Chocolate Almond Toffee Bars

These Chocolate Toffee Almond Shortbread Bars are the ultimate treat for those with a sweet tooth! Featuring a buttery shortbread base topped with a gooey mix of chocolate chips, crunchy toffee bits, and nutty almonds, these bars hit every flavor note you could crave in a dessert. Their rich and satisfying layers make them ideal for holidays, gatherings, or just a cozy night in.

Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures, with the crumbly shortbread at the bottom, a creamy almond-chocolate-toffee layer in the middle, and a satisfying touch of crunch on top. The sweetness of the condensed milk blends perfectly with the chocolate and toffee, while the almonds bring a mild, nutty flavor that complements the buttery shortbread foundation.

In just 45 minutes, you can make a batch of these Chocolate Toffee Almond Shortbread Bars that yields 24 delectable squares. With such a simple process, you’ll have no trouble whipping up this indulgent dessert that everyone will rave about!

Key Ingredients for Chocolate Toffee Almond Shortbread Bars

  • Unsalted butter – Essential for that rich, buttery shortbread base, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • All-purpose flour – Gives the shortbread a tender, crumbly structure.
  • Powdered sugar – Adds just the right sweetness without making the crust too dense.
  • Chopped almonds – Adds a nutty crunch throughout; using a quality brand like Blue Diamond makes a noticeable difference.
  • Sweetened condensed milk – Helps create a gooey, caramel-like layer that holds everything together.
  • Mini chocolate chips – Bring a pop of chocolate in every bite, melting perfectly into the topping.
  • Toffee bits – These add a caramelized, buttery crunch, enhancing the sweet and nutty flavors.

Steps to Create Chocolate Toffee Almond Shortbread Bars

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil and give it a light coat of non-stick spray.
  2. In a mixing bowl, blend softened butter, flour, salt, and powdered sugar with a mixer until smooth. Fold in 1/4 cup of chopped almonds.
  3. Press this shortbread mixture evenly into the lined pan to form a thin layer. Bake for 15 minutes.
  4. While the crust is baking, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg, and vanilla in another bowl, then mix in the remaining almonds, chocolate chips, and toffee bits.
  5. Pour the topping over the hot crust, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 18 minutes until the topping edges start to turn golden brown.
  6. Cool the bars completely in the pan, then use the foil to lift them out and cut into squares.

Tips for Perfect Shortbread Bars

  • Press with Care: When pressing the shortbread into the pan, use hands lightly sprayed with cooking spray to avoid sticking.
  • Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and set layers.
  • Toasted Almonds: For extra flavor, consider toasting the almonds lightly before adding them to the mixture.

Delicious Variations

These bars are highly adaptable! Swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate or dark chocolate to change up the flavor profile. Pecans or walnuts also make great alternatives to almonds if you’re looking for a different type of nutty crunch. For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the top once the bars have cooled.

How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Toffee Almond Shortbread Bars

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, these bars freeze exceptionally well! Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, using parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to a month—just thaw them at room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.