Okay, friends, let me tell you about these Almond Toffee Bars. They’re seriously the kind of treat that disappears in a flash. I remember my grandma making something similar for holiday gatherings, and everyone would hover around the dessert table just waiting for a piece. These are even better, if I do say so myself! Think of them as a cross between a classic shortbread cookie and a crunchy toffee candy bar. But, you know, way more fun to make and definitely more satisfying. The buttery base, the rich toffee layer, and the crunchy almonds…it’s a match made in dessert heaven. And the best part? You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already!
What is almond toffee bar?
So, what exactly are these dreamy Almond Toffee Bars? Well, think of it as a leveled-up Shortbread Cookie. We start with a simple, buttery crust that’s almost like a blank canvas. Then, we pour over a glorious layer of homemade toffee – the kind that bubbles and caramelizes in the oven until it’s golden brown and ridiculously tempting. Finally, we shower it all with toasted almonds for that perfect crunch and nutty flavor. It’s essentially a homemade candy bar, but in bar form, and so much better than anything you’d find at the store. Honestly, the aroma alone while these bake is worth the effort.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let’s be real, there are tons of dessert recipes out there, but this one is special. What I love most about these Almond Toffee Bars is how ridiculously easy they are to make. Seriously, you don’t need to be a pastry chef to pull these off. Plus, the flavor is just incredible. The buttery shortbread base, the sweet and slightly salty toffee, the nutty almonds…it’s a perfect symphony of textures and tastes. And let’s not forget about the cost-effectiveness! You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already, which means you can whip up a batch without breaking the bank.
Another reason I adore this recipe is its versatility. You can enjoy these bars as a simple afternoon treat, a fancy dessert after dinner, or even package them up as a homemade gift for friends and family. They’re always a hit! If you’re a fan of Pecan Pie Bars or shortbread cookies, you’re going to absolutely adore these. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll be making again and again. I know I always do!
How do I make almond toffee bars?
Quick Overview
How do you make almond toffee bars? How do you make a quick toffee sauce? What is the best way to sprinkle almonds over the crust? What are some of the best ways to make a delicious treat that takes less than an hour to prepare? Straight from a gourmet bakery. Can I substitute almonds for other nuts in this recipe? Add a drizzle of chocolate.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Make sure it’s *really* soft, almost melty, but not overly sweet. What makes for a smoother dough? I always take mine out of the fridge about an hour before I start baking. * 1/2 cup granulated sugar * 2 cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level the flour to avoid packing. Too much flour and the crust will be dry. * 1/4 teaspoon salt.
For the Toffee Layer:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter * 1/4 cup water * 2 tablespoons granulated sugar Salt * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract * 2 teaspoons salt
For the Almond Topping:
* 1 cup sliced almonds, toasted – Toasting brings out so much flavor! I usually do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. When they’re golden brown and fragrant, fry them until they get crispy.
What is the step by
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease and lightly flour a 9×13 inch Baking Pan. If you have a pan with parchment paper, you can line it with the same paper for easy removal. Is parchment paper a breeze to clean?
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. I usually use an electric mixer for this, but you can definitely do it by hand if you’re feeling like it. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. How do you avoid overmixing the crust?
Step 3: Press the Dough Into the Pan
Press the dough into the prepared baking pan. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to help smooth it out. Once the dough is pressed in, prick it all over with a fork. How do I prevent the crust from puffing up during baking?
Step 4: Bake the Crust
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly brown. When the crust is baking, you can start making the toffee layer.
Step 5: Make the Toffee Layer
In a medium saucepan, combine butter, sugar, water, and salt. Set aside. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the sugar dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil and continue to cook, without stirring, until it reaches 300°F (149°C). On a candy thermometer, or until it’s dark amber color. What is the best way to cook toffee?
Step 6: Add Vanilla and Pour Over Crust
Remove the toffee from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. How do I spread toffee evenly over shortbread?
Step 7: Sprinkle with Almonds
Sprinkle the toasted almonds evenly over the toffee layer. Gently press the almonds into the toffee.
Step 8: Bake Again
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the toffee is bubbly and the almonds are lightly toasted. Watch it carefully so the almonds don’t burn.
Step 9: Cool and Cut
Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely before cutting into bars. How do you cut toffee? If you used parchment paper, you can lift the whole thing out of the pan and cut it on a cutting board.
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best almond toffee bars? I love coffee for breakfast. It’s a good coffee. What is a good treat to start the day with? If you’re having brunch, serve it with a fruit salad and sparkling wine. What are some of the best brunch ideas? What are some great Ice Cream Bars to serve with a dollop of whipped cream? What are some good ways to serve these cookies with melted chocolate? What’s better than snuggling up on the couch with a warm cup of tea and some good company? Almond Toffee Bar. My family tradition is to have them after our Thanksgiving feast. Is there any wrong way to enjoy these bars?
How do you make almond toffee bars?
Over the years, I’ve made these Almond Toffee Bars countless times, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. First and foremost, make sure your butter is truly softened before you start making the crust. This will ensure that the dough comes together smoothly and evenly. If your butter is too cold, it will be difficult to cream with the sugar.
When making the toffee layer, don’t be tempted to stir it once it comes to a boil. Stirring can cause the sugar to crystallize, resulting in a grainy toffee. Just let it bubble away until it reaches the right temperature. As for ingredient swaps, you can easily substitute the almonds for other nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or even macadamia nuts. I’ve even tried it with chopped chocolate, and it was delicious!
When baking, keep a close eye on the bars, especially during the last few minutes. The toffee can go from perfectly golden brown to burnt in a matter of seconds. And finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with the glaze! You can add a pinch of sea salt for a salted caramel flavor, or a dash of cinnamon for a warm, cozy twist. I once added a tablespoon of coffee extract to the glaze and it was an absolute game-changer!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
These Almond Toffee Bars are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store well. At room temperature, they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container. To keep them from sticking together, I like to layer them between sheets of parchment paper.
For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving, as the toffee will be quite hard when cold. And if you want to freeze them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few hours. If you’re planning on freezing them, I recommend waiting to add the glaze until after they’ve thawed. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or runny.
What are the most frequently asked questions on
Final Thoughts
Okay, my friends, I truly hope you give these Almond Toffee Bars a try. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of the buttery shortbread, the rich toffee, and the crunchy almonds is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re so versatile! You can enjoy them as a simple snack, a fancy dessert, or even a homemade gift.
If you’re looking for more easy and delicious dessert recipes, be sure to check out my other posts. And if you make these bars, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy baking!
Almond Toffee Bars
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup butter unsalted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups almonds, slivered
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and granulated sugar until combined.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and almonds.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until well combined. Pour mixture into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
