Easy Dutch Letter Bars: Your Guide to Buttery, Almond-Filled Perfection
If you’re craving a dessert that delivers rich, buttery, and delightfully flaky flavors, these easy Dutch Letter Bars are an absolute must-try! This recipe offers a wonderfully simple way to savor the sweet, distinct almond notes characteristic of traditional Dutch Letter pastries, transformed into a convenient and shareable bar format. Crafted with a generous amount of almond paste, balanced with sugar, and enhanced by pure almond extract, you’ll find yourself falling head over heels for their exquisite taste and irresistible texture.
The journey to discovering these delectable bars began quite unexpectedly. One evening, while enjoying dinner with our dear friends, Todd and Traci, the conversation, as it often does with Brian and Todd having raced cars together for over two decades, inevitably drifted to race cars. They reminisced about a particular race in Knoxville, Iowa, and suggested a road trip to watch it. My eyes, however, began to glaze over with a familiar disinterest; after thousands of weekends spent watching cars circle a track, I was, admittedly, “over it.” Sensing my lack of enthusiasm, Traci cleverly steered the conversation in a more delicious direction. She brought up the beloved bakery in Pella, Iowa – a town known for its rich Dutch heritage and incredible pastries – where they always stopped to get their famous Dutch Letter Bars.
A couple of weeks later, the topic resurfaced in a serendipitous chat with my friend, Betsy. I’m still not sure how we landed on that specific part of Iowa, but I found myself asking her if she had ever tried a Dutch Letter. Her eyes lit up as she confirmed she had, but then shared her secret: when a craving strikes, she opts for her much easier Dutch Letter Bar recipe. The idea of simplifying this classic pastry into a bar immediately captivated me. I promptly gathered the necessary ingredients, and from the very first buttery, almond-infused bite, I was completely smitten. This recipe truly captures the essence of the traditional treat without any of the fuss.
Experience the Delight of Dutch Letter Bars
Gooey, wonderfully soft, and perfectly sweet, these **Dutch Letter Bars** offer a simplified yet equally satisfying way to indulge in the traditional almond flavors found in classic Dutch Letter pastries. Whether you’re preparing this Dutch-inspired recipe for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or simply as an everyday treat, there’s an undeniable charm in the soft and subtly sweet almond paste filling baked into a golden, buttery crust. The convenience of these bars makes them a perfect choice when you crave that authentic taste without the intricate shaping of traditional pastries.
Known by various names like *banketletter* or *boterletters* in the Netherlands, Dutch Letter pastries are celebrated for their unique charm and comforting flavors. With this Dutch Letter Bar recipe, you can skip the extra effort of painstakingly forming the pastry dough into the shape of a letter. Isn’t that truly amazing? You get all the rich, delicious flavor and texture in a much more accessible and quick-to-prepare format, making them ideal for any home baker.
Effortless Elegance: Easy Dutch Almond Paste Bars
This recipe for these decadent almond paste treats is remarkably simple to prepare, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike. All you need is a handful of readily available pantry ingredients. With just a few straightforward steps, these bars can be ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes of active preparation and baking time. Imagine having a warm, comforting, and deeply satisfying dessert on your table in no time at all – these Dutch Letter Bars make it possible!
The Rich History of Dutch Letters
The traditional Dutch Letter, or *banketstaaf*, holds a special place in Dutch culture, especially during winter festivals and the beloved holiday known as Sinterklaasavond (Saint Nicholas’ Eve), celebrated in December. These beautiful pastries are often shaped into the first letters of Dutch families’ surnames, creating a personalized and festive treat. Sinterklaasavond, a cherished gift-giving holiday, typically takes place on the fifth and sixth of December each year throughout the Netherlands, marking a time of joy and tradition.
