Description
Sweet Cherry Almond Dream Bars offer a luxurious dessert experience blending Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Delicate almond flour crust topped with rich cherry compote creates a perfect balance of nutty and fruity notes you’ll crave with every indulgent bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8.5 ounces (240 grams) sugar cookie mix
- 8 ounces (226 grams) softened cream cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ can cherry pie filling
Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons (56 grams) cold unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (8 grams) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- ⅓ cup (40 grams) toasted sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and carefully line a 9-inch by 13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides for easy removal.
- Pulse the sugar cookie mix and cold unsalted butter in a food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, creating a uniform texture for the crust.
- Transfer approximately 2/3 of the cookie crumb mixture into the prepared baking pan, gently pressing it down with the back of a measuring cup to create an even, compact base layer.
- Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown, then remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, pure vanilla extract, and large egg until the mixture becomes completely smooth and free of lumps.
- Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the partially baked crust, ensuring a consistent layer that reaches all corners of the pan.
- Gently spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, distributing it in an even, attractive pattern.
- Mix the remaining cookie crumb mixture with sliced almonds, creating a crumbly, textured topping that will add crunch and visual appeal.
- Sprinkle the almond-cookie mixture generously over the cherry pie filling, covering most of the surface.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top turns a rich golden brown and the filling appears set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour, then refrigerate for an additional 2 hours to achieve the perfect texture.
- Lift the bars out of the pan using the foil edges, cut into squares, and serve chilled for the most delightful cherry almond experience.
Notes
- Elevate your baking game with these decadent bars that combine the classic flavors of cherries and almonds in a creamy cheesecake-style dessert.
- Prepare your baking pan ahead of time by lining it with foil for easy removal and clean-up, ensuring perfect bars every time.
- The sugar cookie mix creates a quick and foolproof crust that adds a delightful buttery base to the rich cheesecake layer.
- Achieve a smooth cheesecake filling by mixing ingredients at room temperature and beating until completely incorporated.
- Sprinkle the almond-cookie topping generously to create a crunchy, golden-brown finish that adds texture and nutty flavor.
- Cool completely before cutting to allow layers to set and flavors to meld, resulting in clean, picture-perfect slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg