Cherry Almond Crumble Bars Flavorful and Simple Treat

Looking for a sweet treat that's both simple and delicious? These Cherry Almond Crumble Bars tick all the boxes! With a buttery crust, juicy cherries, and a crunchy almond topping, this recipe is easy to follow and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a new baker or an experienced chef, you’ll love how quick and rewarding these bars are to make. Let’s dive into the delightful details of this flavorful dessert!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

- ½ cup rolled oats

- ½ cup packed brown sugar

- ½ teaspoon baking powder

- ¼ teaspoon salt

- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved

- ½ cup almond flour

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional for added sweetness)

Substitutions for Key Ingredients

You can swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for more fiber. Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. If you don’t have almond flour, try using ground walnuts or sunflower seeds. For sweeteners, maple syrup works great in place of honey. You can also use agave nectar if you prefer a vegan option. Fresh cherries can be replaced with blueberries or raspberries for a twist.

Nutritional Information

Each serving (one square) has around 150 calories. It contains 6 grams of fat, 3 grams of protein, and 24 grams of carbs. The bars also provide 2 grams of fiber and 10% of your daily value of calcium. Cherries are rich in antioxidants, and almonds offer healthy fats. This treat can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Oven and Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures even baking. While the oven warms up, prepare your 8x8 inch baking dish. You can grease it with butter or line it with parchment paper. Lining makes it easy to lift out the bars later.

Creating the Crust and Mixing the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of rolled oats, ½ cup of packed brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they mix well. Next, pour in ½ cup of melted unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir this mixture with a spatula or wooden spoon. Aim for a coarse crumb texture. Set aside half of this crumb mixture for later.

To make the filling, take another bowl and mix 1 cup of halved cherries, ½ cup of almond flour, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. If you want extra sweetness, add 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. Gently toss the cherries to coat them evenly.

Assembling and Baking the Bars

Once your crust has cooled slightly, spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust. Make sure to distribute the cherries well. Now, sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture generously over the top. This forms a nice crumble topping.

Place the baking dish back in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden-brown topping and bubbling cherries. When done, remove the dish and let it cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. This cooling time helps the bars set, making slicing easier. Enjoy your Cherry Almond Crumble Bars!

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve the Perfect Crumble Texture

To get the right crumble texture, mix dry and wet ingredients well. Combine flour, oats, and sugar first. Then, slowly add melted butter and vanilla. Stir until you see coarse crumbs. Don't overmix; you want some lumps for a great texture.

Best Practices for Using Fresh vs. Frozen Cherries

When using fresh cherries, choose firm ones for the best flavor. Wash and pit them before slicing. If you use frozen cherries, let them thaw first. Drain any extra juice to avoid a soggy filling. Both options work well, so pick what you have on hand!

Presentation Tips for Serving

For a great look, serve your Cherry Almond Crumble Bars warm or at room temperature. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds charm. You can also top them with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This makes each bite a special treat!

Variations

Alternative Sugars and Sweeteners

You can change the sweetener in your Cherry Almond Crumble Bars. Instead of brown sugar, try coconut sugar. It adds a nice caramel flavor. You can also use agave syrup or stevia for a low-calorie option. Just remember, each sweetener has a different level of sweetness. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Honey or maple syrup can sweeten the filling, too. They both add a rich flavor to the cherries.

Adding Other Fruits to the Filling

While cherries shine in this recipe, you can mix in other fruits. Blueberries or raspberries blend well with cherries. They bring a tartness that contrasts nicely with the sweet crumble. You can even add diced peaches or apples for extra texture. If using frozen fruit, make sure to thaw it first. This will help avoid excess moisture in the filling.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Adaptations

To make these bars gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. There are many good options available. For a vegan version, replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use maple syrup instead of honey. Ensure your almond flour is also certified gluten-free. These swaps keep the flavors intact, while making the bars suitable for various diets.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover Cherry Almond Crumble Bars in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them. Chilling will help keep the bars fresh and tasty.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze these bars for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer bag. They will stay good for up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating Tips

To enjoy your bars warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the bars from the fridge or freezer. Place them on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes or until warm. You can also use the microwave. Heat each bar for about 15-20 seconds. Enjoy the taste of fresh crumble again!

FAQs

Can I make Cherry Almond Crumble Bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They store well in the fridge for up to five days. Just let them cool completely before wrapping them tightly. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Wrap them in plastic and place in an airtight container. They will last for about three months. When you are ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight.

What can I substitute for almond flour?

If you don’t have almond flour, you can use regular all-purpose flour instead. This will change the flavor slightly, but the bars will still taste great. Another option is to use oat flour, which you can make by blending rolled oats until fine. This will add a nice, nutty flavor, similar to almond flour.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

You can tell the bars are done when the topping is golden brown. Look for some bubbly cherries peeking out around the edges. The smell will also fill your kitchen with a sweet aroma. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with some crumbs clinging to it, but not wet batter. Allow the bars to cool before slicing to help them set properly.

This blog post shared key tips on making delicious Cherry Almond Crumble Bars. We covered the essentials, like ingredients, baking steps, and storage methods. I included helpful tips for the perfect crumble and tasty variations.

With this guide, you can create a treat that pleases everyone. Happy baking! Enjoy your cherry almond bars and feel proud of your work!