Description
Elegant and buttery, these Almond Bars feature a crisp shortbread base topped with a soft, chewy almond layer. Perfectly balanced between sweet and nutty, they make a refined treat for dessert tables, tea time, or homemade gifts—yet are simple enough for any weekday bake.
Ingredients
-
For the shortbread crust:
-
1 cup (2 sticks; 226 g) unsalted butter, softened
-
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
-
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
-
¼ tsp salt
-
-
For the almond topping:
-
2 large eggs
-
½ cup (100 g) sugar
-
1 tsp almond extract
-
1½ tsp baking powder
-
¼ tsp salt
-
½ cup sliced almonds (plus extra for sprinkling)
-
-
Optional glaze:
-
1 cup powdered sugar
-
1–2 Tbsp milk or cream
-
¼ tsp almond extract
-
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 325 °F (163 °C). Line a 9×13″ pan with parchment.
-
Make crust: Cream butter and sugar until light. Add flour and salt; mix into crumbly dough. Press evenly in pan.
-
Bake for ~15 min until just golden.
-
Prepare topping: Whisk eggs, sugar, and almond extract. Add flour, baking powder, salt, then stir in almonds.
-
Spread topping over hot crust; sprinkle extra almonds.
-
Bake 20–25 min until topping is set and edges turn golden.
-
Cool completely before cutting. Drizzle with glaze, if desired.
Notes
Use room-temperature ingredients for better texture.
Line pan with parchment for easy removal.
Don’t overbake—aim for a tender, slightly chewy almond layer.
Toast almonds beforehand for a richer flavor.
Cool fully before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes (15 min crust + 25 min topping)
- Category: Dessert / Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American (with European-inspired shortbread)
Keywords: almond bars, almond shortbread bars, nutty desserts, holiday baking, elegant bars, almond treat