Banketstaaf (Dutch Christmas Log)

Banketstaaf is an amazingly simple Dutch almond pastry that takes only 10 minutes to assemble. The oven will do the rest of the work.  
Flaky puff pastry is stuffed with a mixture of sweet almond paste and orange zest, rolled into a log, and baked until crispy perfection. Banket is an easy and delicious Dutch Christmas food made in no time.  

Also, try my Vegan Banket Recipe.

Don't you just love desserts that require minimal effort but are irresistibly delicious? No kneading or proofing is required.

I certainly do. One of my favorite ways to make a quick and scrumptious dessert is to use puff pastry, which is a staple in my freezer.

Jump to:

• What is Banket?
• Here's Why This Recipe Works
• Instructions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Storage Tips
• Similar Recipes
• Recipe

A few years ago, I made German Hausfreunde Cookies, which are essentially sandwich cookies with almond paste. And although there were a few steps involved, the result totally overcame my expectations.

Since then, I started using almond paste or Marzipan in baking more often.

One of the recipes that has become very popular with my readers is of Dutch heritage and is called Banketstaaf or Banket.

It is a delicious Dutch Almond Pastry that is a must during the holidays.

What is Banket?

Banket is a traditional Dutch dessert that is so popular around Christmas time. The dough is usually made from flour, eggs, and butter. However, puff pastry can also be used.

What makes Banket Dutch almond pastry so amazingly delicious? 

Marzipan filling! Lots of it! Just like in my British Simnel Cake, this Banket recipe has plenty of this delicious almond filling.

And who doesn't like Marzipan?

If you've ever tried European sweets (think Mozartkugel), you know that Marzipan is a very popular ingredient in many recipes.

For this particular Banketstaaf recipe, I used Almond Paste.

Here's Why This Recipe Works

• quick and easy. If you've ever worked with puff pastry, you know how easy it is. This Banket Dutch Almond Pastry is not an exception. It's perfect for Christmas baking or last minute dessert idea;
• crowd-pleaser. Everyone loves Banket. Imagine biting into a crispy baked puff pastry filled with aromatic almond paste filling. Totally irresistible.
• perfect for Christmas cookie exchange. This Dutch almond pastry makes a great gift during holiday season.

Instructions

1. Roll out puff pastry for Banket

Preheat the oven to 425 F and cover a rectangular baking sheet with parchment paper.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a large rectangle, 2 inches shorter than the length of your baking sheet. (See the notes regarding the puff pastry at the bottom of the recipe card.)

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry in half lengthwise.

2. Shape the Almond Paste

In a medium bowl, combine the almond paste with the orange zest and knead with a fork until well blended.

Divide almond paste into 2 even pieces and roll each piece into a log approximately 1 inch shorter than the length of puff pastry.

3. Form the almond pastry

Place one almond log along the center of each long strip of dough. Brush the sides of the Dutch almond pastry with a beaten egg.

Fold 2 shorter ends of the puff pastry to cover the almond log. Fold 2 longer ends over the almond log and flip the log so that the seam was at the bottom.

Repeat with the 2-second sheet of puff pastry.

4. Bake

Transfer the Dutch almond pastry to a prepared baking sheet and brush with the beaten egg. (You can also brush with the egg yolk). Bake Dutch Banket for 25 minutes until golden brown.

5. Decorate Banket

Meanwhile, put apricot jam in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 20-30 seconds until the jam is runny.

Brush Dutch Banketstaaf with the apricot jam, sprinkle with almond slivers, and dust with confectioners sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storage Tips

Baked Dutch Banket is best eaten right away. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and consume them the next day.

As you can see Banket recipe is such an easy almond paste dessert. It requires just a few simple steps and the result will certainly delight you.

If you love recipes using almond pastry filling, give this Banket - Dutch Almond pastry a try. It's so good and pairs great with your morning tea or coffee.

Similar Recipes

If you make this recipe, please leave me a comment below and rate it. I always appreciate the feedback. Also, you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

If you're looking for a quick overview of the recipe, please check out my Banket web story.

Recipe