Dutch Almond Bars

Rich in almond flavour, these shortbread-like Dutch Almond Bars will satisfy your sweet tooth. These tasty treats will be ready in less than an hour!

I found this recipe in my binder, buried with many old recipes on scraps of paper. It had 1991 written on it. Well, that is dating myself a little bit!!

It's a really simple recipe with a basic shortbread-type crust with a nice crumb to it.

If you love bars with a shortbread crust, then you will have to try these pecan butter tart squares. It's like pecan pie without the extra work!

INGREDIENTS & NOTES

Butter - softened to room temperature. Take out that butter about 30 to 60 minutes before you make this recipe. Margarine will not work as a substitute in this recipe.

Granulated sugar - the sweetness of the sugar blends with the almond to give this bar it's unique flavour

Almond extract - A little goes a long way with almond extract. Measure carefully.

Large egg - Similar to the butter at room temperature, you want your egg to be at room temperature as well. Take it out 30-60 minutes before baking.

All-purpose flour - provides the structure for these bars

Baking Power - to increase the volume and lighten the texture

Milk - you may use whatever type of milk you have on hand. I've made this recipe with 1%, 2%, whole milk. There's a very small amount in the recipe.

Sliced almonds - you may use the blanched sliced almonds or the toasted sliced almonds for the topping. Both are equally tasty!

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Start by creaming butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl or with a stand mixer.

Next add in the almond extract.

Beat the egg in a small bowl and then blend it in with the butter mixture.

In a separate medium-sized bowl, mix the flour and baking powder together.

Gradually add it to the butter mixture.

At this point, you can continue stirring it, however I prefer to get my clean hands dirty and mix by hand until it is smooth.

Spread it into an 8x8 inch square baking dish.

Press down gently until it is (somewhat) smooth. In a small bowl, beat the egg and milk together. Brush it over the dough. Don't worry if you don't have a pastry brush. Spread it out with a spoon.

Sprinkle the almonds over top.

Bake in 350F oven for 25 minutes or until it is golden brown on the edges.

These bars go well when served with coffee, tea or a tall glass of milk. Enjoy!!

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