Juicy Christmas Almond Slices are a delightful treat that adds a festive touch to your holiday gatherings. These slices are not just delicious; they’re incredibly easy to make! With the rich flavors of almond and chocolate, they’re sure to impress your guests and fill your home with a warm, inviting aroma. Perfect for sharing with loved ones, these treats will have everyone asking for your secret recipe!
What You’ll Need for Juicy Christmas Almond Slices
Before you start whipping up these tasty almond slices, make sure you have everything ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 200 g ground almonds (1 ¾ cups)
- 150 g sugar (¾ cup)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract)
- 3 eggs
- 100 g melted butter (½ cup)
- 80 g all-purpose flour (⅔ cup)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pinch of salt
- 150 g dark chocolate (5 oz), chopped
- 100 ml heavy cream (⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon)
- Whole almonds for decoration
How to Make Juicy Christmas Almond Slices
Creating these tasty treats is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps:
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs together with the sugar and vanilla sugar until you achieve a fluffy mixture.
- Add the melted butter to the egg mixture and mix briefly until combined. Then, add the ground almonds, all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything together until well blended.
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper and pour the mixture into it, smoothing it out evenly.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C (350 °F) for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until it turns golden brown.
- Once baked, allow the almond slab to cool completely.
- In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream gently until it’s warm but not boiling. Add the chopped dark chocolate and stir until you get a smooth mixture.
- Spread the chocolate mixture evenly over the cooled almond slice.
- Place a whole almond on each portion and let the chocolate set. Then, cut into slices!
How to Serve Juicy Christmas Almond Slices
These almond slices can be served in a variety of ways that will make your dessert table shine! For an elegant touch, plate them on a decorative serving platter and dust with a little powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or tea— the rich flavors of the slices complement warm drinks beautifully. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.
Expert Tips for Juicy Christmas Almond Slices
- Chocolate Variation: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate! Milk chocolate or even white chocolate would create a unique twist to these almond slices.
- Nutty Add-ins: For an added crunch, throw in some chopped walnuts or hazelnuts into the batter. They pair wonderfully with the flavor of almonds.
- Storage Tips: Keep your Juicy Christmas Almond Slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well, so you can prep them ahead of time!
Juicy Christmas Almond Slices FAQs
Can I substitute the dark chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate or white chocolate instead, depending on your taste preference!
How do I know when the almond slices are done baking?
They should be golden brown on top. You can also do a toothpick test—insert it in the center, and if it comes out clean, they are done!
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream.
Give these Juicy Christmas Almond Slices a try this holiday season! With their delightful flavor and festive appearance, they are sure to be a hit. Enjoy baking and sharing this delicious treat with family and friends!