Almond Blondies Recipe

There is something utterly irresistible about Almond Blondies that makes them a must-bake treat in any kitchen. These blondies are perfectly soft and smooth on the inside, with a delightful crunch from toasted sliced almonds on top. The subtle almond flavor runs through every bite, enhanced by a luscious frangipane layer that adds a lovely richness. Whether you’re craving a sweet afternoon snack or a beautiful dessert to share, these Almond Blondies bring warmth, buttery goodness, and a touch of elegance all rolled into one simple bar.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with Almond Blondies is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward and wonderfully complementary. Each one plays a vital role in building up the flavor, texture, and that gorgeous golden color you want in your blondies.

• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture, essential for that tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar and light brown sugar: Sweetness with depth; brown sugar adds chewiness and a hint of molasses flavor.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and keep the blondies soft.
• Almond extract: Delivers a fragrant, nutty aroma that perfectly complements the almonds.
• Almond flour: Adds moistness and a subtle nutty texture inside the blondies.
• All-purpose flour: Gives structure while keeping the blondies light.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Help the blondies rise just enough without becoming cakey.
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Sliced almonds: Topped on for a delightful crunch and beautiful presentation.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Optional, but perfect for a pretty dusting before serving.

How to Make Almond Blondies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Begin by placing an oven rack in the center position and preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 8×8-inch pan well with baking spray or butter to ensure your blondies won’t stick. This foundation step makes the difference between perfect bars and a pan of broken blondies.

Step 2: Make the Frangipane

In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth and slightly fluffy. Then, add the egg and almond extract, followed by the almond flour, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of kosher salt. Mix until combined and smooth, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula. This frangipane layer is what gives the Almond Blondies their luxurious depth and moistness.

Step 3: Prepare the Blondie Batter

In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter together with light brown sugar until glossy and smooth. Whisk in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to combine. In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, stirring just until combined and smooth. This careful mixing keeps the batter luscious and avoids overworking the gluten.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the blondie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly even though it’s thick and sticky. Next, dollop the frangipane over the blondie batter and gently spread so it covers the top layer. Finally, sprinkle the sliced almonds across the surface for that signature crunch. Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 5: Cool and Finish

Once baked, let your Almond Blondies cool in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling fully makes cutting easier and helps the bars set to the perfect fudgy texture. When ready, dust generously with confectioners’ sugar for an elegant finish, then slice into 9 or 16 squares depending on your preferred serving size.

How to Serve Almond Blondies

Garnishes

Almond Blondies look lovely dusted with confectioners’ sugar, but you can also elevate them with a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a light sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. A few slivered almonds on top can enhance both texture and presentation beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these blondies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a delightful dessert experience. Fresh berries, such as raspberries or sliced strawberries, add a hint of tartness that balances the blondies’ buttery sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning dessert tray, arrange mini Almond Blondies on a wooden board lined with parchment paper alongside almond biscotti or roasted nuts. You could also cut them into bite-sized squares and serve on cocktail picks for parties, making these blondies an irresistible finger food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store Almond Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them moist and tender while preserving their delicate almond flavor. For longer storage, refrigerating is also an option, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

Almond Blondies freeze wonderfully! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and sprinkle with fresh confectioners’ sugar to revive their charm.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Almond Blondies in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds to bring back their soft, gooey texture. You can also warm them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 to 10 minutes if you prefer a slightly crisped top once again.

FAQs

Can I substitute almond flour with regular flour in Almond Blondies?

While almond flour adds a moist, nutty element that is key to these blondies, you can replace it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour if needed. Just know that the texture and flavor will be a bit less rich and less almond-forward.

Are Almond Blondies gluten-free?

The recipe as written is not gluten-free because it contains all-purpose flour. However, you could try swapping the flour for a gluten-free blend suitable for baking to make them gluten-free, but the texture might vary slightly.

How do I know when Almond Blondies are done baking?

Bake until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. The bars should be set but still soft.

Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?

Absolutely! While almonds provide the classic flavor and crunch here, chopped pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts would also taste great and offer a different texture.

What is the purpose of the frangipane layer?

The frangipane adds additional moisture, richness, and a tender crumb to these blondies, enhancing their almond flavor and making them extra special compared to standard blondies.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s packed with buttery warmth, a hint of almond essence, and a wonderful balance of chewy and crunchy textures, give these Almond Blondies a try. They feel like a special treat, yet come together easily with simple ingredients you likely have on hand. I promise, once you make them, they’ll quickly become a beloved favorite to bake and share again and again.