Description
Cherry almond delight bars combine sweet cherries and nutty almonds in a rich, layered dessert. Crumbly shortbread base and silky filling create a perfect balance you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226 g) butter, soft
- 1 ¾ cups (350 g) sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups (313 g) flour
- 1 ½ cups (425 g) cherry pie filling
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 ½ tsps baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 3 tbsps (45 ml) milk
Instructions
- Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F and generously spray a jelly roll pan with non-stick coating to prevent sticking.
- Creaming: Vigorously blend softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, creating a smooth, airy base for the dessert.
- Wet Ingredients: Gently introduce eggs one by one, then fold in vanilla and almond extracts to enhance the flavor profile.
- Dry Mixture: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt to eliminate any potential clumps and ensure even ingredient distribution.
- Batter Formation: Delicately incorporate dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until a uniform consistency is achieved without overmixing.
- Layer Construction: Reserve 1 1/2 cups of batter, then spread the remaining mixture evenly across the prepared pan as the foundational layer.
- Cherry Distribution: Carefully spread cherry pie filling over the base, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
- Marbling Effect: Artfully dot the reserved batter across the cherry layer, creating an appealing, rustic appearance.
- Baking Process: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Finishing Touches: Allow bars to cool for 15 minutes to set, then craft a silky glaze by whisking powdered sugar and milk together, and drizzle elegantly over the cooled dessert.
Notes
Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture to maintain a tender, light texture and avoid tough, dense bars.
Batter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smooth blending and optimal cake-like consistency.
Cherry Distribution Technique: Spread pie filling evenly and gently to create a consistent fruity layer throughout the dessert.
Cooling is Crucial: Let bars rest for 15 minutes after baking to set structure and make cutting cleaner and more precise.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 307
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg