Almond Brownies

These Almond Brownies are soft, buttery and oh so delicious! Made in just one bowl, these are quick to make and are perfect for an after school snack, bake sale, or easy dessert!

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A few years back, my coworker Mary had brought these Almond Brownies (also known as Scandinavian or Swedish Brownies) into the office. Now, typically when it comes to dessert, I can't resist chocolate. Chocolate cake, brownies, scotcheroos....you get it. But for some reason that day, among all the other desserts, I decided to give these Almond Brownies a try.

I remember thinking they were simply amazing. How amazing? So good that I emailed her four years later asking (begging) her for the original recipe. You know it's tasty when you're still thinking about it years later!!

I whipped up this recipe, crossing my fingers it would be as good as I remembered it. I let them cool and cut a piece...just kidding, I don't have the much patience. Immediately when they came out of the oven, I grabbed a piece and was SO glad they were as delicious as the first time I tried them! And I was also pumped that it was such an easy recipe to make!

I think what I love the most about these Almond Brownies is the texture. The flavor is really, really good, but the texture is what hooked me. The brownie is moist and buttery and the crackly sugar/almond top coat brings the slightest crunch.

8 Simple Ingredients Needed

• Butter - I use salted, but you can also use unsalted butter and add an extra ¼ teaspoon salt to the batter.
• Eggs - Large eggs are what I use.
• Sugar
• All-Purpose Flour
• Salt
• Baking Powder
• Almond Extract - 1 tablespoon sounds like a lot, but it's just right!
• Sliced Almonds

How to Make Almond Brownies (aka Scandinavian Brownies)

First, you'll want to preheat your oven and prepare a pan by either using cooking spray or lining the pan with parchment paper.

Next, you'll melt the butter (microwave or stovetop is fine) and then let it come to room temperature.

In a large bowl, combine the eggs and sugar. You can use a stand mixer, an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to mix together until foamy.

Then, you'll add the dry ingredients and stir until combined.

Lastly, the butter and almond extract is added. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl to make sure all of the ingredients at the bottom of the bowl are incorporated.

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and then sprinkle with sliced almonds and additional sugar.

Put into the preheated oven and bake until the edges are a light golden brown and the center of the pan is set. I do recommend letting the brownies cool for a little bit before diving in...if you can wait!! 🙂

Are Almond Brownies easy to make?

They're SO very easy to make! Call me lazy (or efficient!), but I love recipes that have just one mixing bowl and this recipe is one of them. In your mixing bowl (stand mixer or bowl with hand mixer), you'll combine the eggs and sugar. Then, you'll add in the dry ingredients. Lastly, you'll stir in the melted butter and almond extract and pour into the prepared pan.

Next, you'll sprinkle the top with sliced almonds and sugar and bake! It takes just 18-20 minutes for these to bake, so they're done pretty darn quick. If you're patient (unlike myself ;)), let the brownies cool before cutting into pieces and devouring!

How to Store Leftover Brownies

Just like any traditional brownie recipe, you'll want to store these Almond Brownies in an airtight container. You can also freeze them to enjoy later!

How do I know when these Almond Brownies are done?

I recommend setting your timer for 25 minutes and checking them then. If the outer edge and the top of the brownies are becoming every so slightly golden brown, they're ready to come out of the oven. If they don't seem quite ready, continue to bake in 1-2 minute increments until they're done.

You definitely do not want to over bake these. When you over bake (anything really), the moisture continues to be drawn out of the brownies and takes away from the moist, dense, amazing texture.

A few of my other favorite quick dessert bars include...

Oh Henry Bars - Oh Henry Bars are a quick dessert with a buttery oatmeal base and topped with a combo of chocolate and peanut butter.  These easy bars are the perfect addition to any bake sale, luncheon, potluck or family gathering – yum!

Best Fudgy Brownies - These easy homemade brownies are perfect for satisfying that chocolate craving! They use unsweetened cocoa powder and chocolate chunks, making them super rich and delicious - the best brownies!

Raspberry Bars - These bars have a rich, buttery crust, a flavorful raspberry filling and a drizzle of icing on top! They’re easy to put together and hard to resist!

Best Ever Scotcheroos - If you live in the Midwest, chances are you’ve had a “scotcheroo” a time or two….and if you haven’t, ohhhhh let me tell you – you’re in for a real treat!!  Rich chocolate and butterscotch covers the creamy, crispy, peanut-buttery base layer and it’s good.  Like reeaaaaaal good. 

......But before you go searching for other dessert bars, give these Almond Brownies a serious consideration....I can almost guarantee they'll be a hit!

Recipe originally posted in 2019; photos added and baking time updated in 2023.