Almond Bars

These Almond Bars are a buttery, soft, and chewy dessert topped with a crunchy layer of sliced almonds and a sweet glaze. Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or as an everyday treat, these simple yet elegant bars are packed with nutty flavor and a hint of vanilla. They’re easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and chewy texture – Buttery base with a slight crunch from sliced almonds.
• Simple ingredients – Easy to find and pantry-friendly.
• Perfect for any occasion – Great for holidays, tea parties, or casual snacking.
• Customizable – Add almond extract for an extra nutty kick or drizzle with chocolate for added indulgence.
• Freezer-friendly – Store well for future snacking or last-minute entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the bars:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup sliced almonds (for topping)

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk (or as needed)
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven:
   • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the dough:
   • In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined.
3. Assemble the bars:
   • Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish using a spatula or your hands.
   • Sprinkle sliced almonds evenly over the top of the dough, gently pressing them into the surface.
4. Bake:
   • Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool and glaze:
   • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
   • In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
6. Slice and serve:
   • Once the glaze is set, cut the bars into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 20–24 bars
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate-Dipped Almond Bars: Dip half of each bar in melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
• Lemon Almond Bars: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough and a little lemon juice to the glaze for a citrusy flavor.
• Coconut Almond Bars: Sprinkle shredded coconut along with the almonds before baking for extra texture.
• Gluten-Free Almond Bars: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Caramel Almond Bars: Drizzle caramel sauce over the glaze for an extra layer of indulgence.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: No reheating necessary—enjoy them at room temperature!

FAQs

Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nuttier taste, but using only almond flour may alter the texture.

Do I have to use almond extract?

No, almond extract is optional but enhances the nutty flavor. You can use vanilla extract alone for a more subtle taste.

Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?

Yes! Sliced pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts also work well with this recipe.

How do I keep the bars from becoming too dry?

Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to dryness. Bake until the edges are golden, and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Can I make these bars dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free butter substitute and a plant-based milk for the glaze.

Why did my bars come out crumbly?

Too much flour or overbaking can cause crumbliness. Be sure to measure flour properly and check for doneness early.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two 9×13-inch pans. Adjust baking time as needed.

What’s the best way to slice almond bars cleanly?

Let the bars cool completely and use a sharp knife dipped in hot water, wiping the blade between cuts for clean slices.

Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

Yes, but reducing the sugar may affect the texture and moistness of the bars. Try cutting the sugar by ¼ cup first.

Are these bars freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

These Almond Bars are a soft, chewy, and irresistibly nutty treat perfect for any occasion. Whether served at a holiday party, packaged as a gift, or enjoyed as a cozy snack with tea, their buttery texture and sweet almond flavor are sure to impress. Easy to make and beautifully customizable, this simple dessert will quickly become a family favorite!

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