Decadent Mocha Almond Delight Bars
Indulge in these rich Decadent Mocha Almond Delight Bars that perfectly blend the bold flavors of coffee and the crunch of almonds. Ideal for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up or a delightful dessert, these bars are easy to make and sure to impress guests. With a buttery base layered with toasted almond slices and topped with a smooth almond glaze, they're a treat that combines sweetness with a touch of sophistication. Perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own, these bars will become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
2 1/4 cups (All-purpose flour, sifted)
sugar
1 cup (Granulated sugar)
butter
1 cup (Softened, at room temperature)
egg
1 (Large egg)
instant coffee granules
1 teaspoon (Dissolved in a small amount of hot water, optional)
sliced almonds
1 cup (Lightly toasted if desired)
powdered sugar
3/4 cup (Sifted)
almond extract
1/4 teaspoon (Pure almond extract)
milk
1-2 tablespoons (Add gradually for desired consistency)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, softened butter, egg, and instant coffee granules. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture at low speed until well combined and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3
Fold in the sliced almonds gently until evenly distributed.
4
Grease a 13x9-inch baking pan and press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden brown.
6
While the bars are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar and almond extract in a separate small bowl. Gradually add milk until you achieve a smooth, drizzleable consistency.
7
Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Drizzle the almond glaze over the warm bars for a delicious finish.
8
After the bars have cooled completely, cut them into 36 squares and serve.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Mocha Almond Delight Bars?
They are rich dessert bars that blend bold coffee flavors with crunchy almonds, featuring a buttery base and a smooth almond glaze.
How many squares does one batch yield?
One batch baked in a 13x9-inch pan yields approximately 36 squares.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The bars should be baked in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What ingredients are needed for the bar base?
The base consists of flour, sugar, softened butter, one egg, instant coffee granules, and sliced almonds.
Do I need to sift the flour?
Yes, the recipe recommends using 2 1/4 cups of sifted all-purpose flour for the best texture.
How do I prepare the instant coffee granules?
While it is optional, you can dissolve the instant coffee granules in a small amount of hot water before adding them to the batter.
How long do the bars take to bake?
The bars should bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown.
What is the best way to mix the dough?
Use an electric mixer at low speed to beat the flour, sugar, butter, egg, and coffee until well combined and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Should I toast the almonds before adding them?
Yes, you can lightly toast the sliced almonds if desired to enhance their flavor and crunch.
What ingredients are in the almond glaze?
The glaze is made from sifted powdered sugar, pure almond extract, and 1-2 tablespoons of milk.
How do I apply the glaze to the bars?
Once the bars are removed from the oven and have cooled slightly, drizzle the prepared almond glaze over the warm bars.
Can I use a different type of sugar for the glaze?
No, you must use powdered sugar to ensure the glaze is smooth and drizzleable.
What size baking pan is required?
A standard 13x9-inch baking pan is required for this recipe.
Should the baking pan be greased?
Yes, ensure you grease the 13x9-inch baking pan before pressing the dough into it.
How do I know when the bars are finished cooking?
Look for the edges to turn a light golden brown; this usually takes between 25 and 30 minutes.
Can I substitute almond extract with vanilla?
Yes, but it will change the flavor profile of the glaze. Almond extract provides the signature taste for these bars.
How do I store leftover Mocha Almond Delight Bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The serving size is one square, and the recipe makes 36 squares in total.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
While not in the original instructions, you can easily fold in chocolate chips with the almonds for a 'double mocha' flavor.
How much butter is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of softened butter.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy baking' recipe suitable for beginners.
Can these bars be frozen?
Yes, these bars freeze well if placed in an airtight container or freezer bag.
What texture should the dough have before baking?
The dough should be well combined, fluffy, and firm enough to be pressed evenly into the bottom of the pan.
Do I add the almonds before or after baking?
The sliced almonds are folded into the dough and baked with the bars.
What kind of coffee should I use?
Use instant coffee granules to ensure they mix easily into the dough.
How much sugar goes into the base?
One cup of granulated sugar is used in the dough mixture.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used as a substitute.
How should I cut the bars?
After the bars have cooled completely, use a sharp knife to cut them into 6 rows by 6 rows to get 36 squares.
Is the glaze very thick?
The glaze should be a 'drizzleable' consistency; you can adjust this by adding milk one tablespoon at a time.
Are these bars suitable for a dessert platter?
Yes, their sophisticated mocha and almond flavors make them an excellent addition to any dessert platter or party.