Dutch Letter Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Dutch Letter Bars are a deliciously rich treat featuring buttery almond paste goodness baked into a tender, sweet crumb. Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a special dessert, they offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 8 oz almond paste
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch pan with butter; you may also use a 9×13-inch pan if you prefer thinner bars.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is light and airy.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then blend in the almond paste until evenly combined.
4. Step 4: Stir in the flour until just combined and there are no dry spots remaining.
5. Step 5: Spoon the dough into the prepared pan, spreading evenly to the edges. Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar on top.
6. Step 6: Bake for 45 minutes if using the 9×9-inch pan, or 35 minutes if using the 9×13-inch pan. The top should be golden when fully baked.
7. Step 7: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a nutty twist, try adding chopped toasted almonds or walnuts to the batter before baking.
• If you prefer a hint of spice, a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg can be mixed into the flour for added warmth.
• Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature; this helps achieve a smoother batter and better texture.

Storage

Store the Dutch Letter Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week—just bring them back to room temperature before serving. To refresh, warm slices briefly in the oven or microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use marzipan instead of almond paste?

Yes, marzipan can be used as a substitute, but it is typically sweeter and softer than almond paste, so the texture and sweetness may be slightly different.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Dutch Letter Bars, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures like regular flour. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Dutch Letter Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 50 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 16 bars (using a 9×9-inch pan) 1x

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Description

Dutch Letter Bars are a delightful, buttery almond-flavored treat featuring a rich almond paste baked into a sweet, tender dough topped with a crunchy sugar crust. Perfect for dessert or a special snack, these bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors with a golden, slightly crisp exterior.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough and Filling

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 8 oz almond paste
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Topping

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch pan with butter to prevent sticking. If you prefer thinner bars, you may opt for a 9×13-inch pan instead.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar together for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is light, creamy, and airy. This step is crucial for a tender texture.
3. Add Eggs and Almond Paste: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then incorporate the almond paste into the mixture, beating until smooth and fully blended.
4. Add Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients and mix just until the dough comes together and no dry flour spots remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
5. Transfer Dough to Pan: Spoon the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or your hands to spread it out evenly, ensuring it reaches all edges of the pan.
6. Add Sugar Topping: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar evenly over the top of the dough. This will create a sweet, crunchy topping as the bars bake.
7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes if using a 9×9-inch pan, or 35 minutes if using the larger 9×13-inch pan for thinner bars. The bars are done when the top is golden and firm to the touch.
8. Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This resting time helps the bars set and prevents crumbling when cut.

Notes

• Using room temperature butter is important for creaming properly with sugar.
• You can substitute almond paste with marzipan, but expect a slightly different texture and sweetness.
• For thinner bars, use a 9×13-inch pan and reduce the baking time accordingly.
• Make sure bars are fully cooled before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Dutch

Keywords: Dutch Letter Bars, Almond Paste Bars, Almond Dessert Bars, Dutch Almond Bars, Sweet Almond Bars