Name: Almond Banket Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: undefined
Cuisine: Dutch
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 8 ounces almond paste; 2 cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 3-4 tablespoons milk

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars capture the wonderful almond flavor of the traditional Dutch almond banket but in a more convenient and quicker format. With a soft, buttery texture and a sweet almond glaze, these bars are incredibly addictive and perfect for sharing at gatherings, holidays, or just because. Plus, they are so simple to make with easy-to-find ingredients, making them perfect for any home baker. You’ll love the balance of sweetness, richness, and the delightful almond taste in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Bars:

1 cup butter, softened
8 ounces almond paste
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
3-4 tablespoons milk

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Bars:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cream the Butter and Almond Paste: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and almond paste until smooth and well combined.
Add Sugar and Eggs: Add the granulated sugar and eggs to the mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
Add Flour and Salt: Sift together the flour and salt, then add them to the mixture. Stir until combined.
Press into Baking Dish: Press the dough mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Bake: Bake for 1 hour, or until the bars are lightly browned on top and the center is firm to the touch.

For the Glaze:

Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, almond extract, and 3 tablespoons of milk. Mix until smooth, adding the extra tablespoon of milk if needed to achieve a drizzle-able consistency.
Glaze the Bars: As soon as the bars come out of the oven, spread the glaze evenly over the hot bars.
Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 12 bars
Calories: Approximately 218 kcal per bar

Variations

Add Toasted Almonds: For an extra almond crunch, top the bars with slivered or sliced toasted almonds before baking.
Flavor Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the bar dough for an additional layer of flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
Change the Glaze: Try using vanilla extract or a splash of maple syrup in place of the almond extract for a different flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store Almond Banket Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be refrigerated for longer storage.
Freezing: You can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use marzipan instead of almond paste?

Yes, you can substitute marzipan for almond paste, though marzipan tends to be sweeter, so you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.

2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They even taste better after a day or two as the flavors meld.

3. How do I make sure the bars bake evenly?

Make sure to spread the dough evenly in the baking dish, and check the bars towards the end of baking for doneness. If the center is still soft, let them bake for a few more minutes.

4. Can I add chocolate to these bars?

Yes! You can drizzle melted chocolate over the top or even fold some mini chocolate chips into the dough for a chocolate almond combination.

5. Can I use a hand mixer instead of an electric mixer?

Yes, you can use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer, though it may take a little more time and effort to get everything well blended.

6. Can I substitute the butter with margarine?

While margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, it may affect the flavor slightly. For the best results, I recommend using butter.

7. Can I use powdered almond paste instead of the block version?

Yes, you can use powdered almond paste, but be sure to adjust the quantity based on the package instructions to achieve the same flavor and consistency.

8. Can I make a larger batch of these bars?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly. Check for doneness with a toothpick.

9. What’s the best way to serve these bars?

These bars are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

10. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour and ensure the rest of the ingredients are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Almond Banket Bars are a simple, delicious, and festive treat that’s perfect for the holidays, parties, or any time you’re craving a sweet, almond-flavored dessert. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, these bars come together quickly and are sure to be a hit with family and friends. The rich, almond-filled base, topped with a sweet glaze, will melt in your mouth and leave you craving more. Enjoy these delectable bars today!

Almond Banket Bars

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Almond Banket Bars are a rich, buttery treat with a sweet almond glaze, inspired by the traditional Dutch almond banket. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, these bars are perfect for any occasion, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: undefined
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Dutch
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cream together the softened butter and almond paste in a large bowl using an electric mixer until smooth.
Add granulated sugar and eggs to the mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
Sift together the flour and salt, then add them to the mixture, stirring until combined.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 1 hour, or until the bars are lightly browned on top and the center is firm to the touch.
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, almond extract, and 3 tablespoons of milk to make the glaze. Add extra milk if needed to achieve a drizzle-able consistency.
Spread the glaze over the hot bars immediately after removing them from the oven.
Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares and serving.