Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup (50g) almond flour
- 0.5 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 0.75 cup (170g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 0.25 tsp (1.5g) salt
- 3 cups (450g) pitted sweet cherries
- 0.5 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp (16g) cornstarch
- 1 tbsp (15ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp (5ml) almond extract
- 1 tbsp (14g) unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp (15ml) milk or heavy cream
- 0.25 tsp (1.25ml) almond extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- Combine all-purpose flour, almond flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until the edges are pale golden brown, then remove and let cool slightly.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine pitted cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
- Stir constantly as the mixture heats until it thickens into a glossy, jam-like consistency.
- Remove from heat and stir in the almond extract and 1 tbsp of butter until melted and velvety.
- Spread the cherry filling over the pre-baked crust and bake until set.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and almond extract to create a glaze, then drizzle over the cooled bars.