Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle

Teresa Ambra

Do you want rich, decadent and heavenly? Then you must try these fantastic Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle. Oh, my goodness. These cookies are amazing. First you make a streusel crust and topping. Then you make a really easy cherry filling that goes between the two. After the recipe is baked, a luscious almond icing is drizzled over top. If you enjoy cherries and almonds together, this recipe kills it!

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About four years ago, I made a spectacular dessert called Pineapple Bars with Coconut Drizzle. John had taken it to a pastor and wife in Arkansas when he visited there for a meeting. The recipe was so good I thought it would be a great one to remake as Peach Bars with Almond Drizzle. I was right. Those bars turned out just as well. So, I had all these cherries and was trying to figure out what to do with them……Voila, Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle.

I couldn’t keep my hands out of them! You know, guys, the cook gets to freely sample everything–even the stuff she/he gives away. 🙂 The almond flavoring is only in the drizzle on top of the bar. But it’s enough. These delightful cookies are so drool-worthy.

If you’re in need of a sugar fix, Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle are just what the doctor ordered. Ha! While I used fresh cherries, you can substitute canned cherries if you rinse and dry them really well beforehand. I think you’ll find these treats are perfect for potlucks, tailgating or office parties, Labor Day picnics or backyard barbecues. Go ahead and give these jewels a try. But don’t say I didn’t warn you. You’ll bring the pan home empty. … That means you’ll probably have to bake another batch. 🙂

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle are rich, decadent and heavenly.

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

These are delicious treats to take to summer holiday parties when fresh cherries are in season.

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

Every bite of Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle will have you drooling.

Here’s what I did.

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

I used these ingredients for the streusel crust and topping.

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

Combine dry ingredients. Cut in cold butter with a pastry blender until coarse crumbs form.

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

The mixture should resemble this. Measure out one cup of crumbs for topping. Set aside.

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

Press remaining crumb mixture into a greased 9×13″ glass baking dish. Bake 15 minutes at 350.

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

Remove from oven and set aside.

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

I used these ingredients for the cherry filling.

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

Meanwhile, prepare cherry filling. Scramble eggs with a whisk.

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

Add flour, salt, sugar and sour cream.

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

Whisk ingredients thoroughly to combine.

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

Add cherries. It is helpful to pat them dry with paper towels before adding to prevent as much discoloration as possible.

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

Stir ingredients gently to combine.

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

Pour cherry filling over baked crust layer.

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

Sprinkle one cup of reserved crumbs over top of the cherry layer. 

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

Bake at 350 for 50-55 minutes or until set. Allow to cool completely before adding Almond Drizzle.

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

I used these ingredients for the Almond Drizzle.

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

Combine ingredients with a whisk. The key is to use the least amount of fluid to make a really thick icing. It is about two tablespoons of half-and-half. If you choose to use milk you won’t need near as much.

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

Drizzle the Almond Drizzle over top of the Cherry Bars with a fork or spoon. Allow the icing to set completely before cutting into bars.

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle have it all! They’re wonderful cookies for any occasion.

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

These cookies make terrific snacks for office or tailgating parties.

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

I love the denseness of these bars. They are substantial and so satisfying.

Here’s the recipe.

CHERRY BARS WITH ALMOND DRIZZLE

(My own concoction)

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle

Teresa Ambra
These luscious and mouthwatering bars just ooze with decadence. They're filled with fresh cherries and drizzled with an almond glaze that really amps up the flavor. These terrific treats are perfect for summer holidays like Fourth of July and Labor Day when fresh cherries are readily available.
5 from 6 votes
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Cookies, Brownies and Bars, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 178 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9x13" glass baking dish
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 pastry blender
  • 1 cherry pitter or sharp knife to pit cherries
  • 1 medium mixing bowl
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 small mixing bowl
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 spatula

Ingredients
  

CRUST:

  • 1 1/2 cups UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour (bleached flour toughens baked goods)
  • 1 1/2 sticks butter cold, unsalted
  • 1/8 tsp. sea salt
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

