Scandinavian Almond Bars Recipe
Introduction
Scandinavian Almond Bars are a delightful treat combining a tender, buttery base with a crunchy almond topping. Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, these bars offer a subtle almond flavor enhanced by a sweet, smooth icing.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ½ tsp almond extract
- 2 tbsp whole milk (or low-fat)
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- For icing: 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- ¼ tsp almond extract (or ½ tsp vanilla)
- 1–2 tbsp whole milk (or low-fat)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325 °F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- Step 3: Beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add the egg and almond extract, mixing well.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Step 5: Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Shape each into a 12-inch log and place two logs on each prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Gently press each log into a 3-inch-wide strip.
- Step 6: Brush the tops of the strips with milk, then sprinkle evenly with sliced almonds.
- Step 7: Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
- Step 8: While still warm, cut the bars diagonally into 1-inch wide strips.
- Step 9: Prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar, almond extract, and enough milk (1–2 tablespoons) to reach a drizzling consistency.
- Step 10: Drizzle the icing over the cooled bars and allow it to set before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free version, omit the almonds from the topping and replace almond extract in icing with vanilla extract.
- Try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a fresh, citrus twist.
- Use toasted almonds for a deeper flavor and extra crunch.
Storage
Store the almond bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently before serving to refresh the texture. The icing may soften in the fridge, so allow bars to come to room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Almond flour can change the texture significantly, making the bars more crumbly and dense. For best results, stick with all-purpose flour as the recipe indicates.
What can I substitute for almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract, vanilla extract is a great alternative that will still add a pleasant flavor to the bars and icing.
PrintScandinavian Almond Bars Recipe
These Scandinavian Almond Bars are a delightful treat featuring a tender almond-flavored dough baked into crisp logs, sliced into strips, and topped with a smooth almond icing. This classic Nordic-inspired recipe combines the nutty richness of sliced almonds with a sweet, delicate glaze, making for an elegant and satisfying dessert perfect for tea time or festive occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scandinavian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ½ tsp almond extract
- 2 tbsp whole milk (or low-fat)
Toppings
- ½ cup sliced almonds
Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- ¼ tsp almond extract (or ½ tsp vanilla extract)
- 1–2 tbsp whole milk (or low-fat)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer or by hand, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and fluffy, which ensures a tender texture in the bars.
- Add Egg and Almond Extract: Incorporate the large egg and almond extract into the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until fully combined for flavor infusion.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which could make the bars tough.
- Shape Dough Logs: Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Shape each piece into a 12-inch long log. Place two logs per lined baking sheet, spacing them out to allow for spreading. Gently press each log into a 3-inch wide strip.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Brush the tops of each strip with milk, then evenly sprinkle with sliced almonds for a crunchy topping. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
- Slice While Warm: Remove the baked logs from the oven and, while still warm, cut them diagonally into 1-inch wide strips to form the almond bars.
- Prepare Icing: In a small bowl, mix the sifted powdered sugar with almond extract (or vanilla) and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to create a smooth, drizzle-able icing.
- Glaze Bars: Allow the bars to cool completely, then drizzle the icing over them and let it set before serving for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- You can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract if preferred.
- Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature to help achieve a smooth batter and proper texture.
- Cutting the bars while warm helps prevent cracking and facilitates even slices.
- Store finished bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- For a dairy-free alternative, use plant-based butter and milk substitutes.
Keywords: Scandinavian almond bars, almond cookies, Nordic dessert, almond extract bars, baked almond bars, holiday treats