The tradition of Dutch Letters made its way to North America with Dutch immigrants, notably in Pella, Iowa, starting in 1845. Pella, a town renowned for its strong Dutch heritage, quickly became a hub where these delightful pastries flourished. Over the years, Dutch Letters have been enjoyed during countless different occasions and festivities, becoming a staple sweet treat. Today, they are viewed as common delicacies across Iowa and can be found not only in specialty bakeries but also at unexpected places like gas stations and convenience stores, a testament to their widespread popularity and cultural significance.
The Mystery of the “S” Shape in Dutch Letter Pastries
You might frequently encounter Dutch Letter pastries almost exclusively shaped in the letter “S” and wonder about the reason behind this particular form. The answer lies in their close association with the aforementioned winter-themed holiday in the Netherlands, Sinterklaasavond. The “S” stands for “Sinterklaas,” the Dutch name for Saint Nicholas, who is the central figure of this gift-giving celebration. While traditionally, letters could be personalized to match family initials, the “S” became a prevalent and recognizable shape, especially in commercial settings, as a direct homage to the beloved figure of Sinterklaas. This makes the “S” a symbol of the holiday itself, bringing cheer and tradition to all who enjoy these festive treats.
Essential Ingredients for Your Dutch Letter Bars
To create these incredible Dutch Letter Bars, you’ll need a selection of high-quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. For the complete list of ingredients and detailed instructions, please scroll down to the bottom of this post for the full printable recipe card.
- Butter: Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, is a key ingredient. It provides the rich, flaky foundation and buttery flavor that defines these dessert bars. Using good quality butter makes a noticeable difference.
- Sugar: This recipe calls for both granulated sugar, which provides the primary sweetness and contributes to the tender texture, and raw sugar, which is optional but highly recommended for sprinkling on top, adding a delightful crunch and sparkle.
- Eggs: Large eggs act as a crucial binder, providing structure and moisture to the dough, ensuring the bars are perfectly set yet remain wonderfully tender and rich.
- Almond Paste: This is unequivocally the most important ingredient and the heart of these bars. Almond paste is made from finely ground almonds and sugar, often cooked with a bit of cream or a binder. It delivers that distinctive, rich, and sweet almond flavor that makes Dutch Letters so special. You’ll typically find it in the baking aisle near extracts and nuts, often packaged in a small tube or can. Be sure to use almond paste, not marzipan, as marzipan is sweeter and has a different consistency. Breaking it into small chunks before mixing helps ensure even incorporation.
- All-Purpose Flour: Standard all-purpose flour forms the structural base of these bars, providing a comforting, yet not overly dense, consistency.
- Almond Extract: To truly amplify the almond flavor, pure almond extract is highly recommended. It enhances the natural notes of the almond paste beautifully. Always opt for pure extract over imitation for the best taste.
- Slivered Almonds: While optional, slivered almonds are highly recommended for sprinkling on top of these bars. They add a lovely visual appeal and a delicate crunch, complementing the soft interior. You can certainly make them without if you prefer, but they do add an extra layer of texture.
Simple Steps to Making Perfect Dutch Letter Bars
Creating these delightful Dutch Letter Bars is a straightforward process that yields incredibly satisfying results. Follow these easy steps to bake a batch of your own buttery, almond-filled treats:
First, begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). While the oven heats, take a 9×13-inch baking dish and generously butter it. This crucial step ensures that your bars don’t stick and develop a beautiful golden crust at the bottom.
In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and eggs until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This process incorporates air, contributing to the tender texture of the finished bars. Next, add the almond paste, broken into small chunks, to the creamed mixture. Continue to mix until the almond paste is fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth, even distribution of its rich flavor throughout the dough. Finally, add the almond extract and all-purpose flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars.
Once your dough is ready, transfer it evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it smoothly from edge to edge. For an extra touch of flavor and texture, sprinkle the top with raw sugar and/or slivered almonds, if desired. The raw sugar adds a lovely sparkle and a subtle crunch, while the almonds provide a delightful textural contrast.
Finally, place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20-24 minutes. The bars are ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing and serving. Cooling is essential for them to set properly and for clean cuts.
Love it? Pin it!
