Toasted Almond Chocolate Chip Bars (Print Version)
Chewy chocolate chip base with toasted almonds and luscious vanilla frosting
# List of Ingredients:
→ Base
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
03 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
06 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1/2 tsp baking soda
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
10 - 1 cup toasted sliced almonds
→ Frosting
11 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
12 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
13 - 2 tbsp whole milk
14 - 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
15 - Pinch of salt
→ Garnish
16 - 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
17 - 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips
# Step-by-step Instructions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
03 - Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
04 - Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
05 - Fold in chocolate chips and toasted sliced almonds.
06 - Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
07 - Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until light golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely in the pan.
08 - Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt, beating until smooth and fluffy. Add more milk if needed for spreadable consistency.
09 - Spread frosting over the cooled bars. Sprinkle with toasted almonds and mini chocolate chips.
10 - Chill for 15 minutes to set the frosting. Lift out of the pan, cut into bars, and serve.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The chewy base and creamy frosting create the most incredible texture contrast
- These bars disappear faster than cookies at every party I bring them to
02 -
- Let the bars cool completely before frosting or the frosting will melt right off
- Chilling the frosted bars makes cutting them into clean squares much easier
03 -
- Watch your almonds like a hawk while toasting—they go from perfect to burned in seconds
- Warm the knife under hot water between cuts for the cleanest squares