π«π° Almond Bars with Chocolate Glaze π«π°
What is it?
Almond Bars with Chocolate Glaze are delectable dessert bars that combine the nutty goodness of almonds with the richness of chocolate. These bars consist of a buttery almond-infused base topped with a smooth and glossy chocolate glaze, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
History:
The precise origin of Almond Bars with Chocolate Glaze is a bit elusive, but they belong to the broad category of dessert bars, which have been enjoyed for centuries. The combination of almonds and chocolate has been cherished in various forms across different cultures, making it a classic pairing.
Components:
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Almond Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup ground almonds
- A pinch of salt
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Chocolate Glaze:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Steps to Prepare:
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Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
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Prepare the Almond Base:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the room-temperature butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour, ground almonds, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the dough comes together.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
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Bake the Base:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden.
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Make the Chocolate Glaze:
- While the base is baking, prepare the chocolate glaze. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, butter, and heavy cream.
- Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Alternatively, you can melt the ingredients in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method).
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Assemble and Cool:
- Once the almond base is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Pour the warm chocolate glaze over the slightly cooled base, spreading it evenly.
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Chill and Set:
- Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate glaze is firm.
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Cut and Serve:
- Once set, remove the bars from the pan and cut them into squares or bars of your desired size.
Total Time Needed:
- Preparation: Approximately 20-30 minutes
- Baking: 20-25 minutes
- Cooling and Setting: 2 hours or more
- Total Time: Around 3 hours
Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Almond Bars with Chocolate Glaze. π«π°β¨
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almond Bars with Chocolate Glaze:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):
- Calories: 200-250 kcal
- Total Fat: 13-15g
- Saturated Fat: 6-8g
- Cholesterol: 20-25mg
- Sodium: 30-40mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2g
- Sugars: 10-12g
- Protein: 2-3g
Health Information:
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Moderation: While these bars are delicious, they are also calorie-dense due to the butter, sugar, and chocolate. Enjoy them in moderation as an occasional treat.
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Almonds: Almonds provide healthy fats, fiber, and protein. They are a good source of vitamin E and minerals like magnesium and phosphorus.
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Chocolate: Dark chocolate (with a higher cocoa content) used in the glaze contains antioxidants and may have potential health benefits when consumed in moderation. It’s also known to improve mood.
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Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid excessive calorie intake, as these bars can be quite rich.
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Balance: Enjoy these bars as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-rich foods.
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Customization: You can make these bars slightly healthier by using whole wheat flour, reducing sugar, or using dark chocolate with higher cocoa content for the glaze.
Remember that specific nutritional values may vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe.
