These Cherry Almond Blondies are sweet, chewy, and the perfect treat for any occasion! The combination of juicy cherries and nutty almonds makes each bite a little piece of happiness.
Whenever I make these, I can’t help but sneak a piece before they cool. Who can resist that yummy smell? Enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best flavor here. If you’re in a pinch, you can use salted butter; just reduce the added salt a bit.
Brown Sugar: This is key for that deep, rich flavor. If you need to substitute, you can mix white sugar with molasses (1 cup white sugar + 1 tbsp molasses) for a similar taste.
Dried Cherries: Dried cherries add sweetness and chewiness. If you don’t have them, raisins or chopped dried cranberries could work just as well!
Almonds: Sliced almonds give a nice crunch. If you prefer, you can swap them for chopped pecans or walnuts for a different flavor and texture.
Almond Extract: I love adding a little almond extract for extra flavor, but it’s optional. If you’re not keen on the almond taste, just stick with vanilla.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture in Blondies?
Getting the right texture is all about mixing the ingredients well without overdoing it. When you combine wet and dry ingredients, stir gently. Overmixing will make them tough instead of soft and chewy.
- Start by melting your butter and mixing with sugar until smooth.
- When adding dry ingredients, combine until you see no more flour pockets, but don’t keep mixing.
- The cherries and almonds should be folded in gently to avoid breaking them down.
Letting them cool completely before cutting gives them time to set, so they hold together better when you cut them into squares. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Cherry Almond Blondies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix-Ins:
- 1 cup dried cherries (or fresh, pitted and chopped)
- 1 cup sliced almonds (plus extra for topping)
Optional Flavor Enhancer:
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for enhanced almond flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. Just let the blondies cool for a while before diving in. In total, you’re looking at roughly 45 minutes before you enjoy these yummy treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, take a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. This will help your blondies come out easily after baking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, pour in the melted butter and add the brown sugar. Use a whisk to mix them together until everything is smooth and well combined. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and the optional almond extract if you’re using it for that extra almondy goodness!
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly mixed and helps your blondies rise perfectly.
4. Combine Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix! It’s okay if a few small flour pockets remain. Now, fold in the dried cherries and sliced almonds, taking care to mix them in evenly.
5. Bake Your Blondies:
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. To make it even prettier, sprinkle a handful of sliced almonds on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready!
6. Cool & Serve:
Once baked, let your blondies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. When they’re cool enough to handle, cut them into squares. Enjoy them as they are, or warm them up and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat!
This recipe yields about 12-16 deliciously chewy, nutty, and fruity blondies perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying all by yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Dried?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just make sure to pit and chop them before adding to the batter. Keep in mind that fresh cherries have more moisture, so you may want to reduce the baking time slightly.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Blondies?
Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap before freezing!
Can I Substitute Almonds with Another Nut?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different nut, you can substitute sliced almonds with chopped pecans, walnuts, or even hazelnuts. Just make sure they’re chopped to a similar size for even texture.
How Can I Make These Blondies More Chewy?
For chewier blondies, try adding an extra egg yolk to the batter or slightly underbake them, so they stay moist and delicious. Just keep an eye on them while they bake!
