These cherry almond cookie bars are a delightful treat that combines buttery cookie dough, sweet cherry filling, and crunchy slivered almonds. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a simple family dessert, these bars are easy to make and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic flavor combo: Sweet cherries and fragrant almond extract create a timeless pairing.
- Simple to prepare: Quick assembly with pantry staples and cherry pie filling.
- Versatile dessert: Great for any occasion, from everyday snacking to festive gatherings.
- Crowd-pleaser: Yields a large batch, making it perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 15x10x1 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Wire rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15x10x1 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Wet Ingredients:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour and salt to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing for tender bars.
Assemble the Bars:
Spread 3 cups of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the batter, spreading it into an even layer. Drop the remaining batter by teaspoonfuls over the filling, leaving small gaps for the cherry layer to peek through. Sprinkle the top with slivered almonds.
Bake and Cool:
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the almonds or replace them with shredded coconut for a nut-free alternative.
- Chocolate-Cherry Delight: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled bars for a decadent touch.
- Berry Swap: Use blueberry or raspberry pie filling instead of cherry for a different flavor profile.
- Glazed Finish: Drizzle a simple almond glaze (powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract) over the cooled bars for added sweetness.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: These bars are perfect served with coffee or tea, or as a sweet ending to a meal.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Helpful Notes and Tips
- Even layers: Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly to ensure consistent baking.
- Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the cookie dough portions (not the cherry filling) to check if the bars are baked through.
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh or frozen cherries instead of pie filling?
Yes! Cook fresh or frozen cherries with sugar and cornstarch to make a homemade filling.
2. What if I don’t have a 15x10x1 inch pan?
Use a 9×13 inch pan, but adjust the baking time slightly as the bars may be thicker.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in two pans or use a larger sheet pan if your oven can accommodate it.
4. How do I prevent the batter from sticking to the spatula?
Lightly grease your spatula or use the back of a spoon dipped in water to smooth the batter.
5. Can I add a crumble topping?
Absolutely! Mix 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup butter, and 1/4 cup sugar to create a streusel topping to sprinkle over the bars before baking.
These cherry almond cookie bars are an irresistible dessert that’s simple to make yet sophisticated enough to impress. Enjoy their rich flavors and beautiful presentation at your next gathering!
