Cherry Pie Bars With Cardamom Spiced Jam And Chocolate Drizzle

These aren’t your average cherry pie bars! We’ve taken a classic dessert and elevated it with a fragrant cardamom-spiced cherry jam and a rich dark chocolate drizzle. The buttery, slightly nutty crust provides the perfect base for the sweet and tart cherry filling, while the cardamom adds a warm, aromatic complexity that will tantalize your taste buds. Topped with toasted almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar, these bars are as beautiful to look at as they are delicious to eat. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or simply a sweet treat with your afternoon tea, these Cherry Pie Bars are guaranteed to become a new favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 250g (2 cups) All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our crust, providing structure and a tender crumb. Using a good quality all-purpose flour ensures a light and flaky texture.
• 50g (1/3 cup) Almond Flour: This adds a subtle nuttiness and delicate flavor to the crust, enhancing the overall complexity of the bars. It also contributes to a slightly more tender texture.
• 100g (1/2 cup) Powdered Sugar: Used in the crust, powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) dissolves easily and creates a delicate sweetness without adding graininess.
• 1 ½ tsp Salt: A crucial ingredient that balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors. We recommend using fine sea salt for the best results.
• 180g (3/4 cup) Unsalted Butter, Cold and Cubed: The key to a flaky crust! Keeping the butter cold and cutting it into small cubes ensures it doesn’t melt into the flour, creating pockets of butter that steam during baking, resulting in a light and tender texture.
• 500g (3 cups) Fresh Cherries, Pitted: The star of the show! Fresh cherries provide a vibrant, juicy sweetness. Make sure they are pitted to avoid any unwanted surprises.
• 150g (3/4 cup) Granulated Sugar: Used in the cherry jam, granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps to draw out the natural juices from the cherries.
• 2 tbsp Cornstarch: This acts as a thickening agent for the cherry jam, ensuring it sets properly and doesn’t become too runny.
• 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tart counterpoint to the sweetness of the cherries and enhances their flavor.
• 1 tsp Ground Cardamom: The secret ingredient! Cardamom adds a warm, aromatic, and slightly floral note to the cherry jam, creating a unique and unforgettable flavor profile.
• ½ tsp Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the jam, adding depth and complexity.
• 100g (3½ oz) Dark Chocolate (70% Cocoa, Halal-Certified): A luxurious drizzle that complements the cherry and cardamom flavors beautifully. We recommend using a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a rich, intense flavor. Halal-certified ensures it meets specific dietary requirements.
• 2 tbsp Sliced Almonds, Toasted: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the finished bars. Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and aroma.
• 2 tbsp Powdered Sugar: Used for a final dusting, adding a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Ingredient Substitutions

While we highly recommend using the ingredients as listed for the best results, here are a few substitutions you can make if needed:

• Almond Flour: You can substitute with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, but the crust will be slightly less tender and nutty.
• Fresh Cherries: If fresh cherries are unavailable, you can use frozen cherries (thawed and drained) or canned cherries in syrup (drained well).
• Dark Chocolate: Milk chocolate can be used, but it will result in a sweeter, less intense flavor.
• Cardamom: If you’re not a fan of cardamom, you can substitute with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg, but the flavor profile will be different.

Let’s Bake: Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures even baking. Line a 22 x 33 cm (9 x 13-inch) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This parchment sling will make it easy to lift the finished bars out of the pan for cutting.
2. Make the Shortbread Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, powdered sugar, and salt. The almond flour adds a lovely subtle nutty flavor and a slightly tender texture to the crust. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to keep the butter cold – this creates flaky layers in the crust. Don’t overwork the dough!
3. Press and Bake the Crust: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to firmly compact the dough, creating a solid base. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
4. Prepare the Cardamom-Spiced Cherry Jam: While the crust is baking, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, ground cardamom, and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan. The cornstarch will act as a thickening agent for the jam.
5. Cook the Cherry Filling: Cook the cherry mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cherries release their juices and the mixture thickens. This should take about 6-8 minutes. The cardamom adds a warm, aromatic spice that beautifully complements the sweetness of the cherries. Continue stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
6. Assemble and Bake the Bars: Remove the partially baked crust from the oven. Spread the warm cardamom-spiced cherry jam evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges. This prevents the jam from bubbling over. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the jam is bubbling and the crust edges are deep golden brown.
7. Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan (about 1 hour) before cutting. This is crucial! Cooling allows the filling to set properly, making it easier to cut clean bars.
8. Melt the Chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate in a heat-proof bowl set over simmering water (double boiler) or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring in between each burst. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize up.
9. Drizzle and Garnish: Drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the cooled bars in a thin, decorative pattern. Sprinkle with toasted sliced almonds and dust lightly with powdered sugar. The almonds add a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
10. Cut and Serve: Using a sharp knife, cut the chilled sheet into squares or bars. Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy!

