Almond Bars

Almond Bars are a quick and easy dessert bar recipe. They have a delicious shortbread crust. They are topped with an almond filling and delicious powdered sugar frosting. They are perfect for an easy recipe when entertaining and have just the right amount of almond flavor!

I’m all about cakes, cookies, and pies but one of my favorite treats to make is a dessert bar. They are so great for entertaining or if you need an easy dessert for a potluck or other event. You can make a big batch, maybe even double up this almond bar recipe! And you can usually make them ahead.

This recipe is tried and trued, sure to work. It is my husband’s mother’s recipe and has been passed down and requested so many times over the years.

why you’ll love this recipe

• There’s a lot to love about these bars! It’s a little tangy and creamy with a rich sweetness from the almond flavor. That’s a great combination!
• Guests aren’t always expecting an almond dessert, so it’s fun to switch things up and people always love them.
• Perfect for parties, potlucks, bake sales and just because!

ingredients for almond bars

For the Crust

• Butter – Softened to room temperature so that it is easy to combine.
• All-purpose flour – The base for almost every crust!
• Powdered sugar – This dissolves easier than regular granulated sugar.

For the Filling

• Cream cheese – Make sure this is softened to room temperature so it combines easily.
• Eggs – Large eggs left out to come to room temperature.
• White sugar – Of course we need some sweetness here!
• Almond extract – Gives this yummy bar the almond flavor it is known for.

For the Frosting

• Butter – Softened butter will incorporate smoothly into the frosting.
• Milk – Whichever type of dairy milk you have on hand is great. A higher fat content will make a creamier frosting.
• Powdered sugar – No frosting is complete without this easy to dissolve sweetener.
• Almond extract – Really takes the almond flavor to another level.

how to make almond bars

• Beat the butter, flour, and powdered sugar together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13″ baking pan.
• Place the baking dish into a preheated oven for 15 minutes.
• Combine the cream cheese, eggs, sugar and almond extract in a bowl until smooth and over the baked crust.
• Bake for another 15 minutes.
• Remove baking dish from the oven and allow to cool completely.
• Make frosting by combining the butter, milk, powdered sugar, and almond extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
• Once the bars have completely cooled, spread the frosting over the top.

how to store almond bars

They should be stored in an airtight container will keep well at room temperature for up to three days.

You can store them already cut into bars for easy serving or you can store the full piece and cut slices as you go.

can i freeze almond bars?

You can freeze these bars, but I recommend freezing them without the frosting. Once the bars are completely cooled, wrap them tightly and freeze them. They should keep well for up to three months. To thaw, just leave them out at room temperature and then frost them to serve.

Set out these perfectly sweet almond bars and they’ll be gone in no time! They’re so easy to cut and pack up to bring to your next pot luck, too.

more easy dessert bars

• If you don’t have enough time for sugar cookies, but are craving them try these quick and easy Sugar Cookie Bars. Thick, chewy and delicious!
• We don’t have to say much about these Knock You Naked Bars! Chocolate chip bars with a caramel filling inside them!
• Soft, chewy Snickerdoodle Bars are a fun twist on the classic cookie recipe!
• Fluffy, delicious Banana Bars are loaded with walnuts and topped with cream cheese frosting with a hint of cinnamon!