Rich almond cake bars layered with sweet cherry jam and a buttery crust, topped with a sprinkle of sugared almonds. Perfectly golden, tender, and delicious for any occasion!
Cream butter and sugar for the crust, then mix in flour, chopped almonds, and extract until crumbly. Line an 8x8 pan with parchment, spread dough evenly, and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
After baking the crust, immediately spread ¾ cup of cherry jam or marmalade over the hot surface. Set the pan aside. Increase the oven temperature to 375°F in preparation for the next layer.
Cream butter and sugar for the cake batter, then beat in eggs and extract. Gradually add flour and almond meal until fluffy. Drop batter over the jam layer and gently spread it to the edges.
Bake the assembled cake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely before cutting into squares. Sprinkle the almond topping over the top and drizzle with glaze.