Almond Bars

Almond Bars a quick and easy dessert bar recipe. The crust is 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 flavoring!

I’m all about cakes, cookies, and pies but one of my favorite treats to make are dessert bars. 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 and you can usually make them ahead. And these Almond Bars? They are definitely top the list of favorite bars to make!

If you’re worried that they’re complicated let me put you at ease. You know I wouldn’t toss you a super complicated recipe! There are three parts to these Almond Bars – the crust, filling, and frosting – but each component is so simple to make.

You only need a handful of ingredients for each and most of the ingredients are ones you probably already have on hand. If you’ve been looking for a new dessert bar recipe to try I think you’re going to really like these!

Why this recipe works!

• Buttery shortbread cookie crust, sweet almond filling and creamy frosting – there’s a lot to love about these bars! It’s a little tangy and creamy with a rich sweetness from the almond flavor. It’s a really great combination!
• An unexpected surprise when you bite into them from the delicious almond filling. Guests aren’t always expecting an almond-flavored dessert, so it’s fun to switch things up and people always love them.
• Perfect for parties, potlucks, bake sales and just because!

Ingredients Needed

If you’d rather skip my (very helpful, I think) tips and tricks, essential cooking info, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to this delicious recipe – simply scroll to the bottom of the page where you can find the printable recipe card.

For the Crust

• Softened butter
• All-purpose flour
• Powdered sugar

For the Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Eggs
• White sugar
• Almond extract

For the Frosting

• Softened butter
• Milk
• Powdered sugar
• Almond extract

How to make them?

Process photo shots above!

• Prepare Crust – 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.
• Bake Crust – pop the baking dish in the oven and bake the crust for 15 minutes at 350 degrees F.
• Prepare Filling – combine the cream cheese, eggs, sugar and almond extract in a bowl. Pour the mixture over the baked crust.
• Bake Filling – pop the baking dish back in the oven and bake the filling and crust for 15 minutes.
• Cool – once the crust and filling have baked, cool them completely in the baking dish.
• Prepare Frosting – combine 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.

What tools do I need?

• Hand mixer or Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13″ baking dish
• Spatula (for frosting the bars)

Tips and Tricks!

• Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature. It will make it so much easier to make the crust, filling, and frosting! I like to leave them out at room temperature overnight before I make the bars.
• You definitely want to use an electric mixer to make these Almond Bars in order to properly cream the butter and sugar. A simple handheld mixer will work fine – you don’t need a fancy stand mixer!
• Be sure to bake the crust first before adding the filling. The first time you bake the crust you are baking it just long enough for it to set so it provides a foundation for the filling.
• Be sure to use almond extract for this recipe. You can find it in the baking aisle near the vanilla extract. Almond extract is pretty strong so a little goes a long way in this recipe. Store your almond extract in a cool, dry place and it will keep well for a few years. Just be sure to keep the cap on tight!
• I like to make and bake the crust and filling a day in advance and then frost them a few hours before I want to serve them.

How do you store Almond Bars?

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

Can you freeze them?

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.

More easy dessert Bar Recipes!

• A classic like these Banana Bars with a cream cheese frosting can’t be beat!
• 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!
• Banana Nut Bars with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting – Fluffy, Delicious Banana Bars Loaded with Walnuts and Topped with Cream Cheese Frosting with a Hint of Cinnamon!

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