There’s a unique magic that accompanies the transition into autumn, especially for those of us who cherish the ritual of “back to school.” While many recall the buzz of new classrooms or catching up with friends, my excitement always revolved more around the crisp new notebooks, vibrant pens, and the promise of a fresh start embodied by a pristine set of school supplies. To be entirely candid, the academic aspect itself often left me yearning for more. Growing up in a modest small town, attending an equally modest school, meant a curriculum that, while solid, offered limited electives or extracurricular pursuits to truly ignite my curiosity.
My mother, a keen observer, understood this unspoken sentiment. She knew the traditional classroom setting wasn’t always providing the intellectual challenge I craved. Our solution? Frequent, adventurous trips to the local library, where we’d delve into an astonishing array of subjects, learning about everything from ancient civilizations to astrophysics, entirely on our own terms. These impromptu learning sessions were truly formative, fostering a lifelong love for independent exploration and discovery, far beyond the confines of textbooks.
Beyond intellectual nourishment, there was another, equally cherished, daily ritual: an afternoon treat awaiting me after school. It wasn’t always elaborate; sometimes it was a simple plate of store-bought cookies, other times a labor of love like a fresh batch of homemade brownies. Even a humble peanut butter and cracker combination felt like a small act of devotion. But the unwavering certainty of that post-school snack, a warm welcome from my mother’s kitchen, provided a comforting anchor to my day, a stark and delicious contrast to the often-lackluster school lunch.
Now, as an adult, I find myself without a child of my own to greet with library trips or a specially prepared snack. Yet, the longing to recreate that feeling of warmth, comfort, and simple indulgence remains. It’s a desire to infuse everyday moments with a touch of homemade love, reminiscent of those cherished childhood afternoons. And when I imagine the perfect treat to achieve just that, these delightful Cherry Almond Blondies immediately come to mind. They are precisely the kind of thoughtful, delicious creation that would be welcomed with beaming smiles.
Cherry Almond Blondies: The Perfect Wholesome Treat
These aren’t just any blondies; they are a symphony of textures and flavors designed to tantalize your taste buds. Imagine biting into a wonderfully sweet, yet subtly tart, chewy bar, where each mouthful delivers the delightful crunch of toasted almonds. The secret lies in the vibrant dried cherries, which burst with a bright, tangy sweetness, beautifully complementing the rich, nutty notes of the almonds. But what truly sets these blondies apart is their slightly wholesome twist: they’re crafted with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour and a touch of creamy yogurt. This thoughtful combination means you can indulge in a batch (or two!) feeling a little better about the treat you’re serving, making them perfect for an after-school snack, a midday pick-me-up, or a satisfying dessert.
Thoughtful Ingredients for Superior Flavor and Texture
Choosing the right ingredients is paramount to achieving the perfect blondie, and for this recipe, I lean into choices that enhance both flavor and nutritional profile. For the flour, I highly recommend using King Arthur Flour’s white whole wheat flour. It’s one of my absolute favorites because it offers the nutritional benefits of whole wheat – including fiber and essential nutrients – without the dense, sometimes gritty texture or robust flavor often associated with traditional red whole wheat flour. Its finer grind and milder taste make it an excellent choice for baked goods, resulting in a lighter, more tender blondie. However, if standard whole wheat flour is what you have on hand or prefer, it will certainly work beautifully, contributing a slightly heartier texture and a deeper, nuttier flavor profile.
Another key ingredient is yogurt, which plays a crucial role in these blondies. It contributes wonderful moisture and a delicate tang that brightens the overall flavor, making the blondies incredibly tender and moist. I typically opt for vanilla yogurt to infuse an extra layer of fragrant vanilla essence directly into the batter. If you choose to use plain yogurt, which works perfectly fine, and still desire that enhanced vanilla depth, simply increase the amount of vanilla extract to 1 & 1/2 teaspoons. This minor adjustment ensures your blondies still achieve that delightful aromatic finish.
Unlocking the Potential of Dried Cherries and Almonds
The star ingredients, dried cherries and crunchy almonds, aren’t just for show. Dried cherries offer a concentrated burst of tartness that beautifully cuts through the sweetness of the blondie base. They also provide a satisfying chewiness that contrasts wonderfully with the tender crumb. Almonds, on the other hand, bring a delightful crunch and a delicate, buttery flavor that complements the cherries perfectly. Beyond their incredible taste and texture, both ingredients boast nutritional benefits. Cherries are rich in antioxidants, while almonds provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber, adding to the “feel-good” aspect of these wholesome bars.
Endless Customization: Your Blondie, Your Way
One of the most appealing aspects of this Cherry Almond Blondie recipe is its incredible adaptability. Consider this recipe a versatile canvas, eagerly awaiting your creative brushstrokes! The basic blondie batter is exceptionally forgiving and serves as a perfect foundation for a multitude of variations. If your pantry is anything like mine, brimming with an assortment of dried fruits, nuts, and perhaps a few types of chocolate, you’re in for a treat. You can effortlessly substitute the dried cherries and almonds with your favorite combinations to create entirely new flavor profiles, ensuring you never tire of this beloved dessert.
Feeling adventurous? Try swapping the dried cherries for tangy dried cranberries and pairing them with crunchy pecans for a festive, holiday-inspired bar. Or perhaps, for a tropical twist, incorporate chopped dried apricots and macadamia nuts. Golden raisins and walnuts create a classic, comforting combination, while pistachios and white chocolate chips can elevate these bars to an elegant, sophisticated dessert. You could even introduce other spices, like a pinch of cardamom or ginger, to further enhance the flavor profile of your chosen add-ins. The possibilities are truly boundless, inviting you to experiment and discover your own signature blondie creations. Each new combination promises a fresh, exciting experience, making baking these bars a continuously enjoyable adventure!
Baking Tips for Blondie Perfection
Achieving the perfect blondie is simpler than you might think, but a few key tips can elevate your results from good to absolutely fantastic. Firstly, resist the urge to overmix the batter once the flour is added. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, chewy blondies rather than the desired soft and tender crumb. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Secondly, always ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. A properly preheated oven ensures even baking and helps the blondies set correctly. When checking for doneness, look for a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center to come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. This indicates they are baked through but still wonderfully fudgy. Overbaking is the enemy of a moist blondie, leading to a dry texture.
Finally, patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to cooling. Allow your blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to cut them. This cooling period allows them to firm up properly, making them much easier to slice into neat bars without crumbling. If you’re eager for a warm treat, a slightly warm blondie is delightful, but for clean cuts and optimal texture, a full cool-down is recommended.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
These Cherry Almond Blondies are absolutely delicious on their own, whether enjoyed warm from the oven or at room temperature. For an extra touch of indulgence, consider dusting them lightly with powdered sugar before serving. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream, especially when slightly warmed. For storage, keep the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze exceptionally well; simply wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a quick and comforting treat whenever a craving strikes.
Cherry Almond Blondies
16 2-inch blondies
20 minutes
25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 & 1/4 cups white whole wheat flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons plain or vanilla yogurt
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped almonds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, stir together the brown sugar, melted butter, and yogurt, mixing until thoroughly combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix well until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently stir in the dried cherries and coarsely chopped almonds.
- Transfer the blondie batter to the prepared baking pan. Spread evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking to keep them fudgy.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into bars. This allows the blondies to set properly and ensures clean cuts.
Show off your baking masterpiece!
Snap a pic, tag @bakeorbreak, and use #bakeorbreak on Instagram. Can’t wait to see your creation!
This recipe was originally developed for Clabber Girl, where I am a paid contributor.