Almond squares are a delightful treat that combines the rich, buttery flavor of shortbread with the nutty, slightly sweet taste of almonds. These bars have a tender, crumbly base topped with a thin, crisp layer of sliced almonds, making them perfect for a light dessert or an afternoon snack. The simplicity of the ingredients lets the almond flavor shine, while a touch of sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness. Easy to prepare and elegantly simple, almond squares are a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s both satisfying and subtly indulgent.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and almond extract until well combined.
- Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Press into the pan: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top, pressing them gently into the dough.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the almonds are lightly toasted.
- Cool and cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
These almond squares are crisp, buttery, and filled with the delicate flavor of almonds, making them a simple yet elegant treat for any occasion!
