Dutch Letter Bars

If you are in the mood for something delicious and full of buttery and flaky flavors, these easy Dutch Letter Bars are the best! An easy way to enjoy the sweet notes that are found in traditional Dutch Letter pastries, in a simple bar recipe. Made with almond paste, sugar, and almond extract, you’ll be head over heels for the flavors!

One night while having dinner with our friends, Todd and Traci, the conversation turned to race cars, as it typically does, since Todd and Brian raced together for over two decades. They started talking about going to one particular race in Knoxville, Iowa, and how we should road trip and watch. When my eyes kind of glazed over with disinterest, as I have spent many a thousand weekends watching cars go in circles, and I was kind of “over it,” Traci brought up the bakery they always visit in Pella, Iowa, nearby to get Dutch Letter Bars. 

A couple of weeks later, I was chatting with my friend, Betsy, and I don’t even know how the conversation turned to that same part of Iowa, and I asked her if she had ever had a Dutch Letter. She went on to tell me that she had, but when she craves them, she pulls out her recipe for Dutch Letter Bars instead because they are so much easier to make. I rushed out to get what I needed and loved them from the first bite.

Dutch Letter Bars

Gooey, soft, and sweet, these Dutch Letter bars are a more convenient way to enjoy the traditional almond flavors that are found in classic Dutch Letter pastries. Whether I’m enjoying this Dutch-inspired recipe during the holidays or any other time of the year, there’s just something so incredible about the soft and subtle flavors of almond paste cooked into a soft filling. 

Also known as banketletter or botterletters, Dutch Letter pastries are both unique and comforting. With this Dutch Letter bar recipe, you don’t have to go through the extra trouble of forming the pastry dough into the shape of a letter: Isn’t that amazing?

Easy Dutch Almond Paste Bars

This recipe for these decadent treats is so easy to make! All you need is a handful of basic pantry ingredients. They are ready in under 30 minutes with just a few simple steps; you can have dessert in no time at all.

History of Dutch Letters

Traditionally celebrated in the Netherlands during festivals and a holiday known as Sinterklaasavond in December, Dutch Letters are often shaped into the first letters of Dutch families’ surnames. Sinterklaasavond is a gift-giving holiday that occurs on the fifth and sixth of December each year in the Netherlands.

Introduced to North America in Pella, Iowa, by Dutch immigrants in 1845, Dutch Letters have been enjoyed during all types of different occasions and festivities. Viewed as common delicacies in Iowa, Dutch Letters can be found at gas stations, convenient stores, and so much more.

Why are Dutch Letters always an “S”?

You may wonder why Dutch Letter pastries are always shaped in the letter “S”. Well, the reason for this is that these pastries are commonly enjoyed during a winter-themed holiday in the Netherlands during December known as Sinterklaasavond.

Ingredients in Dutch Letter Bars

For complete ingredients and instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the full printable recipe card. 

• Butter: a key ingredient to these buttery, flaky dessert bars
• Sugar: both raw and regular granulated sugar are needed
• Eggs: large eggs
• Almond paste: the most important ingredient, almond paste is made from ground almonds and sugar that are cooked with cream and binder. You will most likely find it where the extracts and nuts are in the baking asile. It comes in a little tube.
• Flour: all-purpose flour is used in this recipe.
• Almond extract: purchase pure almond extract if you are able; it makes a huge difference
• Almonds: slivered almonds are highly recommended for these bars, but can be optional if you don’t like them. I have made them both ways

How to Make Dutch Letter Bars

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter a 9X13″ baking dish. 

Cream together butter, sugar, and eggs. Add the almond paste in small chunks. Mix until incorporated. Next, add the almond extract and flour. 

Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with almonds or raw sugar, if desired.

Finally, bake for 20-24 minutes. 

Love it? Pin it! 

Don’t forget where you found the recipe on how to make these Dutch Letter Bars! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go!

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t over-bake these Dutch almond paste bars. Pull them out just as they turn golden brown on top.  
• Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• Make sure you have almond paste for this recipe! Almond paste is the essential ingredient to this recipe.
• You can make an almond paste from scratch or find it online, at a baker’s store, or in your local supermarket in the bakery aisle. 

Other Recipes You’ll Love

I have a whole section of my website dedicated to donuts and pastries, and another dedicated to bar recipes. Here are some of my favorites:

These Glazed Lemon Bars are a family favorite, and so are my Baked Banana Fritters, Iced Snickerdoodle bars, Cranberry Magic Bars, and my Apple Pie Bars, too. When it comes to pastries, you won’t want to miss this recipe for Polish Donuts (Pączki) pictured above, my homemade Blueberry Toaster Strudel, and this Nut Rolls Recipe.

I think it’s high time we bake up some of these Dutch Letter Bars, don’t you? Let’s get to the recipe!

This recipe was originally posted on April 19, 2021. It has been updated to improve the user experience and reshared on June 17, 2025.