Name: Almond Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup sliced almonds; 2 tablespoons coarse sugar or sanding sugar (optional)

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If you’re looking for a buttery, sweet treat that’s irresistibly chewy and bursting with cozy, nutty flavor, Almond Bars are about to become your new go-to dessert. With their golden edges, delicate almond aroma, and a sprinkle of crunchy sliced almonds on top, these bars strike the perfect balance between elegance and ease. They come together quickly with simple pantry staples, yet always feel special enough for any occasion — from a midweek coffee break to the holiday dessert table. Once you take your first bite of these Almond Bars, I promise you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I truly love about this recipe is how such a modest handful of ingredients combine to create something magical. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding richness, structure, subtle flavor, or that irresistible finishing texture.

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The base of these bars — it brings that signature melt-in-your-mouth richness and a tender crumb.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Lends the right amount of sweetness and ensures a perfectly soft, chewy interior.
Large Egg (1): Acts as a binding powerhouse, giving the bars a light, cohesive bite.
Almond Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Just a splash gives these bars their warm, distinctive almond aroma and flavor.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Provides the essential structure, allowing the bars to hold together while staying soft.
Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a subtle lift, making each bite just a bit more tender.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and amplifies the flavors beautifully.
Sliced Almonds (1/2 cup): Scattered on top, they toast in the oven for extra crunch and visual appeal.
Coarse Sugar or Sanding Sugar (2 tablespoons, optional): Adds a sparkling, crunchy finish — a lovely touch but optional if you like a more classic look.

How to Make Almond Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F, so it’s nice and hot when your dough is ready. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy lifting, or give it a light greasing to prevent sticking. This little bit of prep makes serving (and cleanup) a total breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or sturdy spatula to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. You’re looking for the mixture to become light, fluffy, and pale — this step infuses the dough with air, ensuring your Almond Bars have that wonderful tender texture.

Step 3: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Now, add your egg and almond extract straight into the buttery mixture. Beat them in until everything looks smooth and well-combined. That little hit of almond extract transforms everything, filling your kitchen with the dreamiest aroma!

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution, so you don’t get any uneven pockets in your bars. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms.

Step 5: Press and Top the Dough

Scoop your dough into the prepared pan and press it out evenly — you can use clean hands or the back of a spatula to help you along. Sprinkle sliced almonds all over the top, and for extra sparkle and crunch, scatter on some coarse or sanding sugar. Give a gentle press so the toppings stick nicely during baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, watching for the edges to turn golden and the center to set. They’ll firm up a bit more as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem just a tad soft at first. Let the bars cool completely in the pan — this patience pays off with perfect slices!

Step 7: Slice and Enjoy

Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment (if used) and cut into squares or rectangles. Prepare yourself: the flurry of almond fragrance and that first buttery, chewy bite is pure magic!

How to Serve Almond Bars

Garnishes

Almond Bars are irresistible as they are, but a drizzle of simple almond glaze (made with powdered sugar, milk, and a dash more almond extract) really takes them over the top. You can also add a sprinkle of extra sliced almonds or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Side Dishes

Enjoy these bars alongside a hot cup of coffee, your favorite herbal tea, or an ice-cold glass of milk. They’re also the perfect companion for a bowl of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to turn snack time into a fancy dessert moment.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the Almond Bars into triangles or slim sticks for a striking presentation at parties. For gifting, wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine — they look homemade and heartfelt. On a dessert buffet, stack them on a tiered platter with fresh fruit slices or chocolate-dipped strawberries for a showstopper effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Almond Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They stay soft and chewy, and actually become even more flavorful as the almond melds with the buttery base.

Freezing

To freeze Almond Bars, arrange them in single layers separated by parchment in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature for an easy, make-ahead treat whenever cravings strike.

Reheating

If you enjoy your Almond Bars just slightly warm, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds. This refreshes their soft texture and brings out that gorgeous almond aroma all over again.

FAQs

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Just use two 9×13-inch pans or one even larger sheet pan if you have one handy. The Almond Bars bake up perfectly even in larger batches, making them an ideal party dessert.

What’s the best way to get really clean slices?

Letting the bars cool completely is key. Use a sharp knife — wiping it clean between each cut helps achieve those picture-perfect edges. If you like, you can even refrigerate the bars before slicing to make them extra neat.

Can I swap the almonds for another nut?

Certainly! Sliced hazelnuts, pistachios, or even pecans will all work beautifully. Just keep in mind the flavor will change — but that can be half the fun if you’re experimenting.

Are Almond Bars gluten-free?

The original recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Check that all your ingredients are certified gluten-free to keep it suitable for sensitive eaters.

How can I make the almond flavor even stronger?

If you’re a true almond lover, add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract or finish the cooled bars with a homemade almond glaze. Both tricks will bump up the nutty aroma and flavor in each bite.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s your first time making these or you’re already a die-hard fan, Almond Bars have a wonderful way of instantly brightening any day. Give them a try and see why everyone who tastes them always asks for the recipe. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with this delectable treat!

Almond Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of these Almond Bars. A perfect combination of almond flavor and sweetness, these bars are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Ideal for a quick snack or a delightful dessert!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bars:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sliced almonds
2 tablespoons coarse sugar or sanding sugar (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and almond extract, mix well.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, forming a dough.
Press into pan: Press dough into the prepared pan. Top with almonds and sugar.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden. Cool completely before slicing.