These almond bars are soft, buttery, and delicately flavored with almond extract, delivering a texture similar to shortbread with a lightly crisp top. Finished with sliced almonds and a smooth almond glaze, they are an elegant yet simple dessert perfect for gatherings, gifting, or enjoying with a cup of tea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These almond bars are easy to make using simple pantry ingredients and come together in just one bowl for the dough. The almond flavor is rich without being overpowering, and the soft, tender crumb makes them irresistible. They slice cleanly, store well, and freeze beautifully, making them ideal for both everyday treats and special occasions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the bars
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon almond extract
For the topping
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup sliced almonds
For the glaze
2 cups powdered sugar
½ teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons milk
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Generously butter a half sheet pan measuring approximately 18 x 13 inches and set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the eggs and almond extract and beat until fully combined.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth, thick dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, using your hands or a pastry roller to smooth the surface.
Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the milk over the top of the dough. Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the surface and gently press them into the dough.
Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, just until set. The bars should remain pale and not browned.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes, then carefully cut into bars. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars and allow it to set before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 24 to 30 bars, depending on how they are sliced.
Preparation time is about 15 minutes.
Baking time is 20 to 22 minutes.
Cooling and glazing time is approximately 25 minutes.
Total time is about 1 hour.
Storage/Reheating
Store the almond bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the bars in a single layer, then separate layers with parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheating is not necessary, but they can be slightly warmed if desired.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt slightly to avoid an overly salty flavor.
Do these bars taste strongly of almond?
They have a clear almond flavor that is balanced and not overpowering.
Can I make these in a smaller pan?
Yes, you can halve the recipe and bake it in a 9 x 13 inch pan.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
They should be set and pale on top, with no browning.
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, the bars are still delicious without the glaze, though it adds extra sweetness and almond flavor.
What is the best way to cut the bars cleanly?
Cut them while slightly warm using a sharp or disposable plastic knife.
Can I add vanilla extract as well?
You can add a small amount, but it will slightly soften the almond flavor.
Are these bars freezer-friendly?
Yes, they freeze very well once the glaze has fully set.
Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Almond flour is not recommended here, as it will change the structure and texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, doubling the recipe works well and is ideal for larger gatherings.
Conclusion
These almond bars are a timeless dessert that combines simplicity with elegant flavor. With their soft shortbread-like base, crunchy almond topping, and sweet glaze, they are a reliable recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether enjoyed fresh or pulled from the freezer, they are always a crowd-pleasing treat.
These almond bars feature a buttery, soft base with a hint of almond extract, topped with sliced almonds and a delicate almond glaze. They’re easy to make, slice beautifully, and are perfect for entertaining, gifting, or enjoying with tea.
Ingredients
For the bars:
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon almond extract
For the topping:
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup sliced almonds
For the glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
½ teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Butter an 18 x 13-inch half sheet pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes).
Add eggs and almond extract, beat until combined.
Gradually mix in dry ingredients until a thick dough forms.
Press dough evenly into prepared pan.
Brush milk over the surface and sprinkle evenly with sliced almonds, pressing gently.
Bake for 20–22 minutes, until just set but still pale.
Cool for 5 minutes, then cut into bars. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars and let set.
Notes
Use a sharp or plastic knife to cut clean bars while still slightly warm.
Halve the recipe for a 9 x 13-inch pan.
Bars can be enjoyed with or without the glaze.
Freeze after glaze sets, separating layers with parchment.
