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:

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