Gluten-Free Almond Bars

Oh my gosh!  I can hardly explain how much I love these Gluten-Free Almond Bars. Seriously. These cookie bars are like two of my favorite things joined together to make one absolutely amazing dessert. Brownies and bear claws... these almond bars have the texture of a brownie (without the chocolate) and the flavor of a bear claw. Perfect.

Gluten-Free Almond Bars
1/2 cup almond paste (5 ounces)*
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
2 sticks butter (1 cup), softened
1 egg, separated
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup almond flour
3/4 cup sweet sorgum flour
1/2 cup sliced almonds

*You can find almond paste in the baking aisle at your local market. Don't buy marzipan. Look for almond paste.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a square baking pan with foil leaving foil that overhangs. Spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray.

Pulse the almond paste in a food processor. Add the salt and 1/4 cup of the sugar and pulse until blended with the almond paste and finely ground. 

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the butter and the remaining 1/2 cup sugar. Add the almond mixture, egg yolk, and almond extract and beat well to blend. Add the flours and mix until combined. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan. Brush the egg white over the top and sprinkle with the sliced almonds.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool the bars in the pan for at least an hour until completely cooled. Then cut into small squares with a sharp knife. These bars need some time to set after baking so don't try to cut them too soon.

Enjoy!!