Name: Delicious Almond Banket Bars for Every Holiday Season
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: PT-491720H51M46S
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: Dutch
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter (at room temperature); 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (for sweetness); 1 large Egg (whole egg for dough); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (or almond flour for gluten-free); 1/4 teaspoon Salt (to enhance flavor); 1 cup Marzipan Almond Paste (bring to room temperature); 1 large Egg White (for smooth filling); 1 large Egg Yolk (for glaze); 1/2 cup Sliced Almonds (optional but recommended)

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Almond Banket Bars are a delightful holiday tradition that combines flaky pastry with a rich almond filling, perfect for family gatherings and festive celebrations. The sweet aroma of almond filling baking in the oven will transport you to a cozy Dutch bakery, making these bars a must-have during the holiday season. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a sweet treat to share, these bars will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Almond Banket Bars

There are countless reasons to love these Almond Banket Bars. First and foremost, they are incredibly delicious, boasting a perfect balance of buttery pastry and creamy almond filling. Additionally, they are easy to make, making them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bakers. If you’re wondering what makes them unique, the rich flavor of marzipan sets them apart from other almond dessert bars. As a bonus, they can be made gluten-free by substituting almond flour for all-purpose flour. You’ll also find that these bars are great for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple family dinner. Finally, there’s nothing quite like serving homemade almond banket bars with icing to bring smiles to everyone’s faces!

Ingredients for Almond Banket Bars

Gather these items:

1 cup Butter (at room temperature)
3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (for sweetness)
1 large Egg (whole egg for dough)
2 cups All-Purpose Flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
1/4 teaspoon Salt (to enhance flavor)
1 cup Marzipan Almond Paste (bring to room temperature)
1 large Egg White (for smooth filling)
1 large Egg Yolk (for glaze)
1/2 cup Sliced Almonds (optional but recommended)

How to Make Almond Banket Bars Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 7 x 11-inch baking pan.
Step 2: Cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Mix in the whole egg.
Step 3: Combine the all-purpose flour and salt in a bowl. Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Spread half of the soft dough evenly in the bottom of the greased pan. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Step 5: Beat the egg white and marzipan almond paste in a bowl until smooth. Spread over the chilled dough and chill again for 15 minutes.
Step 6: Top with the remaining dough and brush with beaten egg yolk. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
Step 7: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
Step 8: Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Almond Banket Bars

Keep these in mind:

Using room temperature butter helps in achieving a creamy consistency.
Chilling the dough will make it easier to handle and shape.
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the filling.
Make sure to check the bars frequently while baking to avoid over-browning.

Best Ways to Serve Almond Banket Bars

When serving your Almond Banket Bars, consider pairing them with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. They also make a great addition to dessert platters during holidays. For a festive touch, drizzle some icing on top for a sweeter variation. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruits or whipped cream for an elegant presentation.

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How to Store and Reheat Almond Banket Bars

To keep your Almond Banket Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to make them ahead of time, they freeze beautifully. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, let them thaw at room temperature and warm them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their flaky texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Almond Banket Bars

What’s the secret to perfect Almond Banket Bars?

The secret to perfect Almond Banket Bars lies in using quality marzipan and ensuring that your butter is at room temperature for a smooth dough. The chilling steps are crucial for the best texture, ensuring a flaky pastry.

Can I make Almond Banket Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare your Almond Banket Bars in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer. Allow them to cool completely before wrapping them tightly for storage.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Almond Banket Bars?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure your ingredients are properly measured, and don’t skip the chilling steps. Overbaking can lead to dry bars, so keep a close eye on them in the oven.

Variations of Almond Banket Bars You Can Try

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are many variations of Almond Banket Bars you can try. For a chocolate twist, consider adding chocolate chips to the almond filling. You could also make gluten-free almond banket bars by substituting almond flour for all-purpose flour. Another option is to create a festive version by adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. Each variation brings a unique flavor while keeping the essence of these traditional Dutch almond bars.

Delicious Almond Banket Bars for Every Holiday Season - Almond Banket Bars - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our Chocolate Eclair Cake or Grandma Carter’s Peanut Butter Cookies. If you’re interested in gluten-free options, you might enjoy our Gluten-Free Lemon Bars as well!