ππ° Almond Strawberry Bars ππ°
Almond Strawberry Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the nutty goodness of almonds with the sweet and tangy flavor of fresh strawberries. These bars are perfect for those who enjoy a balance of textures and flavors in their treats.
π History:
The exact origin of Almond Strawberry Bars is a bit elusive, but fruit and nut bars have been enjoyed for centuries in various forms. They likely evolved from traditional fruit and nut-based sweets, with variations appearing in different regions over time. Almonds have a long history of cultivation and have been used in desserts throughout the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. The combination of almonds and strawberries in a bar form is a modern twist that’s become popular due to its delicious contrast of flavors.
π½οΈ Components:
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Almonds: Almonds are the star ingredient, providing a rich, nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch to the bars. You can use almond meal or ground almonds in the crust or topping.
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Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the fruity heart of these bars. They provide natural sweetness and a burst of vibrant color. You’ll typically need sliced or diced strawberries.
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Flour: All-purpose flour is commonly used to create the base and crumbly topping.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar is used for sweetness, both in the crust and in the strawberry filling.
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Butter: Unsalted butter is used to bind the crust and create a crumbly topping.
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Lemon Juice and Zest: These ingredients enhance the flavor of the strawberries and add a citrusy brightness.
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Salt and Vanilla Extract: These are added for flavor balance and depth.
π Steps to Prepare Almond Strawberry Bars:
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Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, a pinch of salt, and 1/2 cup of ground almonds.
- Cut in 1 cup of unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake the crust for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Let it cool while you prepare the strawberry filling.
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Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
- In another bowl, combine 2 cups of sliced/diced fresh strawberries, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and the zest of one lemon.
- Mix until the strawberries are coated in the sugar and lemon mixture.
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Assemble and Bake:
- Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the baked crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumbly almond mixture over the strawberries.
- Bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling.
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Cool and Slice:
- Allow the Almond Strawberry Bars to cool completely in the baking dish.
- Once cool, use a sharp knife to slice them into squares or bars.
β²οΈ Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare Almond Strawberry Bars is approximately 1 hour and 15-20 minutes, including baking and cooling time.
These Almond Strawberry Bars are a delightful combination of sweet, nutty, and fruity flavors, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy! ππ°π
