This cherry and almond slice is a little different to the normal run of the mill cherry slice, in this recipe the combination of the almonds and honey balance the tartness from the cherries. The soft base and crunchy almond topping makes this slice a crowd favourite.
If slices are your thing but you’re not a big fan of cherries, then give our apple crumble slice a try.
Cherry And Almond Slice Recipe
Yields: 9 squares
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
When you have a little bit of time up your sleeve, this recipe is a must try. It takes a little while to make but it’s definitely easy and the results are worth the effort. Have an electric mixer handy just to make things a little easier.
You can make 9 fairly decent sized slices but you can easily divvy it up in smaller slices to feed some extra guests. Just don’t make the slices too small or else you’ll start upsetting your guests!
Cherry And Almond Slice Ingredients
Cherry Slice Base Ingredients:
5.5 oz (2/3 Cup / 160g) Unsalted butter
5.5 oz (2/3 Cup / 160g) Superfine sugar
2 Large eggs, room temperature
2 oz (1/2 Cup / 60g) All-Purpose flour
1.4 oz (1/3 Cup / 40g) Corn flour
2 Tbsp Rice flour
A pinch of salt
1 tsp Vanilla extract
Cherry Slice Topping Ingredients:
15oz (2 Cups / 425g) Canned Pitted cherries in syrup
5.2 oz (1/2 Cup / 150g) Cherry jam
3.5 oz (1 Cup / 100g) Slivered almonds
2 Tbsp Honey
How to make Cherry And Almond Slice
Begin with preheating an oven at 350F (180C / Gas 4).
Line 8” x 8” (20cm) baking tray with parchment paper, ensure to have some over hanging to help with removal later.
Drain the cherries from the can and leave to dry on top of paper towels.
Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This is where an electric mixer comes in handy.
Add in the eggs, one at a time, ensure that you mix well after each addition then add vanilla extract and mix again.
Sift in all-purpose flour, corn flour, rice flour and a pinch of salt, and use spatula to fold in and mix the ingredients well until all combined.
Now it’s layering time.
Transfer the batter into the lined tray and patiently smear the batter evenly. Lift the tray up slightly and tap it onto the kitchen bench top a couple of times to push out any air bubbles inside the batter.
Drop spoonfuls of cherry jam on top of the batter and use the back of the spoon to gently level the jam all over. Ensure to cover every corner possible.
Arrange the cherries on top, once again ensure to lay them evenly and also press down the cherries into the batter gently once you have finished placing them all.
Then scatter the almond slivers evenly over the top of the base, then drizzle the honey on top.
Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes, check after 50 minutes as use of aluminium foil may be needed to protect over-browning of the almonds and honey.
Allow to cool completely before serving.
Can I use frozen cherries?
You could use frozen cherries bearing in mind that the canned variety will often have added sugar. This means you will need to thaw the cherries and sweeten them to taste before using them in the recipe. You can use artificial sweetener for this if you would like to save on the extra sugar.
Can I use fresh cherries?
If you have fresh cherries you can definitely use them, they just need a little extra effort. Start off by pitting and removing the stems. You can then simmer them for 5 to 10 minutes in either sugar, honey or artificial sweetener. Let it cool down before using in the recipe.
When to eat Cherry And Almond Slice
Using cherry jam along with canned cherries in this recipe rather than fresh fruit means you don’t have to wait for cherries to become in season.
Being able to make this slice year round means that it’s great for basically anytime of the year. We recommend this slice for afternoon tea, a mid morning snack or after a Sunday roast with the family.
What to have with Cherry And Almond Slice
Without a doubt, chocolate goes with cherries like a match made in heaven. You could give the slice a chocolate drizzle, have it with dipping chocolate or with a double choc flavoured ice cream for some real indulgence.
Beverage wise, enjoy with a caffe latte or even a chocolate milkshake.
Should it be served warm or cold?
Honestly, it’s great both ways so it really is down to your own preference. Saying that, there’s something special about having a warm piece of slice with cold chocolate ice cream.
Is this recipe gluten free?
Unfortunately no, it’s not gluten free.
But if you’re looking for a gluten free recipe to use up those extra cherries, try this Gluten Free Cherry Chocolate Chip Muffins recipe from SISTERS SANS GLUTEN.
