Almond Cherry Streusel Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars are bursting with flavor and texture in every bite. The buttery base forms a soft cookie-like crust, the cherry layer brings bright, juicy sweetness, and the almond streusel adds just the right amount of crunch and nuttiness. They’re easy to slice, portable, and can be made ahead—ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or everyday treats. Best of all, they’re simple to make with pantry staples and a can of cherry pie filling or your favorite homemade version.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• Egg
• Almond extract
• Cherry pie filling
• Sliced or slivered almonds

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a small bowl, beat the egg with almond extract, then add it to the flour mixture. Mix until combined—it will still be crumbly.
5. Press about two-thirds of the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
6. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust layer.
7. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the cherry layer, followed by sliced almonds.
8. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly.
9. Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 16–20 bars. Prep time is 15 minutes, baking time is 35–40 minutes, and cooling takes at least 1 hour. Total time: approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes.

Variations

• Fresh Cherry Filling: Use homemade cherry compote or fresh pitted cherries cooked down with sugar and cornstarch.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) instead of the egg.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for a decadent finish.
• Coconut Twist: Add shredded coconut to the streusel for a tropical note.

Storage/Reheating

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. For longer storage, freeze the bars in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Yes, but cook them down first with sugar and cornstarch to create a thick, spreadable filling.

How do I keep the streusel from getting too soft?

Store the bars uncovered for the first few hours to allow the topping to stay crisp.

Can I add oats to the streusel?

Yes, adding rolled oats to the topping gives it a heartier texture and extra crunch.

Can I use almond flour?

No, almond flour alone won’t provide the same structure, but you can substitute up to ¼ of the flour with almond flour for flavor.

What kind of almonds should I use?

Sliced or slivered almonds both work well—choose based on the texture you prefer.

Are these bars freezer-friendly?

Yes, they freeze beautifully. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I make these bars dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free butter substitute that stays solid when cold.

Should the bars be served warm or cold?

They’re delicious either way—warm for a softer texture or chilled for firmer slices.

What’s the best way to slice them cleanly?

Chill the bars completely and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger baking pan or make two separate batches for best results.

Conclusion

Almond Cherry Streusel Bars offer the perfect blend of buttery, nutty, and fruity flavors in an easy-to-make dessert. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or chilled with a cup of coffee, these bars are guaranteed to please a crowd or satisfy your own sweet craving. Keep this recipe in your rotation for holidays, bake sales, or anytime you want a fuss-free, flavorful treat.

Almond Cherry Streusel Bars

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Almond Cherry Streusel Bars are buttery dessert bars layered with sweet cherry filling and a crunchy almond topping. Easy to slice and make ahead, they’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a fruity treat.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 16–20 bars
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
• 1/3 cup sliced or slivered almonds

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until mixture forms coarse crumbs.
4. In a small bowl, beat egg with almond extract, then add to the flour mixture and mix until combined but crumbly.
5. Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
6. Spread cherry pie filling evenly over the crust layer.
7. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over the cherry layer, then top with sliced almonds.
8. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until top is golden and filling is bubbling at the edges.
9. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into bars.

Notes

• Use homemade cherry compote for a fresher fruit flavor.
• For extra crunch, add rolled oats to the streusel topping.
• Let bars cool completely for clean slicing.
• Bars can be frozen and enjoyed later—perfect for make-ahead desserts.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg