Irresistibly Buttery Almond Bars : The Ultimate Holiday Dessert

There’s something undeniably comforting about a tray of warm, buttery Almond Bars fresh out of the oven. With their soft, cake-like base, sweet almond flavor, and delicate glaze, these bars are the perfect treat for holiday cookie trays, afternoon tea, or a cozy weekend bake. This classic dessert is beloved for good reason: it’s simple, fast, budget-friendly, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this easy almond bars recipe will win over every sweet tooth in your home.

These almond squares are ideal for anyone looking for a quick and easy dessert that still feels special. They make fantastic additions to Christmas cookie exchanges, bake sales, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. If you love almond slice recipes or are always searching for creative almond bar recipes, this one is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

If you’re looking for more comfort-style bakes, you might also enjoy the warm, seasonal flavor of these Pumpkin Twists or these Mini Pumpkin Breads with Cinnamon Swirl.

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Why You’ll Love These Almond Bars

These almond shortbread bars are tender, lightly sweet, and rich with the unmistakable flavor of almond extract. They strike the perfect balance between soft and chewy, with a crackly glaze that sets just enough to slice cleanly.

Here are a few reasons you’ll love making and serving this almond bars recipe simple yet impressive:

• Quick to make and bake in one bowl
• Affordable ingredients you likely already have in your pantry
• Elegant enough for special occasions but easy enough for everyday baking
• Freezer-friendly and perfect for batch baking
• Customizable with toppings or flavor twists

If you enjoy homey, no-fuss bakes like these almond squares, you’ll probably love these Cheddar Bay Biscuits as a savory sidekick for your next brunch.

Ingredients for Almond Bars

To make these classic almond bars, you only need a few pantry staples. The ingredients list is short and straightforward, but the flavor is anything but basic. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Bars

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

For the Glaze

• 1½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• Optional: slivered almonds for garnish

Want to turn this into an almond paste bars recipe? You can add 2 to 3 tablespoons of almond paste to the batter for a richer almond flavor.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Almond Squares

Follow these simple steps to create beautifully golden almond slices that are tender, flavorful, and perfect for serving.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. For easy removal and slicing, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 2 to 3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the almond extract.
4. Gradually add in the flour, mixing just until combined. The batter will be thick and spreadable.
5. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the bars to cool for 10 to 15 minutes while you prepare the glaze. Whisk together the powdered sugar, almond extract, and just enough milk to reach a pourable consistency.
8. Drizzle the glaze over the warm bars and, if desired, top with slivered almonds. Let the glaze set before slicing into squares or rectangles.

For another elegant dessert with a creamy twist, try these Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Bars for your next bake.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This almond slices recipe requires only basic baking equipment, making it easy and stress-free. Gather the following:

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Spatula
• Whisk
• Parchment paper (optional)

Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is as accessible as it is delicious.

Tips for Perfect Almond Bars

Here are a few pro tips to ensure your almond bars bake perfectly every time:

• Use real unsalted butter for the best texture and taste
• Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour to avoid toughness
• Glaze while the bars are still slightly warm so it soaks in just a bit
• Let the bars cool completely before slicing for clean edges
• Store in a cool place to keep the glaze set and the texture soft

If you love these almond squares, you’ll also enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of Pumpkin Dump Cake—another easy, shareable dessert.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Almond bars are just as beautiful as they are tasty. Here’s how to make them stand out:

• Serve on a white platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish
• Slice into diamonds or triangles for a bakery-style look
• Wrap individually in parchment and twine for holiday gifts
• Add to a dessert table alongside Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies and Mini Pumpkin Bread

They’re the perfect addition to any sweet and savory dessert spread.

How to Store Almond Bars

Proper storage keeps these almond shortbread bars soft, flavorful, and ready to enjoy anytime.

At room temperature, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

In the refrigerator, almond bars will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

For freezing, layer cooled bars between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temperature.

Recipe Variations and Flavor Swaps

This almond bars recipe is delicious as written, but here are some fun ways to change it up:

Add a touch of lemon or orange zest to the batter for a citrusy twist

Swirl raspberry or apricot jam into the batter before baking for a fruity layer

Replace some of the flour with finely ground almonds for extra nuttiness

Use a chocolate drizzle or white chocolate glaze in place of the almond glaze

Turn them into almond brownies by adding cocoa powder to the batter and topping with almond slivers

You can also explore our rich and creative bar desserts like these Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars for more inspiration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your almond bars turn out just right, watch for these common baking mistakes:

Using cold butter – soft butter ensures the batter creams properly and rises well

Overmixing – mixing too long once the flour is added can result in dense, dry bars

Underbaking or overbaking – remove when the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean

Pouring glaze on hot bars – let them cool slightly so the glaze doesn’t melt completely off

Not measuring flour correctly – spoon into your measuring cup and level off for accuracy

Need another easy recipe to keep things stress-free? These No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Balls are festive, flavorful, and hassle-free.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I double this almond bars recipe?

Yes, just use a half-sheet pan (approximately 13×18 inches) and extend the baking time by 5 to 10 minutes as needed.

Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can replace up to 25% of the flour with almond flour for added nuttiness, but don’t replace all of it unless following a specific gluten-free recipe.

Is almond paste the same as almond extract?

No, almond extract is a strong liquid flavoring, while almond paste is a thick, sweetened nut mixture. You can add both for an extra-rich almond paste bars recipe.

Can I make this without a glaze?

Absolutely. The glaze adds sweetness, but the bars are still delicious without it. Try dusting with powdered sugar instead.

Can I use margarine or oil instead of butter?

Butter is best for flavor and texture. Margarine may work, but avoid using oil—it won’t provide the same structure or taste.

More Almond and Dessert Recipes to Try

If you love almond-flavored desserts or are building a dessert board, consider adding these recipes:

Almond Sweet Rolls – fluffy breakfast pastry filled with almond paste

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars – creamy and sweet with a chocolatey twist

Apple Pie Dip with Cinnamon Sugar Chips – great for snacking or parties

Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies – chewy, soft, and loaded with warm spice

Strawberry Cloud Cake – light, airy, and bursting with berry flavor

Final Thoughts

These Almond Bars are the perfect treat when you want something that’s sweet, buttery, and simple to make. They’re ideal for gifting, serving at holiday events, or enjoying with an afternoon coffee. Their tender crumb, golden top, and rich almond flavor make them one of the most versatile desserts you can have in your recipe box.

Whether you’re looking for an easy almond bars recipe simple enough for a weeknight or a stunning addition to a dessert buffet, this recipe delivers every time.

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