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Dutch Letter Bars Recipe

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3.8 from 8 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 9-12 bars

Description

Delicious Dutch Letter Bars packed with chewy almond flavor and a buttery, sweet taste. These tender bars feature a moist almond paste filling surrounded by a buttery dough, perfect for dessert or a special treat.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with butter. Alternatively, you can use a 9×13-inch pan for thinner bars.
  2. Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar for 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and airy, creating a fluffy base for your bars.
  3. Add Eggs and Almond Paste: Beat in the eggs one at a time ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then mix in the almond paste thoroughly to distribute the chewy almond flavor evenly throughout the batter.
  4. Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until just combined. Make sure there are no dry flour spots left but avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
  5. Prepare the Pan: Spoon the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan and spread it out smoothly to all the edges.
  6. Add Topping: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar over the top of the dough to provide a sweet and slightly crunchy crust after baking.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes if using a 9×9-inch pan or 35 minutes if using a 9×13-inch pan. The bars are done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to ensure clean cuts and perfect texture.

Notes

  • You can substitute almond paste with marzipan for a sweeter variation.
  • Using a larger pan will yield thinner bars, adjust baking time accordingly.
  • Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • For a nut-free alternative, consider replacing almond paste with vanilla custard or cream cheese filling, though flavor profile will change.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Dutch

Find it online: https://saraflavors.com/dutch-letter-bars-recipe/