If you love flaky, buttery pastries with a sweet almond filling, then this Banket recipe is about to become your new favorite treat! A beloved Dutch pastry, Banket is traditionally enjoyed during the holidays but is too good to save for just once a year. With its golden, crispy crust and rich, almond-flavored center, every bite melts in your mouth—pure indulgence!
The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make at home with just a handful of simple ingredients. Whether you’re baking it for a festive gathering or pairing it with your morning coffee, this homemade almond pastry is sure to impress. Ready to experience the magic of this classic treat? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love Banket
There’s something special about homemade Banket—the crisp, golden pastry, the rich almond filling, and the way it fills your kitchen with the warm, buttery aroma of a classic Dutch bakery. Whether you’ve grown up enjoying this treat or are trying it for the first time, this recipe is a must-try!
Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Authentic Flavor – Made with real almond paste, this Banket delivers the rich, nutty sweetness that makes it an irresistible classic.
- Buttery & Flaky – The delicate puff pastry creates a crisp, golden crust that melts in your mouth with every bite.
- Simple Ingredients – You only need a handful of pantry staples to create this impressive dessert.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – While it’s traditionally a holiday pastry, it’s just as delightful for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with coffee.
- Easier Than It Looks – Don’t be intimidated! With a few simple steps, you’ll have a bakery-quality almond pastry fresh from your own oven.
Once you make this homemade Banket, you’ll never want to settle for store-bought again. Ready to bake up some flaky, golden perfection? Let’s dive into the ingredients!
Ingredients of Banket
To make the perfect Banket, you only need a few simple ingredients—but each one plays a key role in achieving that flaky, buttery crust and rich almond filling. Here’s what you’ll need:
the Pastry:
- 2 sheets of puff pastry, thawed (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (adds richness and flakiness)
the Almond Filling:
- 1 cup almond paste (not marzipan—this gives the filling its classic nutty flavor)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for the perfect level of sweetness)
- 1 large egg (helps bind the filling together)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances depth of flavor)
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (boosts that signature almond taste)
the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon milk (creates a golden, glossy finish)
Optional Add-Ins & Variations:
- Cinnamon (½ teaspoon) – Adds a warm spice note to the filling.
- Orange zest (1 teaspoon) – A subtle citrus twist that complements the almond.
- Sliced almonds (for garnish) – A crunchy topping for extra texture.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting) – A light, sweet finish before serving.
With these ingredients, you’re all set to make a bakery-worthy Dutch almond pastry right at home. Let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions!
Instructions of Banket
Making Banket at home is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps to create a deliciously flaky, almond-filled pastry that’s perfect for any occasion.
1: Prepare the Almond Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine the almond paste, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Use a fork or your hands to break up the almond paste and mix until smooth. The texture should be thick but spreadable. If it’s too dry, add a splash of water or milk to loosen it up.
- Place the almond filling aside while you work on the puff pastry.
2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out each sheet of puff pastry to about 12 inches by 8 inches (don’t worry about being precise—just aim for a nice rectangle).
- If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, make sure it’s thawed and easy to handle. You want it cold but pliable for easy shaping.
3: Assemble the Banket
- Spread half of the almond filling down the center of each sheet of pastry, leaving about an inch of space on either side.
- Carefully fold the sides of the pastry over the filling, creating a log-like shape. Press down the edges to seal it in place.
- Repeat with the second sheet of pastry and the remaining filling.
4: Egg Wash and Baking
- In a separate bowl, beat together the egg yolk and milk to make an egg wash.
- Brush the egg wash over the top of each pastry log to give it a shiny, golden finish.
- Using a sharp knife, cut a few small slits along the top to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Place the Banket logs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
5: Cool and Serve
- Once baked, let the Banket cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before slicing.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or sprinkle with sliced almonds for extra texture and a beautiful presentation.
That’s it! You now have a freshly baked, Dutch almond pastry that’s perfect for any occasion. Ready to enjoy your delicious creation? Let’s move on to some pro tips to make sure your Banket is absolutely perfect!
Pro Tips and Variations
To take your Banket to the next level, here are some pro tips and easy variations that will make your almond pastry even more delicious and adaptable to your taste!
Pro Tips for Perfect Banket
- Chill the Puff Pastry: If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, be sure to keep it chilled until you’re ready to use it. This will help the pastry maintain its flakiness during baking.
- Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to add more filling, a thin layer of almond paste is all you need. Too much filling can make the pastry soggy and difficult to seal.
