Nothing beats a delightful treat like these Almond Bars Recipe that bring together a perfectly tender sugar cookie base with a creamy almond filling and a luscious white chocolate topping. This recipe is a beautiful balance of textures and flavors, showcasing the rich nuttiness of almond paste and the subtle sweetness of almond extract. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a charming homemade dessert, this Almond Bars Recipe is sure to become one of your all-time favorites. Every bite offers that warm, buttery goodness that feels like a comforting hug from the inside.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients list for this Almond Bars Recipe is wonderfully straightforward yet essential for delivering every layer of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial part, from the sugar cookie base that provides a sturdy foundation, to the almond filling that adds depth, and finally the white chocolate topping that elegantly finishes the bars.
- Sugar Cookie Mix (1 pouch, 17.5 oz): The go-to shortcut that makes the base delightfully soft and buttery without fuss.
- Butter or Margarine (½ cup + ¼ cup): Melting butter imparts rich flavor and moistness so every bite is tender and flavorful.
- Almond Extract (½ teaspoon): A small touch of this intensifies the nutty aroma, perfectly complementing the almond paste.
- Eggs (3 total): Eggs help bind ingredients and create a luscious texture, giving structure and creaminess where needed.
- Almond Paste (1 can/package, 7-8 oz): This star ingredient brings a naturally sweet, fresh almond flavor and creamy consistency to the filling.
- Sugar (¼ cup): Blends into the filling to add just the right hint of additional sweetness.
- Sliced Almonds (½ cup + ¼ cup): Adding both in the filling and as a topping for delightful crunch and visual appeal.
- White Chocolate Baking Bar (2 oz): Melts into a glossy, smooth drizzle that marries beautifully with the bar’s almond notes.
- Shortening (2 tablespoons): Helps achieve a perfect melting texture for the white chocolate drizzle, so it spreads evenly.
How to Make Almond Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it thoroughly or lining it with parchment paper. This step is key to ensuring your bars bake evenly and come out in perfect squares without sticking.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Base
Combine the sugar cookie mix, ½ cup melted butter, almond extract, and one egg in a large bowl. Mix everything well until you get a uniform dough. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This base will be the sturdy, buttery foundation of your Almond Bars Recipe.
Step 3: Prepare the Almond Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together the crumbled almond paste, ¼ cup sugar, ¼ cup melted butter, and two eggs. Whisk it until smooth and creamy — this is what makes the filling irresistibly rich and luscious. Then stir in the ½ cup of sliced almonds to add some delightful texture.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spread the almond filling evenly over the cookie base in your pan. Make sure to cover every corner for a consistent flavor in every bite. Bake in your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden on top. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely before moving to the next step.
Step 5: Add the White Chocolate Drizzle
Place the white chocolate baking bar and 2 tablespoons shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in 15-second bursts, stirring after each, until smooth and glossy. Drizzle the melted white chocolate generously over the cooled bars and sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of sliced almonds on top for a stunning finish.
Step 6: Chill and Cut
Refrigerate the bars until the chocolate topping firms up nicely. Then, cut into 24 squares and get ready to enjoy this truly special Almond Bars Recipe with friends and family.
How to Serve Almond Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of powdered sugar can give these bars a delicate snowy look, perfect for a fancy touch. For extra flair, consider adding some finely chopped toasted almonds for a deeper crunch and a lovely toasted aroma. Fresh berries on the side enhance the almond flavors beautifully with their juicy brightness.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or tea, making for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up. If you want to turn dessert into a complete experience, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy cold element contrasts beautifully with the nutty richness of the bars.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive gatherings, arrange the bars on a decorative plate and drizzle extra white chocolate in a zigzag pattern for added elegance. You can also cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve on cocktail picks as delightful party finger food. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with a ribbon makes a charming homemade gift!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Almond Bars Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. If you prefer a cooler environment, keeping them in the refrigerator extends their life to about a week without compromising texture.
Freezing
These almond bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. You can keep them frozen for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy the bars warm, simply microwave them for 15 to 20 seconds or reheat in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 5 to 8 minutes. This helps melt the white chocolate topping back to a lovely gooey texture and brings out the almond aroma even more.
FAQs
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of mix?
Absolutely! Using homemade sugar cookie dough can add a personal touch and let you control sweetness and texture. Just ensure your dough is pressed evenly and follows the same baking time to keep the bars balanced.
Is almond paste necessary or can I substitute something else?
Almond paste is essential for that authentic almond flavor and creamy texture in the filling. If you can’t find almond paste, marzipan is a good substitute though slightly sweeter. Regular almond butter won’t provide the same consistency.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
To make this Almond Bars Recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free sugar cookie mix and check that the almond paste and other ingredients are gluten-free certified. This adjustment keeps all the flavor while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
What can I use if I don’t have almond extract?
If almond extract isn’t available, vanilla extract or a light drizzle of honey can be used as alternatives. While they won’t replicate the almond intensity exactly, they nicely complement the other flavors in the bars.
How do I achieve the perfect white chocolate drizzle?
Melting white chocolate with shortening is the trick to a smooth, glossy drizzle that sets well. Stirring frequently while melting prevents burning and ensures a perfectly pourable consistency every time.
Final Thoughts
This Almond Bars Recipe is a true treasure that deserves a spot in your baking repertoire. Its layers of buttery cookie, luscious almond filling, and elegant white chocolate topping come together to create a treat that’s both comforting and impressive. Once you try these bars, their nostalgic almond charm will make them a go-to dessert for any occasion. I hope your kitchen fills with the wonderful aromas of baking almonds and butter as you create these delicious bars — your friends and family will thank you!
Print
Almond Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these rich and chewy Almond Bars featuring a buttery sugar cookie base topped with a creamy almond paste filling, toasted sliced almonds, and a luscious white chocolate drizzle. Perfect as a sweet treat for gatherings or as a decadent snack, these bars combine nutty flavors with a satisfying texture in every bite.
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1 pouch (17.5 oz) Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix
- ½ cup butter or margarine, melted
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 egg
Almond Filling
- 1 can (8 oz) or 1 package (7 oz) almond paste, crumbled into ½-inch pieces
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup butter or margarine, melted
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup sliced almonds
Topping
- 2 oz white chocolate baking bar, coarsely chopped (about ⅓ cup)
- 2 tablespoons shortening
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make Cookie Base: In a large bowl, mix the sugar cookie mix, melted butter, almond extract, and egg until a dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base layer.
- Prepare Almond Filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the crumbled almond paste, sugar, melted butter, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in the sliced almonds to add texture.
- Assemble Filling: Spread the almond paste filling evenly over the cookie base layer in the pan.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the almond filling is set and the top turns golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
- Melt Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate and shortening together in 15-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth and fully melted.
- Drizzle Topping and Garnish: Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cooled almond bars. Sprinkle the remaining sliced almonds evenly on top for added crunch and decoration.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the bars until the chocolate topping firms up. Once set, cut into bars and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the almond paste is crumbled into small pieces to blend smoothly in the filling.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal of the bars from the pan.
- Shortening in the chocolate topping helps achieve a smooth drizzle and prevents the chocolate from hardening too quickly.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Allow bars to come to room temperature before serving if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
