If you have a sweet tooth and love the nutty, buttery goodness of almonds combined with a luscious touch of white chocolate, you are in for a treat with the Almond Bars with White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe. This delightful dessert brings together a tender sugar cookie base, a rich almond paste filling studded with crunchy slices of almonds, and a perfect drizzle of creamy white chocolate to finish. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that feels both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re sharing with friends or savoring a quiet moment at home, these bars are an irresistible way to brighten any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Almond Bars with White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the buttery cookie base to the flavorful almond filling and the sweet, smooth white chocolate topping, every component comes together seamlessly.
- Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix (17.5 oz): This serves as the simple, buttery foundation for the bars, giving a tender yet sturdy base.
- Butter or Margarine: Two uses here—melted butter in both the cookie dough and filling adds richness and moisture.
- Almond Extract (½ teaspoon): Just a hint enhances the almond flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Eggs (3 total): Eggs bind the dough and filling while contributing to the luscious texture of the bars.
- Almond Paste (7–8 oz, crumbled): This is the star of the filling, providing a sweet, nutty creaminess that sets these bars apart.
- Sugar (¼ cup): Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the almond filling.
- Sliced Almonds (¾ cup total): These bring crunchy texture both inside the filling and as a garnish on top.
- White Chocolate Baking Bar (2 oz, chopped): This melts into a luscious drizzle that finishes the bars with creamy sweetness.
- Shortening (2 tablespoons): Mixed with the white chocolate to ensure a smooth, glossy drizzle.
How to Make Almond Bars with White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan either by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This ensures your bars won’t stick and will come out perfectly shaped once baked.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, melted butter, almond extract, and one egg. Stir everything until it forms a smooth dough. Then, press this dough evenly into the prepared pan, creating the sturdy bottom layer that will hold all the delicious filling to come.
Step 3: Create the Almond Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together the crumbled almond paste, quarter cup of sugar, melted butter, and two eggs until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Fold in half a cup of sliced almonds for a delightful crunch that complements the creamy filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Spread the almond filling evenly over the cookie base. Make sure to go edge to edge so every bite has that luscious almond flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the bars for 35 to 40 minutes until the almond filling is set and the top is a gorgeous golden hue. Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely—this makes sure the filling firms up nicely.
Step 6: Melt the White Chocolate Drizzle
In a microwave-safe bowl, gently melt the white chocolate and shortening together in 15-second increments, stirring in between, until you achieve a smooth, glossy consistency perfect for drizzling.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touch
Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cooled bars in a pretty pattern. For added texture and visual appeal, sprinkle the remaining sliced almonds right on top of the chocolate drizzle.
Step 8: Chill and Serve
Place the bars in the refrigerator until the white chocolate topping is set firmly. Once chilled, cut into 24 squares and get ready to enjoy these delightful treats.
How to Serve Almond Bars with White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are already stunning, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra fresh almond slices on top adds a lovely finishing touch. You can even add a sprig of fresh mint or a small dollop of whipped cream for a bit of elegance and contrast.
Side Dishes
Almond Bars with White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, a creamy latte, or a glass of cold milk. For a brunch spread, consider serving alongside fresh fruit or a mild cheese to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
To make dessert time even more special, serve your almond bars on decorative trays or tiered dessert stands. You can also package them individually in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon—perfect for gifting or sharing at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover almond bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and maintain their delicious texture for up to 5 days.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best results.
Reheating
To bring out the fresh-from-the-oven feel, warm your almond bars in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may soften the white chocolate drizzle too much.
FAQs
Can I use almond flour instead of almond paste?
Almond paste provides a sweet, creamy texture that almond flour can’t quite replicate. Using almond flour alone will alter the consistency and flavor of the filling significantly.
Is there a substitute for shortening in the white chocolate drizzle?
If you don’t have shortening, you can use a small amount of vegetable oil or coconut oil to achieve a smooth drizzle, though shortening helps maintain the shine and firmness.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the sugar cookie mix for a gluten-free version, you can make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing flavor.
How long will these bars stay fresh at room temperature?
Because of the almond paste filling and white chocolate topping, it’s best to keep the bars refrigerated. Left at room temperature, they may become too soft and spoil after 1–2 days.
Are these bars suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! Almond Bars with White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe make fantastic homemade gifts. Just package them beautifully in decorative boxes or wraps for a personal touch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that feels special but isn’t complicated, the Almond Bars with White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe is an absolute winner. The flavor combinations are simply heavenly, and once you try these bars, they might just become your new go-to for celebrations or cozy afternoons. Go ahead and give this recipe a try—you deserve a little sweet magic in your kitchen!
Print
Almond Bars with White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these rich and nutty Almond Bars featuring a buttery sugar cookie base topped with a creamy almond paste filling, sliced almonds, and a drizzle of smooth white chocolate. Perfectly baked to a golden finish and chilled to set, these bars make a delicious treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1 pouch (17.5 oz) Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix
- ½ cup butter or margarine, melted
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 egg
Almond Filling
- 1 can (8 oz) or 1 package (7 oz) almond paste, crumbled into ½-inch pieces
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup butter or margarine, melted
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup sliced almonds
Topping
- 2 oz white chocolate baking bar, coarsely chopped (about ⅓ cup)
- 2 tablespoons shortening
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cookie Base: In a large bowl, mix together the sugar cookie mix, melted butter, almond extract, and one egg until a cohesive dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create the base layer.
- Prepare the Almond Filling: In a separate bowl, beat together crumbled almond paste, sugar, melted butter, and two eggs until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in the sliced almonds to add texture.
- Assemble Filling Over Base: Spread the prepared almond filling evenly over the cookie dough base in the pan, creating a uniform layer.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden on top. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare White Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped white chocolate and shortening. Melt in 15-second intervals, stirring well between each, until completely smooth.
- Add Topping and Garnish: Drizzle the melted white chocolate mixture evenly over the cooled bars. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup sliced almonds on top for added crunch and decoration.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the bars until the white chocolate topping is firm. Once set, cut into 24 bars and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute margarine with butter for a richer flavor.
- Make sure the bars are completely cool before adding the white chocolate topping to prevent melting.
- Use parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner edges.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To soften almond paste for easier mixing, warm it slightly at room temperature before starting.
