Introduction
Church Supper Dutch Letter Bars are a comforting, old-fashioned dessert inspired by the classic Dutch “letter” pastry traditionally filled with sweet almond paste. This easy bar version captures all the rich, buttery flavor and cozy bakery-style aroma in a simple, crowd-friendly format. Perfect for church suppers, potlucks, holiday dessert tables, and family gatherings, these bars are soft, fragrant, and absolutely irresistible.
This recipe delivers that nostalgic almond flavor without complicated pastry work, making it ideal for home bakers who love traditional desserts with a shortcut twist.
Ingredients
All-purpose flour – 2½ cups
Granulated sugar – ¾ cup
Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
Salt – ½ teaspoon
Unsalted butter, cold and cubed – 1 cup
Eggs – 2 large
Milk – ¼ cup
Almond paste – 8 oz
Almond extract – 1 teaspoon
Powdered sugar – ½ cup
Milk or cream – 1–2 tablespoons
Instructions
Prepare the oven and pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Make the dough base
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add wet ingredients
Stir in the eggs and milk until a soft dough forms. Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Prepare the almond filling
In a separate bowl, crumble the almond paste and mix with almond extract until smooth and spreadable.
Assemble the bars
Spread the almond filling evenly over the dough base. Crumble the remaining dough over the top to create a rustic topping.
Bake until golden
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and set in the center.
Cool and glaze
Allow the bars to cool completely. Mix powdered sugar with milk or cream to form a simple glaze, then drizzle over the cooled bars.
Slice and serve
Cut into bars and serve at room temperature.
Serving and Storage Tips
These Dutch Letter Bars are perfect served with coffee or tea. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bars deliver classic European bakery flavor with minimal effort. The almond paste creates a rich, fragrant filling, while the buttery crust keeps everything tender and satisfying. Ideal for church supper desserts, old-fashioned bar cookies, and easy almond pastries, this recipe is a timeless crowd favorite.
Final Thoughts
Church Supper Dutch Letter Bars bring tradition, comfort, and homemade goodness to any dessert table. With their nostalgic almond flavor and easy bar format, they’re a must-make recipe for holidays, gatherings, or anytime you’re craving an old-fashioned treat made with love.
