Cherry Almond Shortbread Bars

Cherry Almond Shortbread Bars

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining sweet cherries, crunchy almonds, and melt-in-your-mouth shortbread into one decadent dessert bar, then this recipe is your golden ticket!

These Cherry Almond Shortbread Bars are the perfect balance of rich, nutty, and fruity flavors.

Whether you’re baking them for a cozy family night or bringing them to impress at a potluck, they’re guaranteed to disappear faster than you can say “yum.”

Plus, with Maggie’s foolproof tips and shortcuts, even beginner bakers will feel like pros in no time.

How to Make It

Note: This is an overview. See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

Prepare the Shortbread Base
Start by making the buttery shortbread crust—it’s the foundation of these dreamy bars! Combine flour, sugar, cold butter, and almond extract in a bowl until crumbly. Press the mixture firmly into your lined baking pan, creating an even layer. For best results, use your fingers or the back of a spoon to press it down smoothly. Pop it into the oven and bake until lightly golden.

Spread the Cherry Filling
Once the crust cools slightly, spread on the cherry filling—a vibrant pop of color and flavor! Use your favorite store-bought cherry pie filling (or homemade if you’re feeling fancy) and dollop it evenly over the baked base. Gently spread it out with a spatula so every bite gets its fair share of fruity goodness.

Add the Crumble Topping
Now comes the fun part—the crumble topping! Mix together flour, brown sugar, sliced almonds, and melted butter to create a clumpy, irresistible streusel. Sprinkle this generously over the cherry layer, ensuring it covers the surface completely. This step adds texture and crunch, which pairs beautifully with the soft layers beneath.

Bake Until Golden Perfection
Slide the assembled bars into the oven and bake until the edges are bubbly and the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes—nobody likes burnt almonds! Once done, let the bars cool completely before slicing into neat squares.

Pro Tips

• Butter Matters: Always use unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness.
• Even Layers: Wet your fingers slightly when pressing the shortbread base to prevent sticking.
• Customize It: Swap cherry filling for blueberry or raspberry if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Cool Completely: Let the bars chill in the fridge for 30 minutes after cooling—they’ll slice much cleaner.
• Presentation Hack: Dust powdered sugar over the top before serving for a bakery-worthy finish.

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate for extended freshness (up to 1 week).
• Freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Print Recipe

Cherry Almond Shortbread Bars

Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: American Favorites Courses: Desserts

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 60 mins Total Time 1 hr 45 mins

Servings: 8 Calories: 240

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Dietary:

Vegetarian

Description

A delightful fusion of buttery shortbread, tangy cherry filling, and crunchy almond crumble. Perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Shortbread Base:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₂ cup granulated sugar
• ¹⁄₂ tsp almond extract
• ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Cherry Filling:

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

For the Crumble Topping:

• ³⁄₄ cup all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₄ cup packed brown sugar
• ¹⁄₂ cup sliced almonds
• ¹⁄₄ cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, almond extract, and cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing it out with your fingers or the back of a spoon. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
4. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the baked shortbread base using a spatula.
5. In another bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, sliced almonds, and melted butter for the crumble topping. Stir until clumpy. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cherry layer.
6. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
7. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing into squares.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 240kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 12g19%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 18g

Protein 3g6%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Ensure the butter is cold for the shortbread base—it helps achieve that perfect crumbly texture.
• If using homemade cherry filling, adjust sweetness according to preference.
• Don’t skip the resting/cooling step; it ensures clean slices without crumbling.

These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.

Keywords: cherry, almond, shortbread, dessert bars, easy baking