Almond Squares
Almond Squares are crunchy, sweet treats with a rich coconut and nutty flavor, perfect for snacking or dessert. They suit those who enjoy chewy, nutty bars.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the eggs in a mixing bowl.
- Add the shortening, confectioners sugar, flour, salt, brown sugar, additional flour, baking powder, coconut, and chopped nuts to the eggs and mix well.
- Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool, then cut into squares like brownies.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can use egg whites instead of whole eggs. To enhance the nuttiness, toast the chopped nuts lightly before adding them to the batter. Adjust the sweetness by using less brown sugar if desired. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to fit vegetarian recipes easily.
Serving Suggestions
Serve almond squares warm or at room temperature. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert. You can also serve them alongside a cup of coffee or tea. For a unique twist, consider pairing them with Claire's Cocoa Fudge for a rich dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover almond squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Almond Squares contains roughly 550 calories, with 8g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (24% of the Daily Value) and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2231mg per serving (97% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace the eggs in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce for a vegan option. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg or 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce as a replacement. These substitutions will help maintain the texture and moisture of the almond squares.
What kind of nuts can I use in this recipe?
You can use any type of nuts you prefer or have on hand, such as walnuts, almonds, or pecans. Each nut will impart a different flavor and texture to the almond squares, so feel free to experiment. Just ensure the nuts are chopped into small pieces to blend well into the batter.
How can I make these almond squares more chocolatey?
To add a chocolate flavor, consider mixing in chocolate chips or cocoa powder. For every cup of flour, you can replace 1/4 cup with cocoa powder, or fold in a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter before baking. This will create a delicious chocolate-almond combination.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).