Pear Cardamon Crumb Bars

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Preheat the over to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease an 8” x 8” square baking pan and line the bottom with a piece of parchment long enough to form an overhang along two sides of the pan.

Step 2

Combine the flour, almonds, sugar, baking powder, salt, cardamom and lemon zest in the bowl of a food processor. Process until the almonds are finely ground and the ingredients are fully combined. Cut the cold butter into 1/2” pieces and add to the dry ingredients. Pulse until some of the butter is the size of oatmeal flakes. Combine the egg yolk, vanilla and almond extracts and add. Process just until the mixture starts to clump and holds together when pinched.

Step 3

Press about 2/3 of the dough clumps into the prepared pan to form an even bottom layer. Refrigerate the remaining 1/3 of the dough for the topping until ready to use.

Step 4

Bake the bottom crust until puffed up and the surface looks dry and slightly browned, about 20 – 22 minutes.

Step 5

Peel and core the pears. Cut crosswise into 1/4” slices and place in a bowl with the lemon juice, tossing to coat evenly. Add the 1/4 cup sugar and toss. Lay the pear slices evenly over the bottom crust. Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the pears, making sure to distribute to the edges and the corners to form a border.

Step 6

Bake until golden brown, about 28 minutes. Place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely. Run a thin knife around the edges and gently lift out of the pan using the parchment overhang to assist. Cut into bars.