Chocolate Mocha Almond Bars

An impressive layered treat, perfect for holiday gatherings.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Yields: 40 Bars

Ingredients

• BOTTOM LAYER

• 2 1⁄2 cups flour
• 1⁄2 cup  cocoa
• 1  teaspoon baking powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1  cup butter, at room temperature
• 1  cup sugar
• 2  eggs
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract

• MIDDLE LAYER

• 8  ounces almond paste, at room temperature
• 2  tablespoons butter, at room temperature
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 1  egg white
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3  eggs

• MOCHA FROSTING

• 4  ounces  sweet baking chocolate, chopped
• 1⁄4 cup heavy cream
• 2  teaspoons powdered instant coffee (put several teaspoons of instant coffee granules in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin)

• TOPPING

• 1⁄3 cup  finely chopped  toasted almond

Directions

1. TO MAKE BOTTOM LAYER: Blend butter and sugar together.
2. Add eggs and vanilla.
3. Mix well.
4. Add combined dry ingredients, a little at a time, mixing well between additions.
5. Pat dough into greased 10 1/2 x 15 1/2 x 1 inch jelly roll pan.
6. TO MAKE MIDDLE LAYER: Combine almond paste, butter, sugar, egg white and vanilla.
7. Beat until smooth.
8. Add eggs and mix well.
9. Spread over dough in pan.
10. BAKE at 350 F for 20-25 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
11. Let cool in pan on wire rack.
12. TO MAKE FROSTING: Melt together chocolate, cream, and coffee powder.
13. Stir well to combine.
14. Pour over cooled layers in pan and spread evenly.
15. TOP with chopped almonds.
16. When frosting has set (after about 30 minutes), cut into bars.