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
Scale
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
