Cherry Almond Dream Bars
Indulge in these Cherry Almond Dream Bars, a delectable treat that unites the sweet tang of maraschino cherries with the rich nuttiness of chopped almonds. This two-layer bar cookie features a buttery, crumbly base that forms the perfect foundation for a luscious filling, infused with the essence of cherry and almond. Topped with a fluffy cherry almond frosting that adds a delightful pop of color and flavor, these bars are sure to impress at any gathering. Serve them chilled for an irresistible, refreshing dessert experience that will leave your guests coming back for more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flour
2 cups
Icing sugar
1/2 cup (sifted)
Unsalted butter
1 cup (cold, cut into cubes)
Additional flour
1/4 cup
Baking powder
1/2 teaspoon
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Brown sugar
1 1/2 cups (packed)
Almonds
1 cup (finely chopped)
Maraschino cherries
3/4 cup (drained and chopped)
Cherry juice or milk
1/4 cup
Unsalted butter (for frosting)
3 tablespoons (at room temperature)
Almond extract
1/2 teaspoon
Icing sugar (for frosting)
2 cups (sifted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2
In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of flour with 1/2 cup of sifted icing sugar. Using a fork or pastry blender, cut in 1 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Alternatively, pulse the flour and icing sugar in a food processor, then add butter and pulse until crumbly.
3
Press the flour mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a solid base.
4
Bake in the center of the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
5
While the base is cooling, whisk together 1/4 cup of flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl.
6
In a separate large bowl, beat 2 eggs and gradually stir in 1 1/2 cups of packed brown sugar until smooth.
7
Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the egg-sugar mixture, stirring until just combined. Carefully fold in 1 cup of finely chopped almonds and 3/4 cup of drained and chopped maraschino cherries.
8
Spread the cherry almond filling evenly over the warm base and return it to the oven. Bake for another 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and firm to the touch.
9
For the frosting, combine 1/4 cup of maraschino cherry juice (or milk), 3 tablespoons of room temperature unsalted butter, and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract in a small mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat until smooth, then gradually add 2 cups of sifted icing sugar until fluffy and spreadable.
10
Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cherry almond frosting evenly over the top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set before cutting into squares.
11
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to a month for later enjoyment.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cherry Almond Dream Bars?
Cherry Almond Dream Bars are a two-layer dessert featuring a buttery, crumbly base, a filling made with maraschino cherries and chopped almonds, and a fluffy cherry almond frosting.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish is needed for this recipe?
A 9x13 inch baking dish is required for these bars.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
You should grease the baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
What are the ingredients for the base?
The base consists of 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of sifted icing sugar, and 1 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter.
How do I mix the butter into the flour for the crust?
You can use a fork or pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour mixture, or pulse them together in a food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
How long does the base need to bake?
The base should be baked for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are light golden brown.
What is in the cherry almond filling?
The filling is made of 1/4 cup flour, baking powder, salt, 2 eggs, 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar, 1 cup finely chopped almonds, and 3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries.
How should the maraschino cherries be prepared for the filling?
The cherries should be drained and finely chopped before being folded into the filling mixture.
How long do the bars bake once the filling is added?
The bars bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes after the filling is spread over the base.
How can I tell if the bars are finished baking?
The bars are done when the filling is set and feels firm to the touch.
What ingredients are used for the frosting?
The frosting includes 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice (or milk), 3 tablespoons room temperature unsalted butter, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, and 2 cups of sifted icing sugar.
Can I use milk instead of cherry juice in the frosting?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/4 cup of maraschino cherry juice or milk for the frosting liquid.
What kind of extract provides the flavor in these bars?
Almond extract is used in the frosting to enhance the nutty flavor profile.
How long should the bars cool before adding frosting?
The bars must be completely cooled before you spread the cherry almond frosting over the top.
Do the bars need to be refrigerated?
Yes, you should cover and refrigerate the frosted bars for at least 2 hours to allow them to set before cutting.
What is the best way to serve Cherry Almond Dream Bars?
They are best served chilled for a refreshing dessert experience.
How should leftovers be stored?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long do the bars stay fresh in the refrigerator?
The bars will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Can these bars be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to one month in an airtight container.
Should the butter for the base be cold or room temperature?
The butter for the base should be cold and cut into cubes to create the proper crumbly texture.
Should the butter for the frosting be cold?
No, the butter for the frosting should be at room temperature to ensure a smooth and fluffy consistency.
How many eggs are used in the recipe?
Two eggs are used in the filling of the bars.
What type of sugar is used in the filling?
Packed brown sugar is used in the filling to provide a rich, sweet flavor.
What type of nuts are used in this recipe?
Finely chopped almonds are used in the filling.
Is the icing sugar for the base sifted?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of sifted icing sugar for the crust.
How do I achieve a fluffy frosting?
By using an electric mixer to beat the butter, juice, and extract, then gradually adding sifted icing sugar until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
What gives the frosting its color?
Using maraschino cherry juice in the frosting provides a natural pink color and cherry flavor.
Can I use a pastry blender for the crust?
Yes, a pastry blender is a recommended tool for cutting the cold butter into the flour and sugar.
Are these bars suitable for a holiday gathering?
Yes, their festive color and indulgent flavor make them an excellent choice for parties or holiday baking.