Enjoy the festive flavors of Holiday Dutch Banket with this easy-to-follow recipe! This traditional almond pastry features a buttery, flaky crust wrapped around a sweet almond paste filling. Perfect for holiday gatherings, impress your guests with this delightful treat that will become a seasonal favorite.

As the holiday season approaches, many of us are searching for unique and delightful treats to share with family and friends. One such treat that embodies the spirit of celebration is Dutch Banket, a traditional almond pastry that is sure to impress.

This flaky pastry, filled with sweet almond paste, is a cherished delicacy in Dutch households like in Holland, MI where we used to reside, especially during festive occasions like Christmas.

That’s how I learned about this super delicious holiday treat when one of the ladies from our church in West Michigan (which is predominantly Dutch!) gave it away as an edible Christmas gift. Since then, I have always looked forward to enjoying this almond delicacy for Christmas! It was so yummy that if I didn’t exercise self-control, I could honestly eat one long piece all by myself!

In this blog post, we will explore the history of Banket, provide a detailed recipe, and share tips for perfecting this delightful dish. Plus, we’ll cover some frequently asked questions to help you along the way.

What is Dutch Banket?

Dutch Banket is a traditional pastry originating from the Netherlands. It consists of a buttery, flaky dough wrapped around a sweet almond filling made primarily from almond paste. This delightful treat is often enjoyed during the holidays and is commonly served at Christmas gatherings. The texture of Banket is both light and crispy on the outside while being soft and gooey on the inside, making it a favorite among dessert lovers.

Ingredients for these Holiday Dutch Banket

For the Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter (cold, 2 sticks)
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ cup cold water
A pinch of salt

For the Filling:

1½ cups almond paste
2 eggs
¾ cup sugar
½ teaspoon almond extract
A pinch of salt

For the Topping:

1 egg white (for brushing)
2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make These Holiday Dutch Banket Pastry

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Dutch Banket:

Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and cold butter. Using a fork or dough cutter, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Combine Ingredients: Gradually add cold water to the mixture and stir until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until firm.

Make the Filling: In a stand mixer bowl, combine almond paste, sugar, eggs, almond extract, and salt. Use the paddle attachment to mix until well combined.

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, divide the chilled dough into four pieces. Roll each piece into a rectangle about 15 inches long and cut into strips approximately 6 inches wide.

Fill and Fold: Place one-fourth of the filling along the center of each strip. Fold over both ends to cover the filling.

Seal Edges: Brush egg white over the folded edges to seal them securely.

Shape Log: Fold one side of the long edge over to cover the center and brush with egg white again before folding over the last edge to seal.

Prepare for Baking: Place each assembled log seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to create a few vents on top.

Add Topping: Brush more egg whites across the tops and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Bake: Bake in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool and Slice: Allow to cool completely before slicing into pieces about 1½ inches wide.

Storage Tips

To keep your Banket fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze unbaked rolls; just bake them directly from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Dutch Banket

Can I make Banket ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare both the dough and filling in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days before assembling and baking.
What can I substitute for almond paste?
A: If you can’t find almond paste, you can use marzipan as an alternative; however, it may be sweeter than traditional almond paste.
How do I know when my Banket is done?
A: The pastry should be golden brown on top when fully baked. You can also check by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Can I freeze leftover Banket?
Yes! You can freeze slices of Banket in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
What drinks pair well with Banket?
Coffee, tea, and even dessert wines like Moscato complement the sweet almond flavors beautifully.
How can I make my Banket more festive?
A: Consider adding festive toppings such as colored sprinkles, edible glitter, or seasonal fruit garnishes when serving.

Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Your Dutch Banket

Keep Ingredients Cold: Ensure that your butter and water are cold to achieve that flaky texture.
Don’t Overwork Dough: Mix just until combined; overworking can lead to tough pastry.
Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to your filling for an extra holiday twist.
Presentation Matters: Dust with powdered sugar after slicing for an elegant finish when serving.

By following this guide, you’ll create a delicious Dutch Banket that will become a holiday favorite in your home! Enjoy sharing this delightful pastry with loved ones during your festive celebrations—it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Dutch Banket is not only delicious but also versatile in its presentation. Whether you choose to serve it traditionally or get creative with new ideas, this almond pastry is sure to delight your guests during the holiday season.