Almond Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful treat that combines a buttery crust, creamy filling, and a rich almond frosting. They are perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply as an indulgent dessert at home. With a nutty aroma and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these bars are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these bars will be a hit with everyone.
What You’ll Need for Almond Cream Cheese Bars
To make these scrumptious Almond Cream Cheese Bars, gather the following ingredients:
Crust:
- 1 cup (226 g) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
Filling:
- 8 ounces (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Frosting:
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 cup (57 g) butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup (50 g) toasted sliced almonds
How to Make Almond Cream Cheese Bars
Now that you have your ingredients ready, follow these simple steps to whip up your Almond Cream Cheese Bars:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, cut the softened butter into the powdered sugar and flour using a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this crust mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 glass baking dish. Bake for about 20 minutes until lightly golden.
- Make the filling: While the crust is baking, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar in a separate bowl using an electric mixer until well combined and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the almond extract until everything is well blended.
- Assemble and bake: Once the crust is done, carefully pour the cream cheese filling over the hot crust. Bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the filling is set. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the frosting: In a bowl, cream together the powdered sugar, milk, softened butter, and almond extract using an electric mixer until smooth and combined.
- Frost and top: Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the almond frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds on top for an extra crunch and flavor.
- Refrigerate: Place the bars in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
The Best Way to Serve It
To enjoy your Almond Cream Cheese Bars, slice them into squares or rectangles for a perfect serving size. These bars are best served chilled, allowing the cream cheese filling to stay firm and delightful. You might want to pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate afternoon treat. For an extra special touch, serve them on a decorative plate and garnish with additional toasted almonds or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Helpful Tricks for Almond Cream Cheese Bars
- Keep it cool: For easier cutting, refrigerate the bars for at least an hour after frosting. This helps solidify the filling and makes slicing neater.
- Nut alternatives: If you’re not a fan of almonds, feel free to switch it up! Chopped walnuts or pecans can be a lovely alternative.
- Add a fruity twist: Consider adding some fresh berries on the side for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavor of the bars.
Almond Cream Cheese Bars FAQs
Can I make Almond Cream Cheese Bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars can be made a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator, and they’ll be ready to serve when you need them.
What can I use instead of almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract, you can use vanilla extract or even a touch of coconut extract for a different flavor profile.
How should I store leftover Almond Cream Cheese Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay good for about 3–4 days.
Give these Almond Cream Cheese Bars a try, and you’ll soon find yourself making them again and again. Whether it’s for a potluck, a sweet treat for your family, or just to indulge yourself, they are sure to delight every palate! Enjoy!
Almond Cream Cheese Bars
Delicious Almond Cream Cheese Bars with a buttery crust, creamy filling, and rich almond frosting. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home.
For the crust
- 1 cup 1 cup (226 g) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 cups 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
For the filling
- 8 ounces 8 ounces (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon almond extract
For the frosting
- 1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons 1 1/2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup (57 g) butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup (50 g) toasted sliced almonds
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, cut the softened butter into the powdered sugar and flour using a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 glass baking dish.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until lightly golden.
Making the Filling
- While the crust is baking, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar in a separate bowl using an electric mixer until well combined and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Finally, stir in the almond extract until everything is well blended.
Assembling and Baking
- Once the crust is done, carefully pour the cream cheese filling over the hot crust.
- Bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the filling is set.
- Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan.
Preparing the Frosting
- In a bowl, cream together the powdered sugar, milk, softened butter, and almond extract using an electric mixer until smooth and combined.
Frosting and Serving
- Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the almond frosting evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds on top for an extra crunch and flavor.
- Place the bars in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
For easier cutting, refrigerate the bars for at least an hour after frosting. These bars can also be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Nut alternatives such as chopped walnuts or pecans can be used. Fresh berries can also be added for contrast.
