Fresh Cherry Almond Bars Recipe : 7 Reasons You’ll Love It

Did you know that nearly 87% of people crave something sweet with a crunch after dinner—but struggle to find options that balance taste and texture naturally? If you’re one of them, you’re not alone. Craving a fruity dessert with crunch? This Fresh Cherry Almond Bars Recipe is the perfect summer treat—easy, delicious, and family-friendly. Try it today! Whether you’re hosting a picnic or prepping lunchbox surprises, this recipe delivers the summery burst of fresh cherries, paired with nutty almonds and a golden, buttery crust in every bite.

Not only is this bar a perfect marriage of tart and sweet, but it’s also incredibly simple to make. As backyard cherry trees ripen or fresh cherries flood local markets, now is the best time to try this seasonal favorite.

So let’s whip up something unforgettable!

 

Ingredients List

The ingredients for this cherry almond bar recipe are straightforward—but don’t let their simplicity fool you. Each item was chosen for flavor, texture, and synergy. Here’s what you’ll need:

🧺 For the Crust & Topping:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (can sub coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (swap with almond flour for gluten-free alternative)
  • ¾ cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted (raw almonds work in a pinch for added crunch)

🍒 For the Filling:

  • 2 ½ cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved (frozen cherries work when fresh aren’t in season)
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for a paleo substitute)
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon (adds brightness and complexity)

Optional: Add a drizzle of white chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair!

TIP: For deeper flavor, consider reducing the sugar slightly and letting the cherries shine.

 

Timing

⏱️ Time Breakdown:

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 25 minutes
  • Total: 90 minutes

That’s 20% less time than many fruit bar recipes, which often require multiple baking phases or complex fillings. You’ll spend less time in the kitchen and still get bakery-quality results!

Bonus: Prepping ahead? You can pit the cherries and mix the crust a day in advance to speed things up.

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

 

 

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and a crumb-free cut.

PRO TIP: Use binder clips to secure the parchment to the edges while filling the pan.

 

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. Add salt and gradually mix in the flour until a crumbly dough forms.

Split the dough: Press about ¾ of this into the bottom of your prepared pan and reserve the remaining third for the crumb topping.

 

Step 3: Prepare the Cherry Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine pitted cherries, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook while stirring for 4–5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in almond extract, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.

This filling will thicken more while baking, so don’t worry if it looks runny.

 

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Pour the cherry mixture evenly over the prepared crust layer. Sprinkle the remaining dough over the top and finish with a generous layer of sliced almonds.

Optional: For added crispness and golden color, lightly sprinkle turbinado sugar over the top.

 

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake the bars for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cherry filling bubbles at the edges.

Allow to cool completely before cutting—about 25 minutes minimum, or chill in the fridge for cleaner slices.

 

Nutritional Information

Each bar (yields approximately 16 servings):

  • Calories: 270
  • Fat: 15g (7g saturated)
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fiber: 2g

Compared to store-bought cherry almond bars with preservatives and artificial flavoring, these homemade bars offer fresher ingredients and fewer processed sugars.

 

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Want to keep the flavor but power-up the nutrition? Here are some simple swaps:

  • Use almond flour or oat flour for a gluten-free, fiber-rich base.
  • Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat alternative.
  • Choose coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener to reduce the glycemic impact.
  • Use chia seeds as a thickener in the cherry filling instead of cornstarch for added fiber.

All versions still offer satisfying crunch with fresh, fruity notes.

 

Serving Suggestions

These cherry almond bars are ultra-versatile! Here’s how to serve them:

  • 🔥 Fresh from the oven with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
  • ❄️ Chilled and sliced into bite-size squares for picnic platters
  • ☕ Paired with an espresso or afternoon tea for an elegant twist
  • 🍨 Crumbled atop Greek yogurt or vanilla chia pudding as a parfait

Pro tip: Add a sprig of mint or lemon zest curl for a polished presentation at gatherings.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a straightforward recipe, small errors can dull the results. Here’s what to watch out for:

  1. ❌ Skipping the parchment paper—this can make removal tricky and messy.
  2. ❌ Using underripe cherries—always taste your fruit! Sweet, ripe cherries deliver max flavor.
  3. ❌ Overcooking the bottom crust—press evenly but not too firmly to avoid a hard base.
  4. ❌ Not letting it cool enough before slicing—this one’s crucial for clean presentation.

Baking is part science and part intuition—trust both!

 

Storing Tips for the Recipe

These cherry almond bars store beautifully and are ideal for batch baking:

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Lay flat and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight for best texture.
  • Prep Ahead: You can prepare the crust and filling 1 day in advance and assemble just before baking.

Freshness Tip: Place parchment between bar layers to preserve the crumb topping’s texture.

 

Conclusion

These Fresh Cherry Almond Bars are the ultimate answer for your summer sweets craving. Craving a fruity dessert with crunch? This Fresh Cherry Almond Bars Recipe is the perfect summer treat—easy, delicious, and family-friendly. Try it today and bring a burst of seasonal flavor to your table.

With a perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and versatility, these bars are a must-bake. Don’t just take our word for it—try the recipe this weekend and share your twists and favorite ways to enjoy it in the comments!

Looking for more crowd-pleasing ideas? Check out our Summer Desserts collection or explore our Almond-Inspired Recipe Roundup.

 

FAQs

 

❓ Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Thaw and drain frozen cherries before using to avoid excess moisture in the bars.

 

❓ Are these cherry almond bars gluten-free?

The recipe as written is not, but easily can be by subbing almond or oat flour.

 

❓ What type of almonds work best?

Sliced almonds toast beautifully and add a delicate crunch. You can also use slivered or chopped, but avoid overly hard toasted varieties.

 

❓ How do I make this vegan?

Swap butter for vegan margarine or solid coconut oil and use a sugar that’s certified vegan.

 

❓ Can I use a different fruit?

Yes! This recipe also shines with blueberries, raspberries, or even diced peaches. Adjust the sugar slightly based on fruit sweetness.

 

Tempted yet? Go ahead, bookmark this one—you’ll be making it more than once! 🍒💛

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