This Banket Recipe (Bars) is a perfect dessert that’s both simple to make and absolutely irresistible. These bars impress your family or guests with their buttery crust and sweet almond filling. Whether for a holiday or a casual treat, they will become a favorite!
The almond paste creates a rich, decadent texture that’s both rich and creamy. Best of all, they bake up beautifully golden in the oven, giving you a delightful treat that’s great for sharing. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced baker, this recipe is as simple as it is delicious.
As some of you know, my mom had a vast collection of recipe cookbooks that went missing when we sold her home. After some searching (and persistence), I finally stumbled upon a batch of them! In her dessert book was this Banket recipe. I don’t remember her making it, but my memory can be a little fuzzy sometimes. So, I decided to try it, and wow—I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious it turned out!
By the way, I just published her old-fashioned Refrigerator Cookie Recipe, which is a crunchy cinnamon sugar cookie!
If you love the flavor of almond desserts, you’ll love these bars. They have just the right amount of almond filling and are perfectly sweet and delicious!
First, if you’re like me, you’re probably wondering what a banket is!
Here is a Brief History Of Banket
Banket is a traditional Dutch pastry enjoyed for centuries, especially around the holidays. It features sweet almond paste wrapped in a buttery pastry dough, creating a delicious balance of flaky and rich flavors. Originally shaped into long logs or rolls, modern variations like Banket bars make it even easier to enjoy. Whether served for Christmas or as a simple treat, this pastry remains a timeless favorite across generations.
What Exactly is Marzipan or Almond Paste
Marzipan almond paste is a sweet, smooth mixture made from finely ground almonds and sugar. It is often used in baking and candy-making. Its soft, pliable texture makes it perfect for shaping or filling pastries and desserts. With its rich almond flavor, marzipan adds a delicious, nutty sweetness to any treat!
It’s a Simple Dessert to Make
Don’t worry! I know pastries can seem fancy and complicated, but these Banket bars are super simple to make and look like they came straight from a pastry shop. If you want to make it look even fancier, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top!
Banket Recipe
Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need, as well as how to make them!
Ingredients:
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a flaky, tender pastry base.
Sugar: Sweetens the bars and enhances the natural flavor of the almond paste.
Egg: Acts as a binding agent, helping the dough hold together and giving it structure.
Flour: Provides the base for the dough, giving the bars their soft and crumbly texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors in the dough.
Egg white: Helps create a smooth, glossy surface and seals the almond filling inside the pastry.
Almond paste: The recipe’s star, adding a sweet, nutty flavor that defines these bars.
Egg yolk (for glaze): Gives the bars a golden, shiny finish, making them look as good as they taste!
How to Make Banket Bars
Step 1 – Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 2 – Beat in the egg until well incorporated.
Step 3 – Combine the dry ingredients (flour and salt), and gradually beat them into the creamed mixture.
Step 4 – Pour half of the dough into a greased 7 x 11″ baking pan, spreading it evenly. Chill in the fridge to set.
Step 5 – Beat the egg white and almond paste until smooth and well combined.
Step 6 – Spread the almond paste mixture over the chilled dough layer. Chill again to firm up the layers.
Step 7 – Spread the remaining dough evenly over the almond layer.
Step 8 – Brush the top with the beaten egg yolk to create a golden glaze.
Step 9 – Sprinkle with sliced almonds for added crunch and flavor.
Step 10 – Bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes, checking at the 30-minute mark. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning if the top is browning too quickly.
Step 11 – Continue baking until the top is evenly golden brown. Let it cool before cutting and serving. Enjoy!
Banket Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter Room Temperature
- 1½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 cups flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 egg white
- 7 oz Marzipan Almond Paste Room Temperature
- 1 egg yolk
- sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°
- Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg until well incorporated.
- Combine the dry ingredients (flour and salt) and gradually beat them into the creamed mixture.
- Pour half of the dough into a greased 7 x 11″ baking pan, spreading it evenly. Chill in the fridge to set.
- Beat the egg white and almond paste together until smooth and well combined.
- Spread the almond paste mixture over the chilled dough layer. Chill again to firm up the layers.
- Spread the remaining dough evenly over the almond layer.
- Brush the top with the beaten egg yolk to create a golden glaze.
- Sprinkle with sliced almonds for added crunch and flavor.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes, checking at the 30-minute mark. If the top is browning too quickly, cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Continue baking until the top is evenly golden brown. Let it cool before cutting and serving
Nutrition
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If you’re a true almond dessert lover, you’ll absolutely adore this Banket recipe! My mom’s Almond Cookie recipe is another favorite—I can’t help but crave them every time I think about them!
Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you get the chance to try this dreamy almond dessert. Whether you’re a fan of almond flavors or love a delicious homemade pastry, this Banket recipe will hit the spot. Enjoy every sweet bite!
Happy Baking!
Photo Credits: MyPhotography.com
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