1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Extracts: Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture. Mix until fully combined.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold in ½ cup of sprinkles, reserving some for the top.
7. Spread Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 30 minutes.
10. Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth to create the frosting.
11. Frost the Bars: Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
12. Add More Sprinkles: Sprinkle additional sprinkles over the frosting for a festive touch.
13. Slice and Serve: Cut into squares and serve to your loved ones for a sweet treat!

These simple steps will guide you in creating delicious Valentine’s Sugar Cookie Cake Bars that are sure to impress everyone.