Description
A simple, chewy, and gooey dessert made with just five ingredients. These bars are perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal prep time and offering a comforting blend of buttery crust, cherry filling, and toasted almonds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free blend)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 21 oz can cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup extra sliced almonds for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, or grease thoroughly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Mix with a fork or hands until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when squeezed.
- Press half of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even, compact base.
- Pour the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust layer and spread to the edges.
- Scatter the remaining crumble mixture over the cherry filling. Sprinkle the 1/2 cup of sliced almonds evenly on top, pressing them in slightly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling vigorously around the edges.
- Cool the bars completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set and the crust to firm up.
- Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into 16 squares.
Notes
For best results, ensure the bottom crust is pressed firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling. Do not cut the bars while hot, as they will fall apart. They taste better the next day as flavors meld. Can be made gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Can be made dairy-free by substituting butter with coconut oil or dairy-free butter alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: cherry almond bars, easy dessert, 5 ingredient recipe, cherry pie filling dessert, gluten-free dessert, quick baking, weeknight dessert, crumble bars