Oh my goodness, do I have a delightful treat for you today! Almond Banket Bars have a special place in my heart and my kitchen. Growing up, these were a seasonal favorite for my family, especially around the holidays. Imagine warm, buttery goodness with a sweet almond filling, the aroma wafting through the house as they baked. Every bite is a little piece of heaven! And let’s be real—who can resist that gorgeous golden crust?
Now, before we dive into this recipe, let me warn you: these bars are dangerously addictive! Once you start, you just can’t stop. I usually make a double batch because they disappear faster than I can serve them. So, grab your apron, and let’s bake some Almond Banket Bars that are sure to impress your friends and family!
What’s in Almond Banket Bars?
– Almond Paste: This is the star of the show! Almond paste adds that lovely nutty flavor. I like to use high-quality almond paste for the best results. Look for it in the baking aisle, usually near the marzipan.
– Butter: Ah, the magic ingredient! We need unsalted butter to create that soft, flaky crust. It’s vital for that rich flavor and texture that pairs perfectly with the almond filling.
– Sugar: We’ll use granulated sugar to sweeten things up. It balances the nutty taste of the almond and gives that ideal sweet touch to the filling and the glaze.
– Flour: All-purpose flour creates the beautiful, tender crust we’re looking for. No fancy flour needed here; just good ol’ reliable all-purpose will do the trick!
– Eggs: One for the crust and another for the glaze. Eggs keep the crust light and fluffy, giving it that perfect texture.
– Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavors, making everything taste just a little more scrumptious.
– Milk: Just a bit to thin out the glaze. It adds the perfect balance to the sweetness of the confectioner’s sugar.
Is Almond Banket Bars Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about health. While these bars are undoubtedly a treat, they do have some nutritional highlights.
Almond Paste: Almonds are packed with nutrients, including healthy fats, fiber, and vitamin E. So, if you want to justify a slice (or two), you’re welcome!
Butter: Yes, it’s indulgent, but in moderation, it can fit into a balanced diet. Plus, a bit of butter is what gives these bars their melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
Sugar: It’s the sweet side of life, but always keep in mind that moderation is key. Enjoy these bars on special occasions, and you’ll be just fine!
So, while these bars aren’t a health food, they’re perfect for a little indulgence, especially around the holidays or for a sweet treat any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– 1 cup almond paste, crumbled
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 cup milk (for glaze)
– 1 cup confectioner’s sugar (for glaze)
This recipe yields about 12 bars, perfect for sharing with friends and family!
How to Make Almond Banket Bars?
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). We want it nice and toasty for our beautiful bars.
2. **Make the Crust**: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla.
3. **Add Dry Ingredients**: Gradually mix in the flour and baking powder until everything comes together in a lovely dough. It should be slightly crumbly but hold together when you press it.
4. **Press the Crust**: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Then, press about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the pan evenly, creating a nice base.
5. **Prepare the Almond Filling**: In another bowl, crumble the almond paste and mix it with a fork until it’s soft. Spread this heavenly almond mixture over the crust.
6. **Top with Remaining Dough**: Crumble the remaining dough over the almond filling. It’s fine if some almond filling peeks through—those bits will turn golden and delicious!
7. **Bake**: Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen!
8. **Cool**: Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
9. **Make the Glaze**: In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioner’s sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
10. **Slice and Enjoy**: Cut into squares or bars, and let the flavor do the talking!
Sweet Tips and Serving Suggestions
– If you love an extra nutty flavor, feel free to fold in some chopped almonds into the almond paste mix.
– These bars store beautifully! Keep them in an airtight container for up to a week (if they last that long!).
– I love serving these with a cup of tea or coffee. They make a delightful addition to any gathering.
Whether you’re baking for a party or just want to treat yourself, these Almond Banket Bars are bound to bring smiles all around. I promise once you take your first bite, you’ll be hooked! Enjoy every moment of baking and feel free to share your experiences or any twists you try—I love hearing how you make this recipe your own! Happy baking!
