Almond bars are simple and elegant treats, featuring the light flavors of almonds in bar form. Making almond bars at home is very quick and easy, making them a popular choice for the holidays, bake sales and picnics. To find out more about these treats, read on to learn how to make almond bars.
The basic bars can be made with a handful of ingredients, like eggs, sugar, butter and flour, in about 30 minutes start to finish.http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Almond-Bars-2 More elaborate recipes can take a bit longer as they require the bars to be cooled before they are topped with a glaze and sprinkled with almonds.http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes.aspx/elegant-almond-bars/7fe30441-a4da-40ea-9170-09561efe8827
There are several versions of almond bars, each with their own characteristic tastes and methods of preparation. Simple recipes are one layer, while others are more complicated, using as many as three layers, a bottom crust, a filling and a topping.http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/27/AlmondBars64105.shtml
Additionally, for a more flavorful bar, a variety of other ingredients, like fruits can be added to the bars if desired. Using a rhubarb topping is one popular choice to add flavor to the treats.http://www.chow.com/recipes/11800
This step-by-step guide explains the process for making basic almond bars at home including the ingredients and preparation method, along with variations and tips along the way.
Scandinavian Almond Bars Recipe
This FoodCityTV video shows how to make Scandinavian almond bars, one variation on the classic recipe. Using refrigerated sugar cookie dough mixed with cinnamon and almond extract, the dough is pressed into the bottom of a pan. A simple egg wash is brushed over the unbaked dough, which is also sprinkled with almonds and sugar. After baking for about 17 to 22 minutes, the bars are sliced into 24 squares, then cut diagonal to make triangle-shaped treats.
Step 1: Almond Bars Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 2 tsp. almond extract
- 2 cups flour
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Step 2: Prepare Almond Bars
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F.
- Generously grease a 13-9-inch baking pan.
- Combine the sugar and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Beat on high speed using an electric mixer until the color lightens to that of a lemon.
- Beat in the melted butter and almond extract. Mix well until well combined.
- Gradually stir in the flour, incorporating one portion at a time until all is combined into the dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the greased pan.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool, then dust generously with powdered sugar.
- Cut into bars, serve and enjoy!
Step 3: Variations on the Almond Bars Recipe
- Sprinkle slivered almonds over the bars, either before or immediately after baking if desired.http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-specials/almond-bars-recipe/index.html
- For a chocolaty flavor, melt two ounces of white chocolate with two tablespoons of shortening for the glaze.http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes.aspx/elegant-almond-bars/7fe30441-a4da-40ea-9170-09561efe8827
- Top the bars with a fruit mixture, using rhubarb or your favorite fruit, in place of the glaze.http://www.chow.com/recipes/11800
- For a layered bar, make a simple crust from butter, flour and powdered sugar and bake in a pan for 20 minutes. Top with a filling of cream cheese, eggs, sugar and almond extract, then bake again. Top with a simple frosting made from powdered sugar, butter and milk.http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/27/AlmondBars64105.shtml
References
Fast Facts
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Increase the amount of almond extract for a more robust flavor
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Generously grease the pan to prevent the bars from sticking
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Use a plastic knife to cut the bars to prevent damage to the baking pan
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Top the completed cookies with a simple glaze and sprinkle with slivered almonds
