Almond Cherry Crumble Bars are delicious, fun-to-make snacks with a buttery cookie crust on the bottom and a sweet cherry layer in the middle. The top is sprinkled with more cookie crumble and crunchy sliced almonds. Each bar is packed with fruity flavor, soft cookie texture, and just the right amount of nutty crunch. They’re great for sharing with friends, serving at parties, or enjoying as a special treat at home.
When baked, the bars turn golden and smell amazing! You can slice them into squares and add a light dusting of powdered sugar to make them look even fancier. They taste great warm or cold, and they stay yummy for a few days if stored right.
Sweet Cherries, Sweeter Memories: A Summer Tribute to My Jeanelle
June and July are cherry season, and that makes this recipe feel extra meaningful. It reminds me of my beautiful Jeanelle, who adored all kinds of fruits especially cherries. Whenever we saw fresh ones at the store, she’d light up with joy. We’d grab a bag, and before we even got home, we’d start snacking on them, giggling and making happy memories along the way. She had a way of turning simple moments into something magical, her laughter trailing behind like sunshine on a summer walk. Almond Cherry Crumble Bars are more than just a dessert they’re a tribute to my precious 8 year old daughter bright spirit and her love for sweet, fruity flavors.
I wish I could send one of these bars up to heaven, just for her. I know she’d smile at the crunch of the almonds and the cozy cherry filling, maybe teasing me about sneaking an extra cherry into the mix. If she were here, I’m sure she’d giggle at the sight of them cooling on the counter, impatient to taste one. These bars hold the warmth of those simple joys the sound of her laugh, the feel of her hand in mine, and the sweetness of the memories we made together. This recipe is lovingly dedicated to my sweet Jeanelle. In every bite, there’s a piece of the joy we shared and the love that will always live on.
Why Cherries and Almonds Taste Great Together
Cherries and almonds make a tasty team because their flavors balance each other perfectly. Cherries are juicy and a little tangy, while almonds are nutty and mild. When you put them together in baked goods like crumble bars, you get a mix of sweet, tart, and crunchy that makes each bite exciting.
Fun fact: cherries and almonds actually come from the same plant family! That might be why they go so well in recipes. Whether it’s a fancy dessert or a homemade treat like these bars, this combo adds something special that’s hard to beat.
How to Store and Serve the Bars
After baking, let the bars cool all the way before slicing. Store them in a container with a lid to keep them fresh for two to three days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. You can even freeze them for longer, and just warm one up when you’re ready for a snack.
These bars taste great cold, but serving them slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream makes them feel extra fancy. They’re perfect for summer get-togethers or a quiet treat after dinner.
Easy Ways to Make the Bars Look Amazing
Almond Cherry Crumble Bars already look delicious, but with a little styling, they’ll shine even more. Dust some powdered sugar on top for a pretty, snow-like finish. Slice them neatly and use a nice plate or wooden board to serve them this helps the colors and textures stand out.
If you’re taking photos, try setting the bars next to fresh cherries or placing them on a colorful napkin. Soft lighting (like near a window) brings out the golden crumble and red cherry filling. It’s fun to get creative and make your treats look just as good as they taste!
Great Drinks to Enjoy with Almond Cherry Crumble Bars
Cherry Lemonade Tart and refreshing, cherry lemonade is a sunny-day favorite. It balances the sweetness of the bars and brings out the fruity filling beautifully. If Jeanelle were here, I know she’d pick this without hesitation anything lemony made her smile, and she’d sip it while reaching for seconds of these cozy bars.
Vanilla or Almond Milk Creamy and mild, these drinks pair wonderfully with the buttery cookie base and nutty almond topping. They offer a smooth contrast to the bright cherry flavor and add a comforting, homemade feel to snack time.
Cherry-Banana Smoothie Blend cherries, bananas, and yogurt for a cool, fruity drink that mirrors the bars’ jammy filling. It’s fun, flavorful, and would’ve surely made Jeanelle giggle while she took big sips between bites.
Sparkling Lemon Water If there’s one thing Jeanelle loved, it was lemon anything. A fizzy lemon water with fresh cherry slices is refreshing, simple, and perfect alongside a sweet treat. I imagine her enjoying both with delight, saying, “This is my kind of snack!”
Iced Herbal Tea (Cherry or Hibiscus) Light and fruity teas like hibiscus or cherry create a peaceful pairing. Their floral flavors echo the cherries in the bars, and served over ice, they’re perfect for warm afternoons filled with sweet memories.
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12
servings20
minutes20 – 25
minutes45
minutesAlmond Cherry Crumble Bars are yummy treats with sweet cherry filling and a buttery crust. They’re topped with a crunchy layer of sliced almonds and crumble. Each bite mixes fruit, nuts, and soft cookie. Great for sharing with friends or enjoying as a special snack anytime!
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Ingredients:
- For the Cherry Filling:
2 cups 2 Fresh cherries, pitted and halved
1 tablespoon 1 Cornstarch
1 tablespoon 1 Lemon juice
- For the Crumble Base & Topping:
1/2 cup 1/2 Unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1/2 cup 1/2 Granulated sugar
1 teaspoon 1 Vanilla extract
cups All-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 Baking powder
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 Salt
Reserved crumble mixture (from above)
1 teaspoon 1 Granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
1/4 cup 1/4 Sliced almonds
Powdered sugar, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal. Lightly butter the bottom and sides to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cherry Filling In a medium bowl, combine the pitted and halved cherries with cornstarch and lemon juice. Gently toss until the cherries are well coated. Set aside for a few minutes to allow the juices to release and thicken slightly.
- Prepare the Crumble Base and Topping In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted (and cooled) butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Using a fork or your hands, mix until the dough becomes crumbly but holds together when pressed.
- Assemble the Bars Reserve ¾ cup of the crumble mixture for the topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust. Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the cherries, then top with sliced almonds. Finally, lightly sprinkle 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar over the surface for added crunch and sweetness.
- Bake Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 23 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the almonds are lightly toasted.
- Cool and Slice Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment overhang and slice into squares or rectangles.
- Garnish and Serve Just before serving, dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Notes:
- Cutting Tips: For cleaner slices, cut the bars while they’re still warm not piping hot, but soon after baking when the crust is soft and easy to work with. This helps prevent crumbling and gives smoother edges. If you’d rather have sharp, precise cuts, allow the bars to cool completely and use a sharp knife dipped in warm water between slices. Both methods work well just choose the finish that suits your style!
- Use ripe cherries for the best flavor: Fresh, in-season cherries will give the filling a naturally rich, sweet-tart taste. If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain well before mixing to avoid soggy bars.
- Watch the bake time closely The bars should be golden around the edges and lightly toasted on top. Since ovens vary, check around the 22-minute mark overbaking can dry out the fruit.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 285kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 11g
- Protein: 3g
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 1mg
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Final Thoughts
Almond Cherry Crumble Bars aren’t just a delicious summer treat they’re a heartfelt tribute to love, laughter, and the simple joys that stay with us long after the moment has passed. Whether you’re baking for someone special or simply treating yourself, may this dessert remind you of the people who make life beautiful. Here’s to celebrating the season, the stories, and the ones we hold close in our hearts forever and always.
Give it a try and let me know how you like it! I’d love to hear your thoughts and any variations you come up with. Happy cooking!
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