Introduction

If you’re a fan of rich almond desserts, these Dutch Letter Bars are sure to become a favorite. Inspired by the classic Dutch pastry, these buttery dessert bars are soft, tender, and packed with sweet almond flavor thanks to creamy almond paste. Finished with a sparkling sugar topping that bakes into a delicate crunch, they’re perfect for holidays, cookie exchanges, afternoon coffee, or anytime you crave an elegant homemade treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 8 ounces almond paste
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan for thick bars or a 9×13-inch pan for thinner bars.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar for 3–4 minutes, until light, fluffy, and creamy.

3. Add the Eggs and Almond Paste

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Crumble or break the almond paste into small pieces and mix until fully incorporated.

4. Add the Flour

Gradually stir in the flour until just combined.

Avoid overmixing to keep the bars soft and tender.

5. Spread the Batter

Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners.

Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar evenly over the top.

6. Bake

• 9×9-inch pan: Bake for 45 minutes.
• 9×13-inch pan: Bake for 35 minutes.

The top should be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.

7. Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles.

Serve and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

These delicious bars pair perfectly with:

• Hot coffee
• Black tea
• Cappuccino
• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream
• Powdered sugar dusting

Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.

Recipe Tips

• Use room-temperature butter for easier mixing.
• Break the almond paste into small pieces before adding to the batter for a smoother texture.
• Don’t overmix once the flour is added.
• Allow the bars to cool completely for clean slices.
• Sprinkle coarse sanding sugar on top for extra sparkle and crunch if desired.

Conclusion

These Dutch Letter Bars combine buttery richness with the unmistakable flavor of sweet almonds in every bite. Easy to prepare and elegant enough for holidays or special occasions, they’re a wonderful twist on the traditional Dutch pastry. Whether served with coffee, tea, or as part of a dessert tray, these bars are sure to impress family and friends with their irresistible flavor and soft, tender texture.