Delicious Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Shortbread Bars: Buttery, Fruity, and Irresistibly Crunchy
These Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Shortbread Bars are more than just a sweet treat; they are a symphony of textures and flavors, effortlessly combining rich buttery goodness with the vibrant sweetness of cherry jam and the satisfying crunch of almonds. Designed to be easy to make, these bars deliver an unbelievably delicious experience that makes them perfect for any occasion, especially for sharing a little love on Valentine’s Day, or simply whenever a craving for something truly special strikes.
My culinary journey into gluten-free baking has been an enlightening and surprisingly delightful adventure over the past few weeks. What once felt like a daunting landscape of unfamiliar flours and challenging techniques has gradually transformed into a comfortable, creative space. My pantry shelves are now graced with a wonderful abundance of gluten-free flour alternatives, each offering unique properties that open up a world of possibilities. I must confess, the results have far exceeded my initial expectations, often leaving me genuinely surprised by the sheer deliciousness achieved.
The transition has shown me that gluten-free doesn’t mean compromising on taste or texture. Cookies, for instance, bake up with an ideal tender, soft interior, perfectly complemented by a crisp, golden-brown exterior. My ventures into brownies have been equally rewarding, yielding dense, fudgy centers that satisfy even the most ardent chocolate lover. And donuts? They melt in your mouth, proving that a gluten-free diet doesn’t have to sacrifice those moments of pure indulgence. These experiences have truly transformed my perception of baking without traditional wheat flour.
I genuinely anticipated the switch to gluten-free baking to be a much harder challenge, fraught with disappointing results and a longing for my old favorites. Yet, I can honestly say that I’m not missing out on anything. In fact, many of my gluten-free creations have been indistinguishable from their gluten-containing counterparts. A prime example was the batch of Gluten-Free Brown Butter & Toasted Almond Chocolate Chunk Cookies I prepared for the holidays. Not only could I not tell the difference, but neither could any of my friends or family. That moment, when everyone enjoys a dish without a hint of its gluten-free nature, is when you know you’re truly succeeding in this exciting culinary journey.
However, I must admit, pasta remains the primary exception to my gluten-free success stories. It’s a bummer, really, because I absolutely adore pasta in all its forms! I’m still on a dedicated quest to find a gluten-free pasta brand that truly meets my texture expectations. So far, the results have been consistently disappointing, with many brands failing to replicate that perfect al dente bite. But I’m an optimist, and I’m confident that I’ll stumble upon a delicious and satisfying alternative soon enough. When I do, rest assured, I’ll be eager to share all the details with you, so you can also enjoy great gluten-free pasta. Who knows, I might even take on the challenge of making my own from scratch!
But let’s tackle one delicious challenge at a time. And right now, that means focusing on these absolutely magnificent, ultra-buttery Cherry Almond Shortbread Bars. Because you deserve nothing but the best, I spared no expense or effort when it came to the almonds. I incorporated a very generous helping of Diamond of California slivered almonds directly into the rich shortbread batter, infusing every bite with nutty flavor and delightful texture. Then, to elevate the experience further, I added another lavish sprinkle of their sliced almonds over the sweet-tart cherry jam layer. This recipe is a shining example of how, sometimes, the more almonds, the better the outcome!
The story behind these bars is a testament to perseverance and a love for unforgettable flavors. I originally created a version of these bars during the bustling holiday season of 2016. They were an absolute hit, disappearing from the dessert table almost as quickly as they appeared. The problem? In the whirlwind of holiday baking, I completely failed to write down the recipe. Believe me, I gave myself a very stern talking-to for that oversight – a mistake I promised myself never to repeat. All I could recall was their overwhelming popularity and the distinct presence of cherries. Armed with that fragmented memory and a determination to recapture their magic, I diligently worked to re-create those delicious bars. It took several attempts, but finally, I succeeded! And I’m incredibly glad I did, because I was honestly growing a little tired of eating shortbread bars during the testing phase (gasp! I know, it sounds impossible, but even shortbread can lose its allure after too many trials!). The joy of finally nailing the recipe made every single test batch worth it.
What makes these Cherry Almond Shortbread Bars truly exceptional? It starts with the foundation: a perfectly baked shortbread dough. This gluten-free base bakes up with a wonderfully dense and soft interior, encased in a delightfully crisp exterior. The secret to its intricate texture and flavor lies in the generous inclusion of slivered almonds directly within the dough. These almonds provide a lovely, toasted crunch with every bite, adding depth and an irresistible nutty aroma. To further enhance the flavor profile, a delicate splash of almond extract is incorporated into the shortbread. This not only complements the natural almond notes but also brilliantly enhances the sweet-tart cherry flavor of the topping. And speaking of the topping, let’s be honest: the sweet cherry jam layer is often cited as the absolute best part, bursting with fruity goodness that perfectly balances the rich shortbread.
These Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Shortbread Bars are undeniably the perfect sweet treat for any celebration, but they truly shine as a thoughtful and delicious offering for Valentine’s Day. Their beautiful color, inviting aroma, and irresistible taste make them a delightful gift or a special indulgence for loved ones. Don’t be surprised when these delectable bars disappear incredibly fast – they have a way of doing that!
Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies
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Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 and 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- ½ cup slivered almonds
- ½ cup cherry preserves
- ½ cup sliced almonds
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8-inch-by-8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper overlaps on all sides for easy removal.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and visibly pale in color. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure even mixing.
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Next, add the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the creamed mixture. Beat these ingredients until they are thoroughly combined, creating a smooth, cohesive batter. Gently incorporate the gluten-free all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt into the bowl, beating until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Finally, fold in the slivered almonds by hand, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
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Transfer the prepared shortbread dough into the parchment-lined baking pan. Using your hands or the back of a spoon, press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan, forming a consistent layer. Once the base is set, carefully spread the cherry preserves uniformly over the dough, creating a vibrant, fruity layer. Finish by sprinkling the sliced almonds generously over the cherry preserves.
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Bake the bars in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden brown. It’s important not to overbake to maintain the tender texture. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before attempting to remove them. This step is crucial for the bars to set properly. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out and cut them into desired squares. These delightful bars will remain fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. For the best flavor and texture, they are most enjoyable when served at room temperature.
Notes
- This recipe is wonderfully versatile and can be made with equal parts of regular all-purpose flour if you are not following a gluten-free diet. The instructions and baking time will remain precisely the same, ensuring delicious results regardless of your flour choice.
- For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the slivered and sliced almonds before adding them to the recipe. This simple step can significantly enhance their nutty aroma and crunch.
- Feel free to experiment with other fruit preserves, such as raspberry or apricot, to customize these bars to your taste. Each variation offers a delightful new experience while maintaining the beloved shortbread base.
- Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps them cream together more smoothly with the sugar, resulting in a lighter, more uniform dough. Cold ingredients can lead to a denser texture.
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Disclosure: This recipe was created in partnership with Diamond of California. All text and opinions are 100% my own. Thank you for your continued support as I work with brands I love and that make One Sweet Mess possible!