Description
Discover the delight of homemade Almond Delight Bars, a perfect blend of sweet and nutty flavors in a soft, chewy bar topped with a luscious almond glaze. This recipe paves the way for baking enthusiasts to create a treat that is as visually appealing as it is delicious, suitable for social gatherings, or as a comforting afternoon snack.
Ingredients
– 1 cup butter, softened
– 8 ounces almond paste
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 2 eggs
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tsp almond extract
– 3-4 tablespoons milk
Step-by-step Directions
1. Preparing the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 baking dish well to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing the Bar Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and almond paste until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and eggs, continuing to mix until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is creamy.
3. Combining Dry Ingredients
Sift the all-purpose flour and salt together to ensure even distribution. Gently fold the flour mixture into the creamy batter until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough bars.
4. Baking the Bars
Spread the prepared batter evenly into the greased baking dish. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the edges are lightly browned and the center is firm to the touch.
5. Making the Glaze
While the bars are baking, prepare the glaze by combining powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk in a bowl. Adjust the quantity of milk to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
6. Glazing and Finishing
Once the bars are done, immediately spread the prepared glaze over the warm bars, allowing it to melt slightly into the surface. Let the glazed bars cool completely before slicing into individual pieces.
Servings & Preparation/Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 24 bars. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, and cooking time is 1 hour.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
– Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.
– If preferred warm, reheat individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
– To freeze, wrap bars individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently microwave.
Conclusion
Almond Delight Bars are a splendid treat that seamlessly combines the richness of almonds with the classic texture and taste of a baked bar. This recipe not only yields scrumptious results but is also straightforward, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether shared with friends or savored solo, these bars promise to satisfy any sweet tooth.
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Almond Delight Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
Description
Discover the delight of homemade Almond Delight Bars, a perfect blend of sweet and nutty flavors in a soft, chewy bar topped with a luscious almond glaze. This recipe paves the way for baking enthusiasts to create a treat that is as visually appealing as it is delicious, suitable for social gatherings, or as a comforting afternoon snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 8 ounces almond paste
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preparing the Oven and Baking Dish Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 baking dish well to prevent sticking.
- Mixing the Bar Ingredients In a mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and almond paste until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and eggs, continuing to mix until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is creamy.
- Combining Dry Ingredients Sift the all-purpose flour and salt together to ensure even distribution. Gently fold the flour mixture into the creamy batter until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough bars.
- Baking the Bars Spread the prepared batter evenly into the greased baking dish. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the edges are lightly browned and the center is firm to the touch.
- Making the Glaze While the bars are baking, prepare the glaze by combining powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk in a bowl. Adjust the quantity of milk to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Glazing and Finishing Once the bars are done, immediately spread the prepared glaze over the warm bars, allowing it to melt slightly into the surface. Let the glazed bars cool completely before slicing into individual pieces.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour