If you love an irresistible treat that perfectly balances nutty richness with sweet, buttery goodness, you are going to fall head over heels for this Almond Bars with White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe. These bars combine a tender sugar cookie base with a luscious almond paste filling, all topped off with a smooth white chocolate drizzle that adds a touch of elegance and indulgence. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a potluck, or just because you deserve a special treat, these almond bars will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Almond Bars with White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the buttery cookie crust to the creamy almond filling and the silky white chocolate topping.
- Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix, 1 pouch (17.5 oz): Provides a sweet, tender base that’s easy to work with.
- Butter or margarine, ½ cup + ¼ cup, melted: Adds richness and moisture to both crust and filling.
- Almond extract, ½ teaspoon: Infuses the dough with the irresistible aroma and taste of almonds.
- Eggs, 3 total: Bind ingredients together and give a soft, cakey texture.
- Almond paste, 1 can (8 oz) or package (7 oz), crumbled: The star ingredient that creates a creamy, nutty filling.
- Sugar, ¼ cup: Sweetens the almond filling perfectly without overpowering.
- Sliced almonds, ¾ cup total: Adds delightful crunch and enhances almond flavor.
- White chocolate baking bar, 2 oz coarsely chopped: For the luscious drizzle on top.
- Shortening, 2 tablespoons: Helps melt and smooth the white chocolate for drizzling.
How to Make Almond Bars with White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and hot for baking. While it heats, grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, which will make removing the bars a breeze later on.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Base
In a large bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, melted butter, almond extract, and one egg. Mix everything until a dough forms that’s smooth and pliable. Then, press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create the cookie base that’s sure to bake up tender and buttery.
Step 3: Prepare the Almond Filling
Now, in a separate bowl, beat together the crumbled almond paste, sugar, melted butter, and two eggs until the mixture is smooth and creamy without any lumps. Stir in half a cup of sliced almonds, which provide that delightful nutty texture throughout the filling.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spread the creamy almond filling evenly over the cookie base, smoothing it out carefully. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the filling has set and turns golden on top. This slow, gentle baking step ensures the perfect balance of a firm yet tender filling.
Step 5: White Chocolate Drizzle
Once the bars have completely cooled, it’s time for the pièce de résistance: the white chocolate drizzle. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped white chocolate and shortening in 15-second bursts, stirring in between until completely smooth. Drizzle this luscious topping generously over the bars and sprinkle with the remaining sliced almonds. Refrigerate until the drizzle firms up beautifully.
How to Serve Almond Bars with White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, sprinkle a few additional sliced almonds or even a light dusting of powdered sugar over the drizzled bars just before serving. A few edible flower petals or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt can also add a fun twist and enhance the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
These almond bars pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or a creamy latte, making them perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. If serving as a dessert, pair with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to complement the almond and white chocolate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the almond bars into bite-sized squares and place them on a decorative plate for a charming teatime snack. Alternatively, layer them with fresh berries and lightly whipped cream in glass parfait cups for an elegant dessert twist that’s sure to impress any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, keeping the cookie base tender and the almond filling moist. For longer freshness, refrigeration is recommended to keep the white chocolate drizzle firm and the bars tasting fresh.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these Almond Bars with White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for freezing. They keep well for up to two months in the freezer. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, gently reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 10 seconds or until warmed through. Avoid overheating, as this can melt the white chocolate drizzle and alter the chewy texture of the almond filling.
FAQs
Can I use almond extract instead of almond paste?
Almond extract adds flavor but doesn’t provide the creamy texture that almond paste does. For this recipe’s signature filling, almond paste is essential, but you can add a little almond extract if you want to boost the almond aroma even more.
Is it okay to substitute margarine for butter?
Yes! Margarine works well in this recipe and can be a good alternative for those avoiding dairy or wanting a different fat profile. Just ensure it’s melted before mixing in for smooth results.
What if I don’t have shortening for the chocolate drizzle?
You can substitute the shortening with a small amount of vegetable oil or even a bit of butter to help melt the white chocolate smoothly. Just be mindful that this might slightly change the texture of the drizzle.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe calls for a sugar cookie mix that typically contains gluten. However, if you find a gluten-free sugar cookie mix, you can substitute it directly to make these almond bars suitable for gluten-free diets.
How can I make the white chocolate drizzle look more decorative?
Using a fork or a piping bag with a tiny tip can help you create elegant, fine lines for drizzling. For a rustic look, simply use a spoon to randomly scatter the white chocolate; either way looks delicious and appealing.
Final Thoughts
This Almond Bars with White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with decadent flavor and texture. I promise that once you try these bars, they’ll become a go-to recipe for sharing with friends and family or treating yourself. Baking these almond bars will fill your kitchen with inviting aromas, and the final taste is pure satisfaction in every bite. Grab your ingredients and enjoy baking this delightful, classic treat today!
Print
Almond Bars with White Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
These Almond Bars feature a buttery sugar cookie base topped with a creamy almond filling, sliced almonds, and a drizzle of white chocolate. Perfectly baked to golden perfection and chilled for a firm, delightful finish, they’re a delicious treat for gatherings or everyday indulgences.
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 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 Cookie Base: In a large bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, melted butter, almond extract, and egg. Mix well until a dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create the base layer.
- Prepare Almond Filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the crumbled almond paste, sugar, melted butter, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in the sliced almonds to add texture.
- Assemble Bars: Spread the almond filling evenly over the cookie base layer in the baking pan.
- Bake Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the almond filling is set and has a golden color on top. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
- Melt Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate baking bar pieces and shortening. Heat in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
- Decorate Bars: Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cooled almond bars. Sprinkle with the remaining sliced almonds for an added crunch and visual appeal.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the bars until the chocolate topping is firm. Once set, cut into 24 bars and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the bars are completely cooled before drizzling the chocolate to prevent melting.
- You can substitute margarine with butter for richer flavor.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep fresh up to one week.
- Almond extract can be adjusted to taste but should complement the almond paste flavor.
- Allow the bars to chill fully to achieve neat slices when cutting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
