Cherry Almond Spring Delights

Name: Cherry Almond Spring Delights
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped; 1/2 cup almond flour; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Holiday & Seasonal

I absolutely love creating desserts that capture the vibrant essence of spring! These Cherry Almond Spring Delights are a perfect balance of tart cherry and nutty almond flavors. Each bite feels like a celebration, reminding me of lazy afternoons in the garden. The combination of fresh cherries and almond extract creates a deliciously light yet indulgent treat that’s perfect for gatherings. I am always excited to share these delightful morsels with friends and family, as they never cease to impress with their beautiful presentation and scrumptious taste.

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2026-02-07T19:54:19.979Z

When I first crafted these Cherry Almond Spring Delights, I was inspired by the cheerful arrival of spring. The vibrant cherries paired with almond create a nostalgic flavor profile reminiscent of homemade desserts from my childhood. I used fresh cherries to enhance the flavor, making sure to balance tartness with sweetness.

During my testing, I discovered that lightly toasting the almonds before folding them into the batter adds an incredible depth of flavor. This small step elevates the dish, ensuring each mouthful is packed with rich, nutty goodness. It's a detail that turns a good recipe into a great one!

Why You'll Love These Cherry Almond Spring Delights
Fresh, vibrant flavors that scream spring
The perfect blend of tart cherries and nutty almonds
A delightful treat that's visually stunning and delicious

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of these Cherry Almond Spring Delights is undoubtedly the fresh cherries. They not only impart a burst of tartness but also contribute moisture to the batter, ensuring a tender texture. When selecting cherries, look for those that are firm and brightly colored. Pitting and chopping them before adding them to the mixture will help distribute their flavor evenly throughout each bite. If fresh cherries are out of season, frozen cherries can be a suitable alternative; just ensure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.

Almond flour plays a crucial role in creating a nutty depth that beautifully complements the cherries. It's essential to use finely ground almond flour for a smoother texture in your delights. If you're looking to reduce gluten, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with additional almond flour, but keep in mind that this may change the final texture slightly, making it denser. The balance of almond flour and all-purpose flour in this recipe strikes the right harmony to maintain structure while providing that lovely almond flavor.

Techniques for Success

When mixing the batter, ensure that the melted butter and sugar are combined until the mixture feels smooth and glossy. This step helps to incorporate air into the batter, which is key for achieving a light, fluffy texture once baked. Be cautious not to overmix when adding the dry ingredients; stirring just until combined helps maintain that airy quality, preventing the delights from becoming tough or dense. The addition of eggs should also be gradual, allowing each one to meld into the mixture properly after each addition.

Baking these Cherry Almond Delights requires attention to time and temperature. Begin checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean with minimal crumbs. If you notice the top browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing the middle to bake through. Once baked, letting them cool completely before cutting is essential, as they will firm up further, resulting in cleaner edges for a more appealing presentation.

Ingredients

For the Cherry Almond Delights

1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
1/2 cup almond flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.

Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the almond extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Fold in Cherries

Gently fold in the chopped cherries, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared dish and smooth out the top. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Cut

Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy!

Enjoy Your Delights!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider using a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving. You can also serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Serving Suggestions

These Cherry Almond Spring Delights can be served warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for any gathering. For an elegant touch, consider dusting them with powdered sugar just before serving. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the flavor profile. Their vibrant red and golden hues also make them beautiful additions to a springtime dessert table or potluck.

For a fun twist, you can serve the delights with a drizzle of cherry or almond glaze. To make a simple glaze, mix powdered sugar with a splash of almond extract and a drop of water until it reaches a pourable consistency. This adds an additional layer of flavor and enhances the overall presentation. You may also experiment with garnishing using whole cherries or slivers of toasted almonds for added visual appeal.

Storage and Variations

If you happen to have leftovers, these delights can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to refresh them. However, be cautious not to overheat them, as that may affect their texture.

Feel free to experiment with variations by swapping cherries for other seasonal fruits such as raspberries or blueberries, which would equally complement the almond flavor. Alternatively, you could incorporate dark chocolate chips for a richer taste. If you’re looking to make these delights gluten-free, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour and adapt with additional almond flour as needed for texture. These adjustments can provide exciting new takes on this springtime treat.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I substitute almond flour with something else?

You can use all-purpose flour instead, but the texture will be different.

→ Is it possible to make these nut-free?

Absolutely! Just omit the almond flour and replace it with additional all-purpose flour.