Description
Indulge in the divine taste of Cherry Almond Dream Bars, a scrumptious treat that layers a sweet sugar cookie crust, a rich cheesecake filling, and a perfectly balanced topping of cherry pie and crunchy almonds. This dessert is not only a feast for the tastebuds but also a visually appealing addition to any table, making it ideal for gatherings, celebrations, or as a special treat for yourself and loved ones.
Ingredients
- Sugar Cookie Mix: 8.5 ounces (dry)
- Cold Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons
- Softened Cream Cheese: 8 ounces
- Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 tablespoon
- Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon
- Egg: 1 large
- Cherry Pie Filling: ½ can
- Toasted Sliced Almonds: ⅓ cup
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prepare Baking Pan
Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8-inch or 9×13-inch baking pan with foil, ensuring the foil extends over the edges for easy removal, and coat it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix and cold butter. Use a pastry blender or a fork to blend the ingredients until they achieve a crumbly texture. Reserve about ¾ cup of this mixture for later use, and firmly press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes and then allow to cool slightly.
3. Prepare Cheesecake Layer
While the crust is cooling, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a separate bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and the egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble Layers
Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cheesecake layer, taking care to distribute it evenly.
5. Add Topping
In a small bowl, combine the reserved crumbly cookie mixture with the toasted sliced almonds. Sprinkle this almond-crumb topping evenly over the cherry pie filling.
6. Final Bake
Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 40 minutes if using an 8×8 pan, or 45 minutes if using a 9×13 pan, until the topping is lightly golden.
Servings & Preparation Time
The recipe serves approximately 12-16 people. Total preparation time includes about 15 minutes for preparation and approximately 50-55 minutes of baking time, followed by a chilling period to ensure the bars set properly before slicing.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: These bars can be frozen for up to a month. To freeze, place the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper.
- Reheating: If you prefer to enjoy your bars slightly warmed, gently heat in a microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Conclusion
The Cherry Almond Dream Bars offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors, from the crisp cookie base to the creamy cheesecake, topped off with the tartness of cherry pie filling and the nutty crunch of almonds. Whether you’re looking for a festive dessert or just a delicious treat to brighten your day, these bars are sure to impress!
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Cherry Almond Dream Bars
- Total Time: 22 minute
- Yield: 12-16 servings
Description
Indulge in the divine taste of Cherry Almond Dream Bars, a scrumptious treat that layers a sweet sugar cookie crust, a rich cheesecake filling, and a perfectly balanced topping of cherry pie and crunchy almonds. This dessert is not only a feast for the tastebuds but also a visually appealing addition to any table, making it ideal for gatherings, celebrations, or as a special treat for yourself and loved ones.
Ingredients
- Sugar Cookie Mix: 8.5 ounces (dry)
- Cold Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons
- Softened Cream Cheese: 8 ounces
- Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 tablespoon
- Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon
- Egg: 1 large
- Cherry Pie Filling: ½ can
- Toasted Sliced Almonds: ⅓ cup
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking pan with foil.
- Make the Crust: Combine sugar cookie mix and cold butter, press into the pan, and bake.
- Prepare Cheesecake Layer: Mix cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla, and egg until smooth.
- Assemble Layers: Spread cheesecake mixture over crust, add cherry pie filling.
- Add Topping: Combine reserved cookie mixture with almonds, sprinkle over cherry pie filling.
- Final Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes until topping is golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes