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Cherry And Almond Biscotti

Cherry And Almond Biscotti

Drying cherries is not only a great way to preserve their flavour, but it also opens up countless recipe possibilities.
Dehydrated cherries can be used in everything from salads and granola to sauces, biscuits, and even in my delicious cherry and almond biscotti recipe. Using my Instant Brands air fryer, I set it to 70°C on the dehydrate function, and in 3–4 hours, I had perfectly dried cherries.
If you don’t have an air fryer, don’t worry, you can achieve similar results using your oven on its lowest temperature setting, although the time may vary. Once dried, these cherries can be stored in an airtight container, giving you a taste of summer whenever you need it.
Preserving cherries through dehydration isn’t just practical, it’s also a fantastic way to reduce waste and enjoy their vibrant taste throughout the year. Whether you’re a baker, or a lover of salads , or just love snacking, this method is worth trying!
This cherry and almond biscotti is a perfect blend of crispy, crunchy texture and rich, nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness from the cherries. The process of making the biscotti is straightforward, and the results are truly delightful. The combination of the chewy dried cherries and the crunchy almonds creates a satisfying contrast, while the orange zest adds a burst of freshness to each bite.
These biscotti are ideal for pairing with a hot beverage like coffee or tea, making them a lovely snack any time of the day. Plus, with the added bonus of dehydrated cherries, they’re not only a delicious treat but also a great way to enjoy cherries long after their season has ended. 
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 1 cup dried cherries chopped
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds
  • Zest of 1 orange optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  • Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this.
  • Add eggs and extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts (and orange zest, if using).
  • Combine dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  • Fold in the add-ins: Stir in the dried cherries and sliced almonds, being careful not to over-mix.
  • Shape the dough: Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 10 inches long and 2 inches wide. Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
  • First bake: Bake the biscotti logs for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and firm to the touch. They will puff up a little and become slightly cracked on top.
  • Cool slightly, slice, and bake again: Allow the logs to cool on the sheet for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a cutting board and slice diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces using a serrated knife.
  • Second bake: Lay the slices cut-side down on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are dry and crisp.
  • Cool completely: Let the biscotti cool completely on a wire rack before serving. They will crisp up as they cool.

Notes

1. Dehydrating Cherries: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still dehydrate cherries using your oven. Set the temperature as low as possible (usually around 50-60°C), and check every hour to prevent them from over-drying. Make sure to slice them in half and remove the pits before dehydrating to speed up the process.
2. Biscotti Texture: Biscotti are meant to be crisp, so make sure to bake the slices during the second round for a perfect crunch. Don’t skip the flipping step to ensure an even crispiness.
3. Flavor Variations: You can add other ingredients to this biscotti, such as chocolate chips or a hint of cinnamon, to enhance the flavor.
4. Storage Tips: Once the biscotti are completely cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
5. Substitutes: If you prefer, you can swap the sliced almonds for other nuts like pistachios or walnuts. You can also use dried cranberries or apricots instead of cherries for a different twist.
Enjoy your cherry and almond biscotti with a cup of coffee or tea!