Park Avenue Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that marries the decadence of cream cheese frosting with the comforting chew of a bar cookie, look no further than this Park Avenue Bars Recipe. These bars are rich, buttery, and filled with the crunch of pecans, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these bars will surely become a favorite in your household.

Why It Deserves a Spot

Park Avenue Bars are not just another dessert; they are a nostalgic nod to the classic cream cheese and sugar combo that many of us grew up loving. This recipe brings together a perfectly moist base with a heavenly topping, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The combination of sweet and salty, along with the crunch of nuts, makes every bite an experience worth savoring. Plus, they are easy to make, which means you can whip them up in no time and impress friends and family alike.

What to Buy

To make these delectable Park Avenue Bars, you will need to gather a few essential ingredients. Here’s a detailed list:

• 1 tablespoon butter – for coating the baking pan
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – the backbone of the bars
• 2 cups sugar – to sweeten the base
• 2 teaspoons baking powder – for leavening
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda – to help the bars rise
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – enhances flavor
• 3 large eggs – binds the ingredients
• 3/4 cup butter, melted – adds richness
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – for flavor
• 1 cup chopped pecans – adds crunch
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – for the luscious frosting
• 3 1/2 cups confectioners sugar – for sweetness in the frosting

Toolbox for This Recipe

Before you dive into baking, ensure you have the following tools handy:

• 9×13 inch baking pan – for baking the bars
• Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients
• Whisk – for mixing dry ingredients
• Electric mixer – for making the cream cheese frosting
• Spatula – for spreading the frosting
• Cooling rack – for cooling the bars

How to Prepare Park Avenue Bars Recipe

Follow these simple steps to create your Park Avenue Bars:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Coat your 9×13 inch baking pan with 1 tablespoon of butter, making sure to cover all sides to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together 3 large eggs, 3/4 cup of melted butter, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.

Step 6: Fold in Pecans

Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 7: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool the Bars

Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add 3 1/2 cups of confectioners sugar, mixing until smooth and creamy.

Step 10: Frost the Bars

Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.

Step 11: Slice and Serve

Cut the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!

Allergy-Friendly Swaps

If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, consider these substitutions:

• Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
• Replace eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) for a vegan option.
• Substitute dairy-free butter and cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
• Replace pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for nut-free bars.

Avoid These Mistakes

To ensure your Park Avenue Bars turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

• Do not overmix the batter; this can lead to tough bars.
• Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the frosting.
• Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
• Use fresh ingredients, particularly baking powder and baking soda, to ensure proper rising.

Shelf Life & Storage

To keep your Park Avenue Bars fresh and delicious:

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you wish to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.

Park Avenue Bars Recipe Q&A

Can I make Park Avenue Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator after frosting them, and they will be perfect for serving the next day.

Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?

Yes! Feel free to use walnuts, almonds, or any nut of your choice. Just be sure to chop them up finely for the best texture.

Is there an alternative to cream cheese for the frosting?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of powdered sugar for a tangy twist. However, it won’t have the same creamy texture as cream cheese frosting.

How can I make these bars more chocolatey?

For a chocolate twist, you can add chocolate chips to the batter or use a chocolate cream cheese frosting instead.

Because You Liked This

If you enjoyed this Park Avenue Bars Recipe, you might also like:

• Cream Cheese Brownies
• Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Easy Vegan Pumpkin Bread

In Closing

There you have it—the perfect recipe for Park Avenue Bars that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. These bars are not just a treat; they are a celebration of flavors that come together beautifully. With their creamy frosting and nutty crunch, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful dessert. Happy baking!