The Magic of Cardamom with Cherries

Cardamom and cherry are a classic pairing in many cuisines, particularly in Middle Eastern and Scandinavian baking. The floral, slightly citrusy notes of cardamom elevate the sweetness of the cherries, creating a complex and sophisticated flavor profile. It’s a spice that adds warmth and depth without overpowering the delicate cherry flavor. This combination isn’t just delicious; it’s a testament to how thoughtful spice pairings can transform a simple fruit dessert into something truly special.

Choosing the Right Cherries

For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe cherries. If fresh cherries aren’t in season, you can use frozen cherries, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using. Bing cherries are a popular choice for their rich, sweet flavor, but Rainier cherries also work beautifully, offering a slightly more delicate sweetness. Pitting the cherries can be a bit time-consuming, but it’s worth the effort for a smooth, enjoyable bite.

Chocolate Selection for the Perfect Drizzle

The quality of the chocolate you use will significantly impact the final flavor of the bars. I recommend using a dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content. This provides a rich, intense chocolate flavor that balances the sweetness of the cherry jam. Halal-certified chocolate ensures the recipe is accessible to a wider audience. Avoid using chocolate chips, as they often contain stabilizers that prevent them from melting as smoothly.

Tips for a Flaky Crust

Achieving a flaky crust is all about keeping the butter cold and minimizing gluten development. Use very cold butter, cut into small cubes. Work quickly and gently when combining the butter and flour. Avoid overmixing the dough, as this will develop the gluten and result in a tough crust. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before pressing it into the pan can also help to create a flakier texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of nut flour?

Yes, you can experiment with other nut flours, such as hazelnut flour or walnut flour, for a different flavor profile. However, almond flour provides the best texture and complements the cherry and cardamom flavors.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, the bars can be made a day or two ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Add the chocolate drizzle and almond garnish just before serving to maintain their freshness.

Enjoy Your Cherry Pie Bars!

These Cherry Pie Bars with Cardamom-Spiced Jam and Chocolate Drizzle are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet cherries, warm cardamom, rich chocolate, and a buttery crust is simply irresistible. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later inspiration!

Cherry Pie Bars With Cardamom Spiced Jam And Chocolate Drizzle

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• Author: Amanda Miller
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

These cherry pie bars feature a cardamom-spiced cherry jam and dark chocolate drizzle atop a buttery, almond-infused crust. They’re perfect for potlucks or a sweet treat with tea.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 250g (2 cups) All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for the crust.
• 50g (1/3 cup) Almond Flour: Adds nuttiness and tenderness to the crust.
• 100g (1/2 cup) Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the crust.
• 1 ½ tsp Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• 180g (3/4 cup) Unsalted Butter, Cold and Cubed: Creates a flaky crust.
• 500g (3 cups) Fresh Cherries, Pitted: The main fruit filling.
• 150g (3/4 cup) Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cherry jam.
• 2 tbsp Cornstarch: Thickens the cherry jam.
• 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds tartness to the cherry jam.
• 1 tsp Ground Cardamom: Adds warm, aromatic spice to the jam.
• ½ tsp Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract: Enhances the jam’s flavor.
• 100g (3½ oz) Dark Chocolate (70% Cocoa): Drizzled on top for richness.
• 2 tbsp Sliced Almonds, Toasted: Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
• 2 tbsp Powdered Sugar: For dusting.

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Instructions

1. Prepare Oven & Pan: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and line a 22x33cm pan with parchment.
2. Make Shortbread Crust: Whisk flours, sugar, and salt; cut in cold butter until crumbly.
3. Press & Bake Crust: Press dough into pan and bake 12-15 minutes until golden.
4. Prepare Cherry Jam: Combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cardamom, and vanilla.
5. Cook Cherry Filling: Cook over medium heat, stirring, until thickened (6-8 minutes).
6. Assemble & Bake Bars: Spread jam over crust and bake 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
7. Cool Completely: Cool in pan for 1 hour before cutting.
8. Melt Chocolate: Melt dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave.
9. Drizzle & Garnish: Drizzle chocolate, sprinkle almonds, and dust with powdered sugar.
10. Cut & Serve: Cut into bars and serve.

Notes

For a flakier crust, ensure butter is very cold and avoid overmixing the dough.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg

Keywords: cherry pie,bars,cardamom,chocolate,almond,dessert,baking,fruit,sweet