When it comes to indulgent and satisfying sweet treats, there are few things that can beat the delightful combination of chocolate, cherry, and almonds. Today, we’re bringing you a recipe that merges these delicious flavors into one irresistible dessert – Cherry Almond Nanaimo Bars.
Ingredients:
For the Base:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 5 tablespoons cocoa powder
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1 cup shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup chopped almonds
For the Filling:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix
– 2 tablespoons milk
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
For the Topping:
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions:
1. Start by preparing the base. In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and beaten egg. Mix well until smooth.
2. Stir in the graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and chopped almonds until everything is evenly distributed and well combined.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Ensure it is packed down tightly and evenly. Place the pan in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the filling.
4. To make the filling, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and almond extract in a mixing bowl until smooth and fluffy.
5. Remove the pan from the refrigerator and spread the filling evenly over the chilled base layer. Use a spatula to smooth out the top for a neat finish.
6. Return the pan to the refrigerator to chill while you make the topping.
7. For the topping, melt the chocolate chips and unsalted butter in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth and glossy.
8. Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled filling layer and spread it evenly using a spatula. Sprinkle the dried cherries and sliced almonds on top, gently pressing them into the chocolate.
9. Place the Nanaimo bars back in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate has set completely.
10. Once set, remove the bars from the pan by lifting the edges of the parchment paper. Transfer them to a cutting board and slice into squares or bars of your desired size.
Enjoy the rich and decadent flavors of these Cherry Almond Nanaimo Bars as a delightful treat for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a sweet indulgence for yourself. The creamy filling, crunchy almond base, and the burst of cherry in every bite will surely make these bars a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
