Almond Bars Easy

 Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

35 minutes

Ingredients

For the bars:

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

4 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp almond extract

For the topping:

2 Tbsp milk (any variety)

1 cup sliced almonds

For the glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 tsp almond extract

2 Tbsp milk (any variety)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Generously butter (or use baking spray) on a half sheet pan (approximatedly 18"x13"). Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add in eggs and almond extract. Beat until combined. Slowly add in flour mixture. Mixing until well blended.
4. Press this dough into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Use your fingers or a pastry roller to smooth the top of the dough.
5. Using a pastry brush, brush the milk to the top of the dough (you may not need to use all of it). Sprinkle with sliced almonds, pressing them lightly into the dough.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes until done. You don't want to brown these bars.
7. Cool for about 5 minutes, then cut them with a knife into bars. If they are too soft to cut, allow to cool a little bit more. Carefully remove them to a wire rack to continue cooling.
8. Once cooled, you can make your glaze by whisking the sugar with the almond extract and milk. Drizzle over the bars and allow to set.
9. Enjoy!

Notes

*To freeze these bars, prepare as directed and allow glaze to set completely. Then place them in a single layer in a large gallon sized ziploc. You can fit one dozen into the bag. If you want to add more, separate layers with wax paper (or parchment). Freeze. Thaw at room temperature before serving.