It is with immense pleasure and a deep sense of purpose that I continue my partnership with OXO for the sixth consecutive year. This collaboration allows us to share delightful recipes like these Swedish Visiting Cake Bars, all while contributing to the vital mission of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer.
Baking, at its core, is a source of pure joy for me. The meticulous process of combining ingredients, the comforting aroma filling the kitchen, and the anticipation of a delicious treat all contribute to an experience that nourishes the soul. However, when this passion for baking is channeled toward a meaningful cause, that joy gains an even profounder purpose.
For the sixth consecutive year, I am profoundly proud to collaborate with OXO in their ongoing efforts to raise crucial funds for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. This year, OXO has generously pledged to donate up to $100,000 to this remarkable public charity. What makes Cookies for Kids’ Cancer truly exceptional is its unwavering commitment: 100% of all proceeds raised by the organization directly fund pediatric cancer research. This means every dollar contributed goes straight to finding better treatments and, ultimately, cures for childhood cancer, offering hope to countless families.
It’s an incredibly impactful organization, and OXO’s dedicated support, exemplified through initiatives like this recipe feature, helps shine a light on their mission and drives essential financial contributions. Our combined efforts aim to inspire a community of bakers and compassionate individuals to make a tangible difference in the lives of children battling cancer.
Experience the Delight of Swedish Visiting Cake Bars (A Dorie Greenspan Masterpiece)
Today, I am absolutely thrilled to share a recipe from the revered baking goddess herself, Dorie Greenspan. Her cookbooks are a treasure trove of culinary wisdom, and her “Cookies” collection is particularly exquisite, brimming with innovative and classic cookie recipes that never fail to impress. Among these gems, the recipe for her Swedish Visiting Cake Bars truly stands out, capturing my excitement from the moment I discovered it.
What makes this recipe so appealing, beyond its delicious outcome, is its sheer simplicity. It’s wonderfully straightforward, featuring easy-to-follow steps and a concise list of readily available ingredients. You won’t need any specialized baking tools, just your standard kitchen essentials – though I’ll be highlighting some of my favorite OXO products that make the process even smoother. The ingredients come together harmoniously, creating a batter that promises an exquisite treat. This recipe is perfect for both novice bakers looking for a rewarding project and seasoned pros seeking a reliable, crowd-pleasing dessert.
The finished product is a pan of truly irresistible almond bars. They elegantly straddle the line between a tender almond cake and a delightfully crisp almond cookie, offering a “best of both worlds” hybrid experience. Imagine a moist, flavorful almond cake base, perfectly balanced by a crunchy, sweet almond cookie topping. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast in textures and a rich, nuanced almond flavor that is simply unforgettable. The subtle warmth of vanilla combined with the distinct essence of almond extract creates a profile that is both comforting and sophisticated.
Once baked to golden perfection, these versatile dessert bars can be cut into various shapes to suit your preference. You can opt for nine generous squares, ideal for a more substantial indulgence, or transform them into eighteen elegant triangles for smaller, more delicate portions. Personally, while I appreciate the classic appeal of the squares, I find myself gravitating more towards the compact size of the triangles. They are incredibly convenient for a quick, satisfying snack on the go, and offer just the right amount of sweetness to curb a craving without being overly filling. Their portability also makes them excellent for potlucks, lunchboxes, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.
Baking with Heart: Supporting Cookies for Kids’ Cancer
I sincerely hope that this recipe does more than just inspire you to bake these unbelievably delicious and subtly addictive Swedish Visiting Cake Bars. My greater aspiration is that it moves you to learn more about the profound work of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer and, more importantly, discover how YOU can actively contribute to the relentless fight against childhood cancer. Pediatric cancer is a heartbreaking reality for many families, and every effort, big or small, brings us closer to a world where no child has to face this battle.
Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a national non-profit organization dedicated to funding new and improved treatments for pediatric cancer. It was founded by two families whose children were diagnosed with cancer, who then realized the desperate need for more effective treatments. Their mission is powered by events like bake sales, and with every cookie baked and every dollar raised, they inch closer to their goal. The impact of their work is far-reaching, directly influencing research that leads to innovative therapies and, ultimately, saves lives.
You can become a part of the Cookies for Kids’ Cancer challenge and make a real difference. Simply register your event online. An incredible incentive: if you indicate that you were inspired by OXO when you register your bake sale, OXO will match the proceeds from your event, up to their annual commitment! This is a fantastic opportunity to double your impact and contribute significantly to pediatric cancer research. Imagine the power of combining your passion for baking with a cause that truly matters – it’s a recipe for hope and change.
Swedish Visiting Cake Bars Recipe
Swedish Visiting Cake Bars
Ingredients
For the topping
- 1 cup (120 grams) confectioners’ sugar
- 3 large egg whites
- 1½ cups (150 grams) sliced almonds, blanched or unblanched
For the bars
- ¾ cup (150 grams) sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon pure almond extract
- 1 cup (136 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 stick, 8 tablespoons; 4 ounces; 113 grams unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
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Center a rack in the oven and preheat it to 350 degrees F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides to easily lift the cake once baked.
