Almond Cherry Streusel Bars – A Springtime Classic Dessert

There’s something magical about the transition into spring—the air smells fresher, gardens come to life, and the market stalls begin to brim with vibrant produce. Among my favorite seasonal pairings is cherry and almond, a duo that sings of sunshine and gentle breezes. One of the best ways to bring this flavor match to life is with a batch of Almond Cherry Streusel Bars—a dessert that’s crisp, sweet, tangy, and utterly satisfying.

This recipe isn’t just a modern dessert; it’s steeped in personal history. Growing up in a family where weekend baking was almost sacred, I remember my grandmother pulling out her weathered cherry pitting tool every spring. She’d stand at the counter, humming softly as she turned baskets of cherries into the filling for pies, tarts, and of course, these cherished streusel bars. This particular recipe became my spring staple not only because it’s simple and delicious, but because it brings that sense of nostalgia and togetherness every time I make it.

Let’s take a deep dive into everything you need to know about making the ultimate batch of cherry streusel bars.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars are more than just a sweet treat. Here’s why they deserve a spot in your spring baking lineup:

• Perfect balance of flavors: Tart cherries meet sweet almond shortbread and a buttery streusel topping.
• Texture heaven: Each bite offers the satisfying crunch of toasted almonds, the smooth cherry layer, and a melt-in-your-mouth base.
• Make-ahead friendly: Great for prepping in advance for parties, brunches, or simply storing as an anytime snack.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to other fruit fillings or gluten-free options.
• Crowd-pleasing: Six generous servings, easily doubled for larger gatherings.

Ingredient Breakdown

Almond Shortbread Base

The base of these bars is a rich, buttery shortbread flavored with almond flour for added depth.

• Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature, this ensures easy mixing and a tender base.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps it hold together.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle warmth to the shortbread.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure.
• Almond Flour: Intensifies the almond flavor and adds a slightly nutty texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors.

Cherry Filling

This layer captures the flavor of fresh spring cherries, thickened and sweetened just right.

• Cherries: Fresh is best, but frozen works well. Pit and halve them.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the fruit and balances sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and enhances the cherry flavor.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the filling to prevent sogginess.
• Almond Extract: Adds a punch of nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with cherries.

Streusel Topping

A buttery crumble that finishes the bars with irresistible texture.

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the crumble.
• Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: A blend of both gives depth and crunch.
• Cold Unsalted Butter: Creates those coveted crumbles when cut into the dry ingredients.
• Sliced Almonds: Toast while baking and add nutty crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Base

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with sugar and vanilla until creamy. Stir in the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt until it forms a soft dough. Press it evenly into the pan. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until lightly golden. Let it cool while you prepare the next layer.

2. Make the Cherry Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, lemon juice, and sugar. Cook over medium heat until cherries begin to break down—about 5 minutes. Stir in cornstarch and continue cooking until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in almond extract. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. Mix the Streusel Topping

In a bowl, mix flour with both sugars. Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until crumbly. Stir in the sliced almonds.

4. Assemble and Bake

Spread the cherry filling over the cooled base. Evenly distribute the streusel topping. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Tips for Best Results

1. Use fresh cherries when possible for peak flavor, but if using frozen, thaw and drain them thoroughly.
2. Chill your butter for the streusel to ensure it crumbles instead of melting into the topping.
3. Don’t overmix the crust—you want it just combined for the best shortbread texture.
4. Use parchment paper for easy lifting and clean slices.

Serving Suggestions

These bars shine on their own, but here are a few delicious serving ideas:

• Paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt
• Served as part of a spring brunch spread with quiche and fresh fruit
• Cut into smaller squares for a tea party or dessert buffet
• Drizzled with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness

How to Store and Freeze

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps for 5–6 days, slightly chilled for a firmer texture.
• Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped bars in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Cherries: Swap with blackberries, blueberries, or chopped apricots for a twist.
• Almond Flour: Use finely ground hazelnuts or more all-purpose flour.
• Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch also works.
• Butter: Substitute with plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: ~370
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Sugar: 23g
• Protein: 5g

More Fruity Desserts to Try

Craving more summery sweets? These bars pair wonderfully with:

• The creamy richness of Mulberry Cheesecake Squares
• The vibrant hues of Strawberry Brownies
• The moist texture and spice of Carrot Cake Bars
• The fruity tang of Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Almond Cherry Streusel Bars

A perfect spring dessert, these almond cherry streusel bars combine a buttery almond shortbread base, sweet cherry filling, and a golden almond crumble topping. Ideal for brunches, picnics, or teatime.

• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Mixing Bowls
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Pastry Cutter

Almond Shortbread Base

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/4 tsp salt

Cherry Filling

• 2 1/2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp almond extract

Streusel Topping

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for streusel)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper.

2. Make the shortbread base by creaming butter and sugar, then mixing in flours and salt. Press into pan and bake 15–18 minutes.

3. Prepare cherry filling by heating cherries, lemon juice, and sugar. Stir in cornstarch and cook until thick. Remove from heat and add almond extract.

4. Combine streusel ingredients: flour, sugars, butter, and sliced almonds until crumbly.

5. Spread cherry filling over baked crust, top with streusel, and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool before slicing.

Bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for 2 months. Perfect for picnics or afternoon tea.

Dessert

American

almond dessert, cherry streusel bars, spring baking

Conclusion

Almond Cherry Streusel Bars offer everything you want in a spring dessert—vibrant flavor, delightful texture, and timeless charm. Whether you’re reminiscing about family recipes or creating new memories, this dessert will leave a lasting impression. They’re rich without being heavy, sweet without being cloying, and every bite is a perfect celebration of the season’s bounty.

This isn’t just a recipe—it’s a warm reminder that the most cherished dishes are the ones that bring people together. Serve them proudly, gift them to neighbors, or sneak one as an indulgent treat for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned cherry pie filling instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, you can, but the flavor and texture will differ. Homemade filling offers a fresher, less processed taste.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase baking time by 5–8 minutes.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend and verify your almond flour is gluten-free.

How do I toast almonds for more flavor?
You can toast the sliced almonds in a dry pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, or in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.

What if I don’t have almond extract?
You can substitute vanilla extract, but almond extract provides that unique flavor pairing with cherries that makes this dessert special.

Do these bars travel well?
Yes, once cooled and cut, they hold their shape and are great for potlucks, picnics, or lunchbox treats.