and sugar in a food processor for a quicker, more uniform crumbly mixture.

Line the baking pan: Use parchment paper to line the baking pan for easy removal and less cleanup.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven before you begin mixing ingredients to ensure it's ready when you are.