Dutch Letter Bars

Ohhh, Dutch Letter Bars—almond lovers, assemble 🇳🇱✨
All the cozy, flaky, almondy goodness of a Dutch Letter… without wrestling pastry into an “S”.

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Dutch Letter Bars

Pan: 9×13-inch
Time: ~1 hour

Ingredients

Crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¾ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1 large egg

Almond Filling

• 1½ cups almond paste

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• ½ tsp almond extract

• Zest of 1 lemon (optional but classic)

Topping

• 1 egg, beaten (egg wash)

• 2 tbsp sliced almonds

• Coarse sugar (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line pan with parchment.

2. Make crust

   • Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

   • Cut in butter until crumbly.

   • Mix in egg until dough forms.

   • Press evenly into pan.

3. Prepare filling

   • Beat almond paste and sugar until smooth.

   • Mix in eggs, almond extract, and lemon zest.

4. Assemble

   • Spread almond filling evenly over crust.

   • Brush lightly with egg wash.

   • Sprinkle sliced almonds and coarse sugar.

5. Bake

   • Bake 35–40 minutes, until golden and set.

6. Cool & slice

   • Cool completely before cutting for clean bars.

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Pro tips

• If almond paste is stiff, grate it or warm it slightly first.

• These taste even better the next day.

• Serve with coffee or tea—non-negotiable ☕

• Drizzle with a light powdered sugar glaze if you want bakery vibes.

Want a puff pastry version, a cherry-almond twist, or a mini bar version next?