Almond Bars with Icing

Indulge in these delightful almond bars, a beautiful blend of almond flavors and textures. The soft and chewy bar base is enhanced with a hint of almond extract and crowned with a layer of sliced almonds. The delicate icing drizzle adds the perfect touch of sweetness. They are an excellent choice for afternoon teas, dessert tables, or just a simple treat with your coffee or tea.

Ingredients:

For the Almond Bars:

• 1 3/4 cup (218 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113 g or 1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 tablespoons whole milk (low-fat is fine)
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

For the Icing:

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1-2 tablespoons whole milk (low-fat is fine)

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 325° F. Get your baking sheets ready by lining them with parchment paper.
2. Dry Ingredients: Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk them together and set the bowl aside for later.
3. Creaming: In another bowl, using either a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until they’re fluffy. This should take about 1.5 minutes. Incorporate the egg and almond extract, ensuring everything is well-mixed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually introduce the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating consistently to ensure a smooth dough.
5. Forming the Bars: Segment the dough into four equal parts. Take each part and form it into a 12-inch long log. Place two of these logs onto your prepared baking sheet, spaced 4-5 inches apart. Flatten each log with a rolling pin, aiming for a rectangle that’s about 12 inches long and 3 inches wide.
6. Final Touches Before Baking: Gently brush each dough rectangle with milk. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of sliced almonds over them.
7. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. You’re looking for a light brown edge. Once done, repeat the process with the remaining two dough logs.
8. Icing Preparation: As the bars bake, you can prepare the icing. In a bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, almond extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk. If needed, add additional milk (one tablespoon at a time) to achieve the desired drizzling consistency.
9. Serving: Once the bars are out of the oven and while they’re still warm, cut them diagonally into one-inch wide strips. Finish by drizzling the icing over each strip.

Enjoy! These almond bars are a treat that offers a beautiful blend of textures and flavors. The combination of a soft cookie base, crunchy almonds, and sweet icing makes for a delightful experience with every bite.