CHERRY FILLING:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour (bleached flour toughens baked goods)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/8 tsp. sea salt
  • 2 cups fresh cherries pitted and diced (measure after dicing fruit)

ALMOND DRIZZLE:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp. half-and-half or 5 tbsp. heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tsp. almond extract

Instructions
 

CRUST:

  • Stir flour, salt and granulated sugar together in a medium mixing bowl.
  • Add butter and cut in with a pastry blender until well blended.
  • Reserve 1 cup crumbs.
  • Pour remaining crumbs into a greased 9x13” baking dish and press down firmly.
  • Bake at 350° for 15 minutes.
  • Top with filling and reserved crumbs and bake an additional 50-55 minutes or until filling ingredients are set.
  • Cool completely before adding almond drizzle.

CHERRY FILLING:

  • Whisk eggs, flour, granulated sugar, sour cream and salt together.
  • Gently fold in cherries.
  • Pour cherry mixture over top of baked crust layer.
  • Sprinkle filling layer with remaining cup of reserved crumbs.
  • Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until set.
  • Cool completely before adding almond drizzle.

ALMOND DRIZZLE:

  • Combine ingredients in a small mixing bowl with whisk.
  • After bars have cooled 15 minutes, drizzle icing over top of Cherry Bars with a fork.

Notes

NOTE: It is helpful to pat the cherries dry with paper towels before adding to filling mixture. This helps avoid excess discoloration.
 
NOTE: You can substitute milk or even water in the icing, but you probably have to cut the amount down to one or two teaspoons to achieve a thick icing.
 
NOTE: Don't forget to set aside one cup of crumbs for the topping layer.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 178kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 74mgPotassium: 51mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 241IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 1mg
Keyword cherries, cherry dessert, dessert
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

These bars are truly drool-worthy.

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle can be made with canned cherries if fresh cherries are out of season. Just follow my instructions to rinse, drain and dry thoroughly before using in this recipe.

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

Treat your family to this delectable dessert soon!

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

I think it’s time for another bite. 🙂

You may also enjoy these delicious recipes!

Cherry Crumb Bars

Cherry Crumb Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | These mouthwatering bar-type #cookies are so spectacular. I guarantee you'll be drooling after the first bite! Terrific for summer #potlucks or #holidays when fresh #cherries are in season. #dessert #cherrydessert #Canbassador #NorthwestCherryGrowers

Cherry Cobbler Bars

Cherry Cobbler Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen

Cherry Pie Bars

Cherry Pie Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | These spectacular #cookie-type bars have the taste of #cherrypie without all the work! They're fantastic for summer potlucks when fresh #cherries are in season. #dessert #cherrydessert #Canbassador #NorthwestCherryGrowers
Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies will have you drooling after the first bite! The #almond drizzle on top is to die for. #dessert #cherries #LaborDay #cherrydessert #LaborDayDessert

Cherry Bars with Almond Drizzle

Teresa Ambra
These luscious and mouthwatering bars just ooze with decadence. They’re filled with fresh cherries and drizzled with an almond glaze that really amps up the flavor. These terrific treats are perfect for summer holidays like Fourth of July and Labor Day when fresh cherries are readily available.
5 from 6 votes
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Cookies, Brownies and Bars, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 178 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9×13" glass baking dish
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 pastry blender
  • 1 cherry pitter or sharp knife to pit cherries
  • 1 medium mixing bowl
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 small mixing bowl
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 spatula

Ingredients
  

CRUST:

  • 1 1/2 cups UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour (bleached flour toughens baked goods)
  • 1 1/2 sticks butter cold, unsalted
  • 1/8 tsp. sea salt
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

CHERRY FILLING:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour (bleached flour toughens baked goods)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/8 tsp. sea salt
  • 2 cups fresh cherries pitted and diced (measure after dicing fruit)

ALMOND DRIZZLE:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp. half-and-half or 5 tbsp. heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tsp. almond extract

Instructions
 

CRUST:

  • Stir flour, salt and granulated sugar together in a medium mixing bowl.
  • Add butter and cut in with a pastry blender until well blended.
  • Reserve 1 cup crumbs.
  • Pour remaining crumbs into a greased 9×13” baking dish and press down firmly.
  • Bake at 350° for 15 minutes.
  • Top with filling and reserved crumbs and bake an additional 50-55 minutes or until filling ingredients are set.
  • Cool completely before adding almond drizzle.

