Introduction
There’s something comforting about almond-flavored desserts. Whether it’s the slightly sweet, buttery taste or the crunchy texture of almonds, these little gems always hit the spot. For me, almond desserts remind me of afternoons spent baking with my grandmother. The scent of roasted almonds wafting through the house while the oven worked its magic—those were some of my happiest moments.
That’s why I’ve always loved creating almond bars. These bars are rich and flavorful, with a buttery shortbread base and topped with a sweet almond filling that will have everyone coming back for seconds. They’re simple enough for a weeknight treat but fancy enough to serve at a special gathering. No matter the occasion, these almond bars are sure to become a go-to recipe in your collection.
Ingredients:
For the Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
For the Almond Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup sliced almonds (for topping)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. These ingredients form the foundation of the base layer of the bars.
- Cream Butter and Add Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the butter and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat until fully combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until you get a crumbly dough. This dough will form the base layer of the almond bars.
- Press Into Pan: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan, making sure it’s smooth and level.
- Bake the Base: Bake the base in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and firm to the touch. Set aside to cool while you prepare the almond filling.
Step 2: Make the Almond Filling
- Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the Almonds and Flour: Stir in the almond flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. The almond flour will give the filling a rich, nutty flavor and texture.
- Melted Butter: Slowly add the melted butter to the mixture and stir until everything is fully combined. The filling should be smooth and pourable.
- Pour Over the Base: Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the almond filling over the base, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Sliced Almonds: Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top of the almond filling. These will toast beautifully as the bars bake, giving the bars a satisfying crunch and extra almond flavor.
Step 3: Bake the Almond Bars
- Bake the Bars: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the almond filling is set and golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when done.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares or rectangles. This ensures they won’t crumble and will hold their shape.
Tips for Perfect Almond Bars:
- Chill the Dough: If your dough for the base seems too soft or sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before pressing it into the pan. This will make it easier to handle.
- Use Fresh Almonds: For the best flavor, use fresh almond flour or finely ground almonds. The natural oils in the almonds will help create a moist filling.
- Add a Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a light almond glaze over the bars once they’ve cooled. Simply mix powdered sugar with a little milk and almond extract until smooth, then drizzle over the bars.
- Almond Extract: For an added punch of almond flavor, consider adding a few drops of almond extract to the almond filling.
- Make It Gluten-Free: If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure the almond flour is certified gluten-free.
Variations You Can Try:
- Chocolate Almond Bars: Drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the top before serving for a rich, decadent twist.
- Coconut Almond Bars: Add a 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the almond filling for a tropical flavor that pairs perfectly with the almonds.
- Cranberry Almond Bars: Stir in dried cranberries to the almond filling for a burst of tartness that balances the sweetness.
- Lemon Almond Bars: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the almond filling for a refreshing citrusy contrast to the rich almonds.
Storage and Serving:
- Storing the Bars: Store the almond bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: You can freeze the almond bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: These almond bars are perfect on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent treat. They also make a wonderful addition to holiday dessert platters or tea parties.
Why You’ll Love These Almond Bars:
These almond bars are the perfect balance of buttery sweetness and nutty flavor. The base is tender yet firm, offering a satisfying texture beneath the rich almond filling. With each bite, you’ll enjoy the crunch of the toasted almonds and the subtle almond flour that gives these bars an irresistible flavor. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—easily customizable to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.
Whether you’re sharing them with family, friends, or enjoying them on your own, these almond bars are sure to become a favorite dessert.