Park Avenue Bars Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the richness of cream cheese with the nuttiness of pecans, then you’re in for a real treat with this Park Avenue Bars Recipe. These bars are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant dessert tables. Their moist texture and sweet cream cheese frosting will leave everyone asking for the recipe. So, let’s dive into the world of baking and create something truly special!
What Makes This Recipe Special
What sets these Park Avenue Bars apart is the harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The base is soft and buttery, made with a blend of all-purpose flour, sugar, and baking essentials, while the cream cheese layer adds a luscious creaminess that perfectly complements the crunch of chopped pecans. The bars are easy to make, requiring no advanced baking skills, making them accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. Plus, they’re absolutely delicious, which is the most important factor!
Ingredient Checklist
To whip up these Park Avenue Bars, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter – for coating the baking pan
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our bars
- 2 cups sugar – for sweetness
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – to help the bars rise
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda – for leavening
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt – to enhance flavor
- 3 large eggs – for binding the ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter, melted – adds richness
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – for a hint of flavor
- 1 cup chopped pecans – for crunch and nuttiness
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – for the creamy layer
- 3 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar – for a sweet frosting
Kitchen Gear Checklist
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following kitchen gear:
- 9×13 inch baking pan – for baking the bars
- Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients
- Electric mixer – for easy cream cheese frosting
- Spatula – for spreading the batter and frosting
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy
- Parchment paper – optional, for easier removal of bars
Park Avenue Bars Recipe: From Prep to Plate
Now that you have all your ingredients and gear ready, let’s get started with the baking process!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial to ensure your bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease the baking pan with the 1 tablespoon of butter. If desired, line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal later.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 3/4 cups of flour, 2 cups of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt until well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the 3 large eggs until frothy. Add the 3/4 cup of melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense bars. Fold in the 1 cup of chopped pecans gently.
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the bars are baking, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add the 3 1/2 cups of confectioners’ sugar, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
Step 8: Frost the Bars
Once the bars are baked and cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Allow the frosting to set for a bit.
Step 9: Cut and Serve
Cut the bars into squares, serve them on a platter, and watch as they disappear!
Fit It to Your Goals
If you want to tailor this recipe to fit your dietary goals, consider the following options:
- For a gluten-free option, substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular flour.
- To reduce sugar, try using a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup like Stevia.
- Add dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor profile.
- Use almond butter instead of regular butter for a nutty twist.
Behind-the-Scenes Notes
When making these Park Avenue Bars, remember that the ingredients should be at room temperature for the best results. This ensures that everything combines smoothly, especially the cream cheese. If you want to add a little zing, consider mixing in some zest from an orange or lemon into the batter for a refreshing touch.
How to Store & Reheat
To keep your Park Avenue Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to enjoy them later, they can also be frozen. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then enjoy them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat.
Ask the Chef
Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work great as substitutes. Just choose your favorite nut to give the bars a personal touch!
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone cheese or even Greek yogurt as a substitute for cream cheese in the frosting, although the texture and flavor will differ slightly.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the bars a day in advance. Just frost them the day you plan to serve to keep the frosting fresh and vibrant.
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Next Steps
Now that you have made these delicious Park Avenue Bars, consider sharing your creation with friends and family! Snap a photo and post it on social media, tagging your favorite food bloggers. You can also experiment with different toppings or add-ins to make this recipe your own. The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to get creative in the kitchen!
Baking is all about joy and sharing, and these Park Avenue Bars are sure to bring smiles to everyone who tries them. Enjoy your culinary adventure and happy baking!
Park Avenue Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial to ensure your bars bake evenly.
- Grease the baking pan with the 1 tablespoon of butter. If desired, line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 3/4 cups of flour, 2 cups of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, beat the 3 large eggs until frothy. Add the 3/4 cup of melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense bars. Fold in the 1 cup of chopped pecans gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the bars are baking, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add the 3 1/2 cups of confectioners' sugar, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the bars are baked and cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Allow the frosting to set for a bit.
- Cut the bars into squares, serve them on a platter, and watch as they disappear!
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients.
- Try adding citrus zest for an extra flavor boost.
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