CHERRY FILLING:

  • Whisk eggs, flour, granulated sugar, sour cream and salt together.
  • Gently fold in cherries.
  • Pour cherry mixture over top of baked crust layer.
  • Sprinkle filling layer with remaining cup of reserved crumbs.
  • Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until set.
  • Cool completely before adding almond drizzle.

ALMOND DRIZZLE:

  • Combine ingredients in a small mixing bowl with whisk.
  • After bars have cooled 15 minutes, drizzle icing over top of Cherry Bars with a fork.

Notes

NOTE: It is helpful to pat the cherries dry with paper towels before adding to filling mixture. This helps avoid excess discoloration.
 
NOTE: You can substitute milk or even water in the icing, but you probably have to cut the amount down to one or two teaspoons to achieve a thick icing.
 
NOTE: Don’t forget to set aside one cup of crumbs for the topping layer.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 178kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 74mgPotassium: 51mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 241IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 1mg
Keyword cherries, cherry dessert, dessert
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

18 Comments

  • Wendy

    March 18, 2024 at 4:07 pm

    Thanks so much for this recipe, been wanting that shortbread crust type of cherry bar. I did less drizzle and put it in an 8×8 and still came out perfect. The 8×8 gave me a couple cups of topping, the extra was really nice. Thanks so much!!!

    1. Teresa Ambra

      March 18, 2024 at 5:19 pm

      Hi Wendy, so glad you enjoyed the recipe! This is one of our favorites!

  • Terri

    March 24, 2023 at 2:34 pm

    Hello, I was wondering how you store these? On the counter, or in the fridge? Thank you, Terri

    1. Teresa Ambra

      March 24, 2023 at 5:15 pm

      Hi Terri. You can store them on the counter in a plastic container for a few days. After that I would refrigerate them. You can also freeze them.

      1. Anonymous

        March 25, 2023 at 10:12 am

        5 stars
        Thank you Teresa, These bars are delicious. I used frozen cherries and that worked out very well.

        1. Terri

          March 25, 2023 at 10:14 am

          5 stars
          The above comment was from Terri

          1. Teresa Ambra

            March 25, 2023 at 9:11 pm

            Got it!

        2. Teresa Ambra

          March 25, 2023 at 9:11 pm

          So glad you enjoyed the bars, Terri. The almond flavoring really makes them. Good to know that frozen cherries work just as well.

  • Kris Steen

    January 23, 2022 at 9:12 am

    What are the chances of using dried cherries?

    1. Teresa

      January 24, 2022 at 7:52 am

      Hey Kris. I think you can give them a try, but I would try to reconstitute them first. Place the cherries in a cup of very hot water and allow them to sit in it for at least 15 minutes and see if they plump out a little bit. Then dry off well before using in recipe. I wouldn’t use the cherries just out of the package.

      1. Kris Steen

        January 27, 2022 at 6:00 pm

        Thanks, I’ll let you know how they turn out 😊

        1. Teresa

          January 31, 2022 at 8:02 am

          Great!

  • Mary Strezeski

    October 4, 2021 at 5:17 pm

    Can I substitute frozen sweet cherries?

    1. Teresa

      October 6, 2021 at 7:14 pm

      Sure Mary, just be sure to thaw and pat them really dry before using in the recipe.

  • Peggy

    June 28, 2021 at 7:06 am

    Can I use fresh sour cherries

    1. Teresa

      July 1, 2021 at 7:03 am

      Peggy, if these are not canned cherries, you may have to add more sugar depending on how tart the cherries are.

  • Peggy

    June 28, 2021 at 7:02 am

    Can I use greasy sour cherries?

    1. Teresa

      July 1, 2021 at 7:02 am

      Yes, but I would rinse them and pat them really dry before using.

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