Marzipan and Cherry Squares

Cherry and almond is easily one of my favourite flavour combinations and I've had this recipe in my ideas book for a while now. I also adore streusel topping and I try and put it on just about anything I can and these squares are no exception. The added addition of marzipan to the streusel topping adds a slight crunch to the squares as well as adding more almond flavour to the bake. You don't have to have fresh cherries to make these squares, all you need is a good quality cherry jam which you can find in most supermarkets.

Marzipan and Cherry Squares 
(Makes 12 squares) 

150g Butter

125g Sugar 

2 Large Eggs

150g Ground Almonds 

50g Plain Flour 

Streusel Topping 

75g Plain Flour 

75g Soft Light Brown Sugar 

50g Butter

25g Rolled Oats 

50g Grated Marzipan 

Cherry Jam

Preheat the oven to 200℃, Gas mark 5. 

Line and grease a 20cm x 20cm tray bake tin with grease proof paper. 

To make the almond sponge place all the ingredients into a large mixing bowl and whisk together until well combined and smooth, this should take around three - four minutes. 

To make the streusel topping place the plain flour and butter into a mixing bowl. Rub them together until they resemble bread crumbs. Add in the sugar, rolled oats and grated marzipan and mix together until well combined. 

Spread a thin layer of the almond sponge mixture onto the bottom of the prepared tin. Then spread the cherry jam over the layer of almond sponge, making sure that the whole surface is covered equally. 

Then spread over the remaining almond sponge mixture on top of the jam. Use a spatula to make sure that the mixture is level. 

Sprinkle the streusel mixture equally over the sponge. 

Place in the oven for 35 - 40 minutes until golden brown on top. Leave in the tin to cool for ten minutes and then transfer it onto a cooling rack and leave to cool completely before cutting into squares.