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Almond Bars Recipe

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Deliciously tender almond bars made with a buttery almond-flavored dough, topped with sliced almonds and a sweet almond glaze. These bars are lightly baked to a perfect soft texture and offer a delightful almond aroma, perfect for a snack or dessert.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 Tablespoons milk (any variety, divided)

Topping

  • 1 cup sliced almonds

Glaze

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 Tablespoons milk (any variety)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Generously butter or spray a half sheet pan (approximately 18″ x 13″) and set it aside.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This aerates the batter and creates a tender crumb.
  4. Add Eggs and Almond Extract: Incorporate the eggs one at a time along with the almond extract, beating until fully combined to infuse the dough with almond flavor.
  5. Add Dry Mixture: Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough is well blended but not overworked.
  6. Press Dough into Pan: Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan. Use your fingers or a pastry roller to smooth and evenly distribute the dough across the bottom of the pan.
  7. Brush Milk and Add Almonds: Lightly brush the top of the dough with milk, then evenly sprinkle the sliced almonds over the surface, pressing them gently into the dough so they adhere.
  8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes. Watch carefully to ensure the bars do not brown; they should remain light in color.
  9. Cool and Cut: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool for about 5 minutes. Then, using a sharp knife, cut into bars. If the bars seem too soft to cut cleanly, allow them to cool a little longer to set.
  10. Remove and Cool Completely: Carefully lift the bars out and place them onto a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
  11. Make Glaze and Drizzle: Whisk together the powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk until smooth. Drizzle this glaze evenly over the cooled bars and let it set before serving.

Notes

  • Use softened butter for easier mixing and better texture.
  • Do not overbake; bars should remain pale and tender.
  • Milk used for brushing keeps almonds adhered and adds moisture.
  • Glaze can be adjusted by adding more milk if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/almond-bars-recipe/