Fudgey Almond Bars

Fudgey Almond Bars Recipe - Delicious Dessert with Sweetened Condensed Milk and Almonds

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Fudgey Almond Bars are a decadent and rich dessert that combines the flavors of chocolate and almonds in a delicious bar form. These bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and are sure to be a hit with friends and family.

History

The origins of Fudgey Almond Bars are not entirely clear, but they are believed to have been inspired by traditional fudge recipes that have been passed down through generations. The addition of almonds adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that takes these bars to the next level.

Ingredients

0.75 cup (1-0.5 sticks) softened butter or margarine
0.75 cup powdered sugar
1-0.5 cups all-purpose flour
0.33 cup butter or margarine
0.5 cup HERSHEY'S cocoa
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
1-0.25 cups toasted and coarsely chopped almonds (*)
0.5 cup hot water
2 eggs, well beaten
0.5 tsp almond extract
0.13 tsp salt

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a large bowl, beat 0.75 cup of butter and powdered sugar until well blended.
Add the flour and mix well.
Press the mixture evenly onto the bottom of an ungreased 13x9x2 inches baking pan.
Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 0.33 cup of butter and stir in cocoa.
Remove from heat and stir in sweetened condensed milk, almonds, water, eggs, almond extract, and salt.
Pour the mixture evenly over the prepared crust.
Return to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the center is set.
Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Cut into bars.
Cover and store in the refrigerator.
To toast the almonds, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Spread the almonds in a thin layer in a shallow baking pan.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until light golden brown. Allow to cool.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the bars for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
Swap out the almonds for pecans or walnuts for a different nutty twist.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the bars for an extra decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to line your baking pan with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the bars once they are done baking.

- Toasting the almonds before adding them to the mixture enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch.

- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares to ensure they hold their shape.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Fudgey Almond Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Fudgey Almond Bars is to bake them until the center is just set. Be careful not to overbake them, as this can result in dry and crumbly bars.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have almonds on hand, you can use any other type of nut in this recipe, such as pecans or walnuts. You can also use almond extract in place of vanilla extract for a stronger almond flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Fudgey Almond Bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month.

Presentation Ideas

Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top of the bars before serving for a pretty finishing touch. You can also garnish with a few whole almonds for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Fudgey Almond Bars pair well with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk for a classic and comforting dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Fudgey Almond Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Fudgey Almond Bars contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Fudgey Almond Bars contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Fudgey Almond Bars contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Fudgey Almond Bars contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Fudgey Almond Bars are a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

Fudgey Almond Bars contain dairy, eggs, and nuts.

Summary

Fudgey Almond Bars are a delicious treat that is relatively high in calories and fats, but they also provide essential nutrients like protein, iron, and calcium.

Summary

Fudgey Almond Bars are a delicious and indulgent dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and almonds in a convenient bar form. With a crunchy crust and a fudgy filling, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests. Enjoy them as a special treat or give them as a homemade gift to friends and family.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Fudgey Almond Bars. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village nestled in the countryside. I had always been drawn to the art of baking, spending hours in the kitchen watching my own grandmother whip up delicious treats for our family.

One day, while rummaging through an old recipe book that had been passed down through generations, I came across a worn and tattered page that caught my eye. It was a recipe for Fudgey Almond Bars, handwritten in elegant script with a few splatters of what I could only assume were remnants of past baking adventures.

Intrigued by the combination of rich chocolate and crunchy almonds, I set to work gathering the ingredients and following the instructions carefully. As the bars baked in the oven, the sweet scent of chocolate and almonds filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

When the timer finally dinged, I eagerly pulled the pan of bars out of the oven and let them cool on the counter. Once they were ready, I cut into a square and took my first bite. The rich, fudgey chocolate melted in my mouth, while the crunchy almonds added a delightful texture that I had never experienced before.

I knew from that moment on that this recipe would become a staple in my own collection. I shared the bars with my family and friends, who all raved about the delicious combination of flavors and textures. It quickly became a requested treat for special occasions and gatherings.

As the years went by, I continued to perfect the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. I added a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the richness of the chocolate, and sometimes swapped out the almonds for pecans or walnuts for a different twist.

I also shared the recipe with anyone who asked, passing on the joy and satisfaction that came from creating something delicious and homemade. I taught my own children how to make the bars, watching with pride as they carried on the tradition of baking in our family.

Over time, I learned that this recipe was not just a delicious treat, but a reminder of the joy and love that can be shared through something as simple as a homemade dessert. It became a symbol of the memories and moments that were created in the kitchen, where laughter and conversation flowed freely as we baked together.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scent of chocolate and almonds, I can't help but feel grateful for stumbling upon that old recipe all those years ago. It has brought me so much happiness and connection with those I love, and I know that it will continue to be a cherished part of my family's traditions for years to come.