Scandinavian Almond Dream Bars
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Scandinavia with these Scandinavian Almond Dream Bars. This rich and buttery dessert features a flaky crust layered with a creamy almond filling made from real almond paste and topped with a touch of cinnamon and cardamom for warmth. Perfect for sharing at a family gathering or enjoying with your favorite cup of tea, these bars are sure to impress and leave everyone asking for seconds!
48
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
2 cups (sifted)
baking powder
1 teaspoon
salt
1 teaspoon
butter
3/4 cup (softened)
sugar
3/4 cup
instant potato flakes
1/2 cup
almond paste
8 ounces (crumbled)
confectioners' sugar
1 1/4 cups
water
1/2 cup
egg
1 (beaten)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon
cardamom
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, instant potato flakes, softened butter, and sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
3
Press half of this crust mixture firmly into the bottom of a lightly greased 13x9 inch baking pan to form an even base.
4
In another bowl, prepare the almond filling by mixing almond paste, confectioners' sugar, water, egg, cinnamon, and cardamom. Beat well until fully combined and smooth.
5
Spread the almond filling mixture evenly over the pressed crust in the baking pan.
6
Crumble the remaining half of the crust mixture over the top of the almond filling to create a streusel-like topping.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
8
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 48 squares for serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Scandinavian Almond Dream Bars?
They are rich and buttery dessert bars featuring a flaky crust, a creamy almond paste filling, and warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 48 squares.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long do the Scandinavian Almond Dream Bars need to bake?
They should bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
What size baking pan is required?
You should use a 13x9 inch baking pan.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
Yes, the recipe recommends using a lightly greased baking pan.
What is the secret ingredient in the crust?
The crust uses 1/2 cup of instant potato flakes for a unique texture.
What ingredients are in the almond filling?
The filling consists of crumbled almond paste, confectioners' sugar, water, a beaten egg, cinnamon, and cardamom.
How do I prepare the crust mixture?
Combine flour, baking powder, salt, instant potato flakes, softened butter, and sugar using an electric mixer until it resembles fine crumbs.
How much of the crust mixture goes on the bottom?
Press half of the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form the base.
What do I do with the remaining crust mixture?
The remaining half is crumbled over the top of the almond filling to create a streusel-like topping.
How should the almond paste be prepared?
The almond paste should be crumbled before being mixed into the filling.
Should the flour be sifted?
Yes, the ingredients list specifies 2 cups of sifted flour.
What spices give these bars their Scandinavian flavor?
Cinnamon and cardamom provide the signature warm Scandinavian flavor profile.
Can I cut the bars immediately after baking?
No, you should allow them to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
How many eggs are needed for this recipe?
One beaten egg is required for the almond filling.
What is the consistency of the crust mixture before baking?
It should resemble fine crumbs before being pressed or crumbled.
What type of sugar is used in the filling?
The filling uses 1 1/4 cups of confectioners' sugar.
How much almond paste is used?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of almond paste.
Is the butter melted or softened?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of softened butter.
What is the purpose of the water in the filling?
The 1/2 cup of water helps to blend the almond paste and sugar into a smooth, spreadable filling.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include scandinavian, almond, bars, dessert, cookies, baking, sweet treat, and party snack.
What is the texture of the finished bars?
They feature a flaky base and a creamy, aromatic almond center with a crumbly topping.
Are these bars suitable for a party?
Yes, they are tagged as a 'party snack' and yield many servings, making them ideal for gatherings.
Can I serve these with tea?
Yes, they are described as being perfect to enjoy with your favorite cup of tea.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of salt in the crust mixture.
How much cardamom is used?
The filling includes 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom.
How do I know the filling is ready to spread?
Beat the filling ingredients until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
Is there baking powder in the recipe?
Yes, there is 1 teaspoon of baking powder in the crust mixture.
What speed should I use on the electric mixer?
The recipe suggests using medium speed to blend the crust components.