Don’t let this delightful recipe for Dutch Letter Bars slip away! Be sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you leave. This way, you can easily find it whenever that craving for a buttery, almond-filled treat strikes, or when you need a simple yet impressive dessert to share with friends and family.
Expert Tips & Tricks for Perfect Dutch Letter Bars
Achieving bakery-quality Dutch Letter Bars at home is easier than you think, especially with these helpful tips and tricks:
- Don’t Over-Bake: This is crucial for maintaining the bars’ soft, gooey texture. Pull them out of the oven just as their tops turn a beautiful golden brown. They will continue to set slightly as they cool, so don’t wait for them to look completely firm. Over-baking can lead to dry, crumbly bars.
- Proper Storage: To keep your Dutch Letter Bars fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you wish to keep them longer, these bars freeze exceptionally well. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and they’ll maintain their quality in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven for a “freshly baked” taste.
- Almond Paste is Non-Negotiable: Let’s reiterate: make sure you have real almond paste for this recipe! Almond paste is the *essential ingredient* that gives these bars their signature rich, nuanced almond flavor and soft, chewy texture. Do not confuse it with almond flour, almond meal, or even marzipan (which is much sweeter and softer).
- Finding Almond Paste: You can either embark on an adventure to make almond paste from scratch if you’re feeling ambitious, or easily find it online, at a specialty baker’s store, or in the baking aisle of your local supermarket, typically near the extracts or nuts. It often comes in a tube or a small can.
- Serve Warm or Cold: While delicious at room temperature, warming the bars slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds can enhance their gooey center and bring out the full depth of their buttery almond flavor.
- Optional Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness and moisture, consider drizzling the cooled bars with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, a touch of milk, and a hint of almond extract.
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Adore
If you’re a fan of comforting baked goods and easy-to-make desserts, you’re in the right place! My website features an entire section dedicated to a variety of donuts and pastries, as well as another vibrant category focused solely on delectable bar recipes. Here are some of my personal favorites that I’m sure you’ll love:
These Glazed Lemon Bars are a consistent family favorite, bursting with bright citrus flavor and a sweet glaze. Equally beloved are my Baked Banana Fritters, which are wonderfully soft and comforting, and the incredibly tender Iced Snickerdoodle Bars. For those who enjoy a richer, fruit-filled treat, my Cranberry Magic Bars and delightful Apple Pie Bars are absolute winners. When it comes to traditional pastries, you absolutely won’t want to miss this authentic recipe for Polish Donuts (Pączki), beautifully pictured above, or my nostalgically delicious homemade Blueberry Toaster Strudel. And for a truly classic European dessert, try this fantastic Nut Rolls Recipe. Each of these recipes promises to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen!
Now that you’re well-acquainted with the history, ingredients, and simple process, I think it’s high time we bake up some of these irresistible Dutch Letter Bars, don’t you? Let’s get to the full recipe and start creating some almond-filled magic in your kitchen!
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Print Recipe
Dutch Letter Bars
Equipment
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Rubber Spatulas
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Glass Batter Bowl
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9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish with a Lid
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Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
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KitchenAid Hand Mixer
Ingredients
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 7 ounces almond paste broken into small pieces
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon pure almond extract
- raw sugar optional, for sprinkling
- slivered almonds optional, for sprinkling
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
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In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and eggs until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
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Gradually add the almond paste in small chunks while the mixer is running (on low speed) until it is fully incorporated into the butter mixture and no large lumps remain.
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Stir in the pure almond extract, then add the all-purpose flour. Mix on low speed until the flour is just combined and no dry streaks are visible. Be careful not to overmix.
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Evenly spread the mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish using a spatula.
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If desired, sprinkle the top of the dough with raw sugar and/or slivered almonds for added texture and visual appeal.
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Bake for 20-24 minutes, or until the top of the bars is beautifully golden brown and the center is set (a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs).
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Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the dish before slicing into individual servings.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on April 19, 2021. It has been updated to improve the user experience, enhance SEO, and reshared on June 17, 2025.