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To make the topping: In a medium bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar and pour over the egg whites. Using your fingers or a fork, gently mix until the sugar is just moistened. Don’t worry if there are small lumps; they will melt during baking. Stir in the sliced almonds, ensuring they are thoroughly coated with the sugared whites. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the cake batter.
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To make the bars: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, large eggs (ensure they are at room temperature for better emulsion), and fine sea salt until the mixture becomes lighter in color and slightly thickened, which usually takes about 2 minutes of vigorous whisking. Incorporate the pure vanilla extract and pure almond extract, whisking until fully combined. Switch to a flexible spatula and gently fold in the all-purpose flour. Continue folding until the flour is just incorporated and no dry streaks remain. Then, gradually fold in the melted and cooled unsalted butter until the batter is thick, smooth, and possesses a beautiful sheen. Scrape this rich batter into the prepared baking pan and use your spatula to spread it evenly into all corners. The batter layer will appear quite thin.
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Give the almond topping another gentle stir or run your fingers through it to loosen any clusters. Carefully turn the entire topping mixture out over the prepared batter in the pan. Use a spatula or your fingers to spread the almonds evenly across the surface, making sure to distribute them well, especially into the corners, for a consistent crisp crust.
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Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, or with only a few moist crumbs clinging to it. The meringue topping should achieve a beautiful pale golden-brown color. If you prefer a deeper, more caramelized golden shade on the topping, you can carefully run it under the broiler for a minute or two, keeping a very close eye on it to prevent burning.
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Once baked, transfer the pan to a wire cooling rack and allow it to rest for approximately 5 minutes. Then, gently run a thin knife around the edges of the cake to loosen it. Using the parchment paper overhangs, carefully lift the cake out of the pan and invert it onto another wire rack to cool completely to room temperature. This cooling process is crucial for the bars to set properly and for the topping to achieve its desired crispness.
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Transfer the cooled cake to a sturdy cutting board. Using a long, sharp, thin knife, slice the cake into nine even 3-inch squares. For smaller, bite-sized portions, you can cut each square diagonally into two triangles. If desired, a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar just before serving adds an elegant touch and a hint of extra sweetness.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If you make this recipe, don’t forget to share your culinary creation on Instagram! Use the hashtag #UrbanBlissLife and be sure to tag me @UrbanBlissLife.
I absolutely adore seeing what delicious dishes you bring to life! And, if you found this recipe enjoyable and satisfying, please do me a huge favor and leave a star rating below. Your feedback means the world to me, sweet friends! Thank you for your support and for being a part of this amazing community.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Effortless Baking
My admiration for OXO products runs deep, spanning many years. A quick glance into my kitchen drawers and cabinets would reveal a collection brimming with their innovative and reliable tools. Each item embodies the brand’s commitment to thoughtful design, high-quality materials, and exceptional functionality, consistently standing the test of time and countless baking sessions.
For crafting these Swedish Visiting Cake Bars with precision and ease, I relied on a few key OXO kitchen tools that truly elevate the baking experience:
- Non-Stick Pro Cake Pan: https://amzn.to/2SrD2Ty – A superior non-stick pan is non-negotiable for cake bars. This pan ensures an even bake and effortless release, meaning your beautiful bars slide out perfectly every time, without sticking or tearing. Its durable construction is built to last through endless baking adventures.
- 5lb Food Scale with Pull Out Display: https://bit.ly/2MiyIVG – Precision is paramount in baking, especially for consistent results. This food scale allows for accurate measurement of ingredients by weight, which is far more reliable than volume measures. The pull-out display is a brilliant feature, ensuring you can always read the measurements clearly, even when using larger bowls.
- 11″ Balloon Whisk: OXO whisk – A good whisk is indispensable for aerating eggs and thoroughly combining dry and wet ingredients. The ergonomic handle and robust construction of the OXO whisk make light work of mixing, preventing arm fatigue and ensuring a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Non-Stick Cooling and Baking Rack: https://amzn.to/2UAXxjA – Proper cooling is just as important as baking for the perfect texture. This non-stick rack allows for air circulation around all sides of your baked goods, preventing sogginess and ensuring an even cool. Its non-stick coating also means delicate items won’t stick, preserving their integrity.
These products, alongside many other OXO kitchen companions I own, consistently simplify, ease, and enhance my baking endeavors. They are designed with the home baker in mind, turning potentially challenging steps into enjoyable parts of the process. Investing in quality tools truly makes a difference in the outcome and the overall pleasure of baking.
PIN IT for Later: Your New Favorite Almond Bar Recipe!
These Swedish Visiting Cake Bars are more than just a dessert; they are a delightful blend of simplicity, exquisite flavor, and a chance to contribute to a noble cause. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this Dorie Greenspan recipe promises a rewarding experience and a treat that will be loved by all. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily find it whenever a craving for these amazing almond bars strikes! Pin it now and get ready to bake some joy.
This post is created in partnership with OXO and Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. As always, all opinions expressed and photographs shared are entirely my own. I wholeheartedly stand behind the quality of OXO products and the invaluable mission of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer.
This post contains affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy for further details on how this supports my work.