Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

For the Filling:

• 2 cups cherry pie filling

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps to Make Cherry Almond Shortbread Bars

1. Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Egg and Almond Extract: Beat in the egg and almond extract, mixing until well combined.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.

2. Assemble the Bars

1. Press the Dough into the Pan: Press about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly to create the crust layer.
2. Add Cherry Filling: Spread the cherry pie filling over the crust in an even layer. Make sure to cover the crust completely with cherries for a vibrant, fruity filling.
3. Top with Remaining Dough: Crumble the remaining dough over the cherry filling. The crumble should be irregular, with some cherry filling peeking through.

3. Bake the Bars

1. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cherry filling is bubbly.
2. Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the pan before applying the glaze. Cooling fully helps the bars set and makes them easier to slice.

4. Prepare the Glaze

1. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and thick but pourable. If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more milk; if too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
2. Drizzle the Glaze: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars, creating a decorative pattern on top.

5. Slice and Serve

1. Cut into Bars: Once the glaze has set, use a sharp knife to cut the dessert into squares or bars. Enjoy the buttery, fruity, and almond-flavored treat!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 275 kcal
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 22g
• Fiber: 1g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the size of servings and specific ingredients used.

FAQ

1. Can I use homemade cherry filling?
Yes, you can make your cherry pie filling from scratch if you prefer. Simply use fresh or frozen cherries, sugar, and a thickener like cornstarch to create a filling that’s as delicious as the canned version.

2. Can I substitute almond extract?
If you’re not a fan of almond flavor, you can substitute with vanilla extract for a milder flavor profile. However, the almond extract complements the cherry filling beautifully.

3. How do I make these bars gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Ensure that the blend includes xanthan gum or an equivalent binder to maintain the structure of the crust.

4. Can I use other types of pie fillings?
Absolutely! These bars work well with other fruit fillings like blueberry, apple, or even raspberry. Each fruit brings its unique flavor to the recipe.

Tips for the Best Cherry Almond Shortbread Bars

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, ensure the butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth, cohesive dough.
2. Even Dough Layering: Press the bottom crust evenly to ensure it bakes uniformly, and use your fingers to spread the crumble topping for a rustic, textured look.
3. Control the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of glaze, or skip it altogether for a simpler bar.
4. Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This ensures the cherry filling sets and the bars hold their shape when cut.
5. Storage for Best Flavor: Store the bars at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week if you prefer a firmer bar.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If the temperature is warm, it’s best to refrigerate.
• Refrigeration: These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, though the texture of the shortbread may firm up. Simply bring them to room temperature before serving if desired.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and drizzle with glaze just before serving if frozen without it.

Conclusion

Cherry Almond Shortbread Bars offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures, from the buttery shortbread crust to the tart, juicy cherry filling, all enhanced by the warm hint of almond. Topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, these bars are as visually appealing as they are delicious. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a comforting treat at home, this recipe is sure to please anyone who loves the classic pairing of cherry and almond. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a lovely homemade dessert that’s bound to impress. Enjoy each bite of this delightful, fruity treat!