- Seal the Edges Well: Make sure to press the edges of the pastry together firmly to prevent the filling from leaking out while baking. A little water or egg wash along the seams can help seal them.
- Bake on the Middle Rack: For an even golden-brown crust, bake your Banket on the middle rack of your oven. This ensures the heat is evenly distributed.
Fun Variations to Try
- Gluten-Free Banket: Swap out the puff pastry for a gluten-free version to make this treat suitable for those with dietary restrictions. Many specialty stores carry ready-made gluten-free puff pastry, or you can make your own.
- Cinnamon Twist: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon to the almond filling for a warm, spiced note that perfectly complements the sweet almond flavor.
- Orange Zest: For a fresh citrus kick, try adding 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the almond paste mixture. It pairs beautifully with the almonds and gives the Banket a fragrant, vibrant flavor.
- Decorative Almonds: For a beautiful, crunchy topping, sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the pastry logs before baking. This adds texture and gives the Banket an elegant finish.
With these simple adjustments, you can customize your Banket to suit your preferences or the season. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of these variations, you’ll always have a showstopper pastry to enjoy! Ready for a delicious slice? Let’s move on to how to serve your fresh almond pastry.
How to Serve Banket
Now that your Banket is fresh out of the oven, it’s time to serve this golden, flaky pastry in style! Whether you’re treating yourself to a cozy breakfast or sharing it with guests, here are some serving ideas to make the most of your delicious creation.
Best Pairings
- With Coffee or Tea: Banket is the perfect companion to a hot cup of coffee or tea. The rich, almond flavor pairs wonderfully with the warmth of your favorite beverage.
- As a Festive Treat: Serve this Dutch pastry at holiday gatherings, family brunches, or any special occasion. It’s a beautiful and flavorful addition to the dessert table!
- With Fruit: Pair your almond pastry with fresh fruit, like berries or sliced apples, for a light and refreshing contrast to the rich filling.
- A Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For an extra touch of sweetness, lightly dust the top of your Banket with powdered sugar right before serving. This not only adds a pretty finish but enhances the dessert’s sweetness.
Serving Suggestions for Different Occasions
- For Breakfast or Brunch: Slice your Banket into individual portions and serve it alongside eggs, bacon, or fresh fruit for a complete brunch spread. It’s the perfect balance of indulgent and light!
- As a Dessert: After a hearty meal, serve Banket as the perfect dessert. Its delicate texture and almond flavor make it a crowd-pleasing end to any meal.
- For Special Occasions: Consider serving Banket as a part of a dessert buffet or as a gift for friends and family. Its beautiful presentation and rich flavor make it a standout treat.
Enjoy your Banket however you choose, and watch as it becomes a favorite in your home! Whether for a quiet moment alone or a festive celebration, this almond pastry will never disappoint. Ready to wrap up your baking adventure? Let’s go over a few final tips and answers to your frequently asked questions!
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve just made a beautiful, homemade Banket! From the buttery, flaky crust to the sweet almond filling, this classic Dutch pastry is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a simple indulgence, Banket is a versatile treat that’s both easy to make and delightfully impressive.
Remember, this recipe is incredibly adaptable—you can make it your own with different fillings or garnishes like cinnamon or orange zest. No matter how you serve it, one thing is certain: your almond pastry will leave everyone asking for seconds!
If you’ve enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends and family. And if you’ve got any creative variations or tips of your own, we’d love to hear them in the comments below. Happy baking!
Ready to bake? Let’s get started and bring the magic of Banket into your home today.
FAQs
“Banket” refers to a type of pastry, traditionally from the Netherlands, that consists of a flaky puff pastry filled with almond paste. It’s commonly enjoyed during holidays or special occasions.
A Dutch Banket is a classic Dutch pastry filled with almond paste and wrapped in puff pastry. It’s often served during festive events such as Christmas or New Year, known for its rich, buttery texture and sweet filling.
Banket is pronounced as “bahn-ket”. The emphasis is on the first syllable, and the “a” is short, like in “cat.”
A Banket bar is a variation of the traditional Dutch Banket, usually cut into bar shapes, making it easier to serve and share. It still contains the signature almond filling and flaky pastry.
A Bankett refers to a festive meal or banquet in some languages, but in the context of pastries, it’s often just another spelling for Banket—the almond-filled puff pastry.
A bookshelf is a piece of furniture designed for storing books, typically consisting of horizontal shelves to hold and organize various reading materials.