Almond Cherry Streusel Bars – A Dreamy Dessert That’s Easier Than You Think

There are few things more comforting than a tray of buttery, crumbly dessert bars cooling on the counter, especially when they’re bursting with fresh cherry flavor and laced with almond goodness. These Almond Cherry Streusel Bars strike the perfect balance between tart and sweet, crunchy and gooey, rustic and elegant. If you’re looking for a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end bakery—but is secretly easy to make in your home kitchen—you’ve found the one.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting started, this recipe is approachable and highly rewarding. It’s ideal for potlucks, afternoon tea, dessert for guests, or simply a cozy weekend treat. These bars are an elevated take on classic crumble bars, with a buttery almond crust and topping, a rich cherry filling, and a delicate almond icing drizzle. Let’s dig into what makes this recipe so special and how to make it flawlessly.

Why You’ll Love These Almond Cherry Streusel Bars

These bars are a celebration of texture and flavor: the crust is tender but sturdy, the cherry layer is juicy and vibrant, and the streusel topping gives just the right amount of crunch. The almond paste in the crust and topping infuses each bite with a warm, nutty flavor that complements the cherries beautifully. The drizzle of almond icing at the end? It’s the perfect finishing touch.

Who This Recipe is For:

• Lovers of fruity desserts and all things almond

• Bakers looking for a simple but impressive treat

• Entertainers who want a make-ahead dessert option

• Anyone craving a bakery-style sweet that’s easy enough for a Tuesday night

Ingredients at a Glance

Crust and Topping:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

• ½ cup almond paste (about 3 oz)

• ½ teaspoon almond extract

• ⅓ cup sliced almonds

Cherry Filling:

• ¼ cup water

• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (3 if using frozen cherries)

• 4 cups pitted sweet cherries (fresh or frozen)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• Pinch of salt

Icing:

• ⅓ cup powdered sugar

• 1–2 teaspoons milk

• ⅛ teaspoon almond extract

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×9-inch baking pan

• Aluminum foil

• Mixing bowls

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer

• Medium saucepan

• Silicone spatula or wooden spoon

• Whisk

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Zip-top bag (for icing drizzle)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 pan with foil, leaving overhang on two sides to create a sling. Grease the foil thoroughly.

2. Make the Crust & Topping

In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add in cubed cold butter, almond paste, and almond extract. Mix on medium-low until the texture resembles damp sand and the pieces of butter and almond paste are the size of small pebbles.

Scoop out 1 heaping cup of the mixture and set it aside for the topping. Press the remaining mixture evenly into your prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to brown.

3. Prepare the Cherry Filling

While the crust is baking, make your filling. In a medium saucepan, whisk together water, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Add the cherries, sugar, butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir frequently and simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until thickened. Remove from heat.

4. Assemble & Bake

Spread the cherry filling evenly over the baked crust. Stir the sliced almonds into your reserved crust mixture, and sprinkle this over the cherry layer, pinching small clumps as you go for that rustic streusel effect.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned and the cherry filling is bubbling. Let the pan cool completely on a wire rack before icing or cutting.

5. Add the Icing

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed. Transfer to a zip-top bag, snip a small corner, and drizzle over the cooled bars.

Tips for Success

• Cold Butter Is Key: Cold butter gives you that perfect crumble texture. Don’t be tempted to use softened butter here.

• Almond Paste Tip: If your almond paste is too firm, microwave it for 10 seconds to soften before mixing.

• Use Frozen Cherries Year-Round: No need to wait for cherry season. Frozen cherries work beautifully—just increase the cornstarch slightly.

• Make Ahead: These bars taste even better the next day, making them a great make-ahead option for gatherings.

• Chill Before Cutting: For clean slices, refrigerate the bars for at least an hour before slicing.

Variations & Swaps

• Other Fruits: Try blueberries, raspberries, or chopped peaches in place of cherries.

• Nut-Free: Omit the almond extract and paste; use vanilla extract instead, and replace the almonds with oats in the topping.

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the crust and topping.

How to Store Almond Cherry Streusel Bars

Store your bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Perfect Pairings

These bars are lovely on their own but also pair beautifully with:

• A scoop of vanilla or almond ice cream

• A dollop of whipped cream

• Hot coffee or a frothy cappuccino

• A chilled glass of Riesling or Moscato for a sweet dessert wine pairing

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned cherry pie filling?
You can, but it will be much sweeter and lack the fresh tang of homemade. If using it, skip the filling step and reduce the sugar in the crust slightly.

Do I need a stand mixer?
Nope! A food processor or even a pastry cutter and elbow grease will do the trick just fine for the crust and topping.

How do I make almond paste at home?
Combine equal parts almond flour and powdered sugar with a little egg white or corn syrup until it forms a thick paste. Store in the fridge for up to a week.

Can I skip the icing?
Absolutely. The bars are delicious without it, but the icing adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Final Thoughts

These Almond Cherry Streusel Bars are the kind of recipe that becomes a signature. With a buttery almond base, vibrant cherry center, and a crunchy crumble topping, they’re irresistible, adaptable, and destined to be a hit wherever they’re served.

If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments—did you go with fresh or frozen cherries? Any fun twists? Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends, pin it to your favorite dessert board, and subscribe to the blog for more bakery-worthy recipes you can make at home. 💌

Happy baking!