Cherry Almond Spring Delights

Name: Cherry Almond Spring Delights
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup cold water; 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved; 1/2 cup almond paste; 1 tsp almond extract; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp cornstarch

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

I love welcoming spring with my Cherry Almond Spring Delights. These delightful treats combine the tartness of fresh cherries with the subtle nuttiness of almond, creating a perfect harmony of flavors that’s hard to resist. Whether I'm entertaining friends or simply indulging myself, these pastries always impress with their vibrant colors and mouthwatering aromas. The best part? They're surprisingly easy to whip up, allowing me to enjoy the season without spending hours in the kitchen.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-07T22:10:27.443Z

I've always been captivated by the beauty of cherries in spring, and their vibrant hue inspired me to create these Cherry Almond Spring Delights. After experimenting with various combinations, I found that blending ripe cherries with almond extract brings out the best in both flavors. One of my favorite tips is to let the dough chill before rolling it out; this not only makes it easier to handle but also results in a flakier texture.

Each time I serve these delights, I watch as people take their first bite and their faces light up with joy. It’s rewarding to see how something so simple can bring happiness. If you want an extra kick, try adding a splash of almond liqueur to the filling; it elevates the flavor profile to a whole new level!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The sweet-tart burst of cherries paired with nutty almond essence is utterly irresistible.
Flaky pastry that melts in your mouth with each delightful bite.
Perfect for spring gatherings or as a special treat for yourself.

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

Using fresh cherries is essential for this recipe. Their tartness beautifully balances the sweetness of the almond filling, creating a harmonious flavor profile. Opt for cherries that are firm and plump, which will hold their shape during baking. If fresh cherries are unavailable, frozen cherries can work, but ensure to thoroughly drain them to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

Almond paste is another key ingredient that contributes a wonderful nuttiness to the filling. If you can’t find almond paste, you can create a substitute by blending blanched almonds with sugar until smooth. This not only preserves the nutty flavor but also provides a lovely texture for your pastries.

Mastering Pastry Techniques

Chilling the dough before rolling it out is a crucial step that should not be overlooked. It allows the butter to firm up, which results in a flakier pastry once baked. After rolling out your dough, keep any unused portions in the refrigerator to maintain the consistency while you work. If you notice your dough is becoming too warm, a quick chill can save you from a sticky situation.

When sealing your pastries, it's important to ensure that there are no gaps in the edges; otherwise, the filling may leak out during baking. I recommend using a fork to crimp the edges securely, creating a tight seal and adding an attractive decorative touch.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to get started on your Cherry Almond Spring Delights:

For the Pastry

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup cold water

For the Filling

1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
1/2 cup almond paste
1 tsp almond extract
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch

Once you have all your ingredients prepared, you're ready to create these delightful treats!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your Cherry Almond Spring Delights:

Make the Pastry Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, mixing just until combined. Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling

In another bowl, mix together the pitted cherries, almond paste, almond extract, sugar, and cornstarch until well combined. Set aside.

Roll Out the Dough

Once chilled, roll out the pastry dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles with a diameter of about 4 inches.

Fill and Seal

Place a tablespoon of the cherry filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy these Cherry Almond Spring Delights warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

For an added touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving. You can also experiment with different fruit fillings for a varied experience.

Storage and Serving Tips

These Cherry Almond Spring Delights are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the pastry to regain its flaky texture.

For a delightful twist, try serving these pastries with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creaminess complements the tartness of the cherries beautifully and adds a luxurious touch to your dessert.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to experiment with different fruits based on seasonal availability or your personal preference. Peaches, apricots, or even blueberries can be delicious substitutes for the cherry filling. Just remember to adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.

For added complexity in flavor, consider incorporating a teaspoon of lemon zest into your cherry filling. This brightens the overall profile and enhances the freshness of the dish, making it even more delightful for spring.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cherries work well, just ensure they are thawed and drained of excess moisture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it wrapped in the refrigerator.

→ What is almond paste?

Almond paste is a sweet mixture of ground almonds, sugar, and sometimes glucose. It adds a wonderful almond flavor to recipes.