Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and sour cream, then mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan in a thin, even layer.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Do not overbake.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, then beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Divide the frosting into three portions. Leave one portion white, tint one portion red, and tint one portion blue with gel food coloring.
- Spread or pipe the frosting over the cooled bars in patriotic stripes or swirls, then top with red, white, and blue sprinkles.
- Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
For clean slices, chill the frosted bars briefly before cutting. Gel food coloring works best because it adds vibrant color without thinning the frosting.
