Almond Bars (White Texas Sheet Cake)

Sheet Cake:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups All-Purpose flour
• 2 cups white granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Frosting:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 1/4 cup milk
• 4 cups Confectioners’ Sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:  

In a medium saucepan, bring butter and water to a boil.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, add flour and sugar. Mix. Then add in eggs, sour cream, almond extract, baking soda and salt. Slowly pour in the boiling butter/water mixture. Stir with a spatula until well combined and smooth.  (No need to use an electric mixer!)

Pour into a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees F. for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool cake for about 20 minutes.

For Frosting: 

In a large saucepan, combine butter and milk. Bring to a boil. Remove from the heat, and then stir in sugar and extract. Stir until smooth and all combined. Spread over warm cake. Decorate cake with sprinkles, if desired.