Description

These Cherry Almond Crumb Bars feature a buttery, crumbly crust and topping with a sweet-tart cherry jam filling. They are easy to make, require no fancy equipment, and are perfect for gifting or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
½ cup (50g) slivered almonds, toasted
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (300g) cherry jam or preserves
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and grease lightly.
Toast slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden and nutty. Let cool completely.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and toasted almonds. Add cold cubed butter and work it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter, fork, or fingers until the texture resembles wet sand with pea-sized chunks.
Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
In a small bowl, mix cherry jam, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Microwave for 15 seconds if the jam is too thick to spread easily, then stir until smooth.
Pour the jam mixture over the crust and spread evenly, leaving a small border around the edges.
Crumble the remaining one-third of the crumb mixture evenly over the top of the jam.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and edges are bubbling. Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before lifting out and cutting into squares.

Notes

Cold butter is essential for a crumbly texture. Toasting the almonds enhances flavor. Ensure bars are completely cool before cutting to prevent crumbling. Can be stored at room temperature for 3 days, in the fridge for 1 week, or frozen for 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 180
Sugar: 14
Sodium: 90
Fat: 10
Saturated Fat: 6
Carbohydrates: 22
Fiber: 1
Protein: 2

Keywords: cherry almond bars, crumb bars, dessert bars, cherry jam dessert, easy baking, make-ahead dessert, gluten-free option