Almond Bars (Gevulde Koeken, Rondo's and Kano's)

How to make Almond Bars

If you are ever in the Amsterdam or anywhere else in the Netherlands you will come across a lot almond pastries. This recipe was inspired by the rondo’s and kano’s almond cookies. I first had them 15 years ago in the airport of all places. They are the most delicious almond cookies ever! I could not remember the name of these cookies to save my life. During my search online I came across gevulde koeken cookies, which are very similar, a pastry type dough that is stuffed with almond paste and baked. I don’t know if I would call these true gevulde koeken or rondo’s or kano’s cookies. I made a close rendition, basically I made an almond shortbread place a thick layer of almond paste on top, and then put another layer of almond shortbread on top. Then baked it. The results are amazing! Here is the recipe

Recipe Ingredients

Almond Shortbread (1 1/2 times recipe for a rectangular baking pan)

3/4 cup sugar

2 cups flour

1 cup of almond

2 sticks of butter

1 tsp of salt

Almond Cream (1 1/2 times recipe for a rectangular baking pan)

6 tbsp. of butter (room temp.)

2/3 cup of powdered sugar

1 1/2 cup of almond flour

2 tsp of flour

1 tsp of cornstarch

1 large egg plus 1 egg white

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tsp of almond extract

Recipe Instructions

How to make Almond cream,

Place almond meal and sugar in a food processor and puree for 30 seconds.  Then while the machine is running add the butter a tbsp. at a time.  Once all the butter is in add the eggs again while the machine is running.  You can stop to scrape the sides if there are any clumps but once the eggs have been added you should have a really smooth and creamy almond cream.  Finish with both the vanilla and almond extract.  I normally double this recipe which gives me extra laying around that I can make something else with.  But you should have enough to fill the tart with just one batch.  Place the almond cream in a plastic piping bag and place in the refrigerator to firm up a bit (but not too cold where you can't pipe it out) .

How to make almond Bars, preheat oven to 350

Place butter, salt, and sugar in a stand mixer and cream together for 2 minutes.  Add flours in three parts to the mixer until the mixture just comes together.  Take half the shortbread dough and roll out and press into a rectangular baking pan (should be 1/4 inch thick or less.  Then add all of the almond cream on top of the shortbread dough. Take the second half of the almond shortbread dough, roll out and place on top of the almond cream. Place almonds on top and place in the oven and bake for 45 minutes until just golden brown.  Let stand for a few minutes and then cut into squares.  Set aside until ready to serve.