Dutch Letter Bars

Ah, Dutch Letter Bars—inspired by the traditional Dutch “banket” pastry, these bars capture the sweet, almond-filled goodness of Dutch letters in an easy, portable form. Perfect for dessert, tea, or gifting! 🌰🥧

Here’s a complete recipe:

Dutch Letter Bars

Ingredients (makes ~16 bars)

For the pastry/base:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 egg yolk

• 1–2 tbsp cold water

For the almond filling:

• 1 cup almond paste

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 egg white

Optional topping:

• 1 egg yolk + 1 tsp water (for egg wash)

• Sliced almonds

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Make the pastry:

   • In a food processor or by hand, cut butter into flour and sugar until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

   • Add egg yolk and 1 tbsp cold water; mix until dough comes together.

   • Press 2/3 of the dough into the prepared pan evenly. Reserve the rest for the topping.

3. Prepare almond filling:

   • In a bowl, mash almond paste with softened butter, sugar, vanilla, and egg white until smooth.

4. Assemble bars:

   • Spread the almond filling evenly over the pastry base.

   • Crumble or press the remaining dough over the almond layer (like a streusel topping).

5. Optional topping:

   • Brush lightly with egg wash and sprinkle sliced almonds for extra crunch and shine.

6. Bake:

   • 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and almond layer is set.

7. Cool & serve:

   • Let bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles.

Tips for Best Dutch Letter Bars

• Almond paste: Use a quality almond paste, not marzipan—it’s less sweet and smoother.

• Butter temperature: Cold butter in the dough ensures a tender, slightly flaky base.

• Make ahead: Bars taste even better the next day as flavors meld. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

If you want, I can give a “quick and easy Dutch Letter Bar shortcut” using store-bought puff pastry that cuts prep time in half but still tastes amazing.