Almond Cream Cheese Shortbread Bars
If you’re dreaming of a dessert that is buttery, creamy, and just a hint nutty, then these Almond Cream Cheese Shortbread Bars are calling your name! They are the perfect blend of rich almond flavor and velvety cream cheese, all nestled atop a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust. Not only are they simple to make, but they also offer a delightful twist on traditional dessert bars that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Grab your apron and let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe!
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of these Almond Cream Cheese Shortbread Bars lies in their harmonious balance of textures and flavors. The buttery shortbread base provides a crumbly yet tender foundation, while the cream cheese layer adds a luscious creaminess that melts in your mouth. The almond extract infuses the bars with a warm, nutty aroma that elevates the entire dessert. Plus, the addition of slivered almonds on top adds a lovely crunch. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring that even novice bakers can whip up these delightful treats with success.
Gather These Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, very soft (1 stick)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 2 teaspoons salt, optional or to taste
- 4 ounces brick-style cream cheese, softened (lite is okay)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 to 2 teaspoons almond extract, I used 2
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (half of 1 stick)
- 1 ½ cups confectioners sugar
- 1 to 2 teaspoons almond extract
- About 2 tablespoons cream or milk
- About ¼ cup slivered almonds, mine were untoasted
Before You Start: Equipment
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need a couple for mixing your ingredients.
- Electric mixer: A hand or stand mixer will help achieve the perfect creamy texture.
- 9×9 inch baking pan: This is the ideal size for even baking of your shortbread bars.
- Parchment paper: Lining the pan with parchment makes for easy removal of the bars.
- Spatula: To spread the batter evenly in the pan.
Almond Cream Cheese Shortbread Bars in Steps
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Base
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the very soft unsalted butter and confectioners sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, corn starch, and salt until just combined.
Step 3: Press the Base into the Pan
Using your hands or a spatula, press the shortbread mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Make sure it’s packed down well to create a solid base.
Step 4: Bake the Shortbread Base
Bake the shortbread base in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes or until it is lightly golden around the edges. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add in the egg, 2 tablespoons of flour, and almond extract, mixing until just combined.
Step 6: Assemble the Bars
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled shortbread base. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
Step 7: Bake the Bars
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top.
Step 8: Cool and Frost
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. While it cools, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened butter, confectioners sugar, almond extract, and cream or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 9: Frost and Garnish
Spread the frosting over the cooled cream cheese layer, and sprinkle the slivered almonds on top for a beautiful finish.
Step 10: Slice and Serve
Once frosted, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve! Enjoy the delightful balance of almond and cream cheese flavors in every bite.
Quick Replacement Ideas
- Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-free: Use vegan butter and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
- Nut-free: Replace almond extract with vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.
- Lower sugar: Reduce the amount of confectioners sugar in the frosting or use a sugar substitute.
If You’re Curious
These Almond Cream Cheese Shortbread Bars are not only delicious, but they also make for a stunning presentation at any gathering. The combination of the creamy filling and the nutty topping creates a beautiful contrast that is sure to impress. Feel free to experiment with the flavors by adding in chocolate chips or different extracts to create your own unique version!
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
These bars are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Top Questions & Answers
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly. Unsalted butter is recommended for the best taste.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract, you can substitute it with vanilla extract for a different flavor. It will still be delicious!
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a few days in advance. Just keep them stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the cream cheese filling is set and slightly golden on top. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.
Healthy-ish Favorites
Hungry for More?
If you enjoyed these Almond Cream Cheese Shortbread Bars, be sure to check out more delightful recipes on our blog. From decadent desserts to scrumptious savory dishes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Happy baking!
Almond Cream Cheese Shortbread Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the very soft unsalted butter and confectioners sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, corn starch, and salt until just combined.
- Using your hands or a spatula, press the shortbread mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Make sure it’s packed down well to create a solid base.
- Bake the shortbread base in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes or until it is lightly golden around the edges. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add in the egg, 2 tablespoons of flour, and almond extract, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled shortbread base. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. While it cools, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened butter, confectioners sugar, almond extract, and cream or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled cream cheese layer, and sprinkle the slivered almonds on top for a beautiful finish.
- Once frosted, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve! Enjoy the delightful balance of almond and cream cheese flavors in every bite.
Notes
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months, wrapped well to prevent freezer burn.
- Feel free to add chocolate chips or other extracts to customize the flavor!
