Moist Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Crumble Bars are your new go-to for a delightful, easy-to-make treat that satisfies a sweet craving without the gluten. This recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s also fuss-free.
Key Ingredients for Moist Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Crumble Bars
- 1 ½ cups (210g) gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum or add ½ teaspoon if it doesn’t)
- ½ cup (100g) almond flour
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (plus more if desired)
- 1 cup (about 150g) fresh or frozen pitted cherries, roughly chopped (if using frozen, do not thaw)
- ½ cup (about 70g) sliced or slivered almonds
How to Make Moist Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Crumble Bars
Whip up these Moist Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Crumble Bars in under an hour, with minimal effort for maximum reward. The simple crumble topping combined with the burst of sweet cherries and nutty almond flavor makes for an incredibly satisfying dessert. The ease of preparation and the delightful contrast of textures will have you making these again and again. Total preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with 35 minutes of baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later. Lightly grease the parchment paper. This step ensures your bars won’t stick and makes for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients for the Crumble Base and Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, almond flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Ensure these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined before adding the wet ingredients. This creates the foundation for both the base and the crumbly topping.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the melted and slightly cooled butter and the almond extract into the dry ingredients. Stir with a fork or spatula until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It should be moist enough to clump together when squeezed. This is the crucial base and topping mixture.
- Form the Base: Take about two-thirds of the crumble mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to create a firm, compact layer. This will form the delicious base of your bars.
- Layer the Cherries and Almonds: Evenly scatter the chopped cherries over the pressed base. If you are using frozen cherries, you can add them directly. Then, sprinkle the sliced or slivered almonds over the cherries. These add wonderful texture and flavor throughout the bars.
- Top with Remaining Crumble: Sprinkle the remaining one-third of the crumble mixture evenly over the cherry and almond layer. Distribute it as best you can to create a lovely, rustic topping. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly uniform; that’s part of the charm!
- Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherries appear bubbly. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible!
- Cool and Cut: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is a very important step for clean slicing. Rushing this can result in crumbly, uneven bars. For best results, refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares using the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block out.
Why You’ll Love This Moist Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Crumble Bars
You will adore these Moist Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Crumble Bars for their delightful texture and vibrant flavor profile, reminiscent of a classic pie but in a perfectly portable bar form. The combination of tender, sweet cherries and the crunchy, nutty almond crumble creates a harmonious balance that’s utterly irresistible. Making these at home is not only incredibly satisfying but also a fantastic way to save money compared to store-bought gluten-free desserts, which can often be expensive. Plus, the subtle yet distinctive taste of almond extract elevates these bars beyond the ordinary, making them a special treat.
These bars are the perfect solution for your gluten-free baking needs, offering a truly moist and flavor-packed experience that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re baking for guests, a potluck, or just a personal treat, these Moist Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Crumble Bars are sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients and dive into the joy of homemade goodness – you won’t regret it!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to enjoying your Moist Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Crumble Bars at their best.
- Refrigeration: Once completely cooled, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. This is the best method for maintaining their texture and preventing the fruit from becoming too soft.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. After cooling, wrap individual bars or the entire pan (if not cut) tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: If you prefer a warm bar, you can gently reheat them. Place a bar on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until slightly warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on low power for 15-20 seconds. Do not overheat, as this can make them mushy. Thaw frozen bars overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts
These Moist Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Crumble Bars are a truly delightful and accessible treat that proves gluten-free baking can be both easy and incredibly delicious. Give them a try; you’ll be amazed at how satisfyingly simple and wonderfully flavorful they are!
Moist Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Crumble Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, almond flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Ensure these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined before adding the wet ingredients.1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ½ cup almond flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Pour the melted and slightly cooled butter and the almond extract into the dry ingredients. Stir with a fork or spatula until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It should be moist enough to clump together when squeezed.½ cup unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Take about two-thirds of the crumble mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to create a firm, compact layer.
- Evenly scatter the chopped cherries over the pressed base. If you are using frozen cherries, you can add them directly. Then, sprinkle the sliced or slivered almonds over the cherries.1 cup pitted cherries, ½ cup sliced or slivered almonds
- Sprinkle the remaining one-third of the crumble mixture evenly over the cherry and almond layer. Distribute it as best you can to create a lovely, rustic topping.
- Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherries appear bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For best results, refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares using the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block out.