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