National Dish Netherlands: Amandelspijs (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Amandelspijs, the sweet almond paste at the heart of so many Dutch treats! Smooth, fragrant and irresistibly moreish, it brings together little more than ground almonds and sugar to create something quietly luxurious. It is the secret filling tucked inside festive pastries, cakes and sweets across the Netherlands, yet it is wonderfully simple to make at home. Whip up a batch and bring a slice of Dutch tradition straight to your own kitchen.
About Amandelspijs
Amandelspijs is a traditional sweet almond paste that is much loved throughout the Netherlands. It turns up in all sorts of sweet treats, from cakes and pastries to handmade chocolates. The base of this distinctive creation is simply ground almonds and sugar, which together give it a deliciously rich, aromatic flavour. While it is genuinely easy to prepare, the results can be wonderfully impressive, bringing a piece of Dutch heritage to your table.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g ground almonds
- 100 g sugar
- 1 egg (or 1 egg substitute)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for amandelspijs, it pays to choose good-quality ground almonds to guarantee the best flavour. The sugar can be white or brown according to taste, with brown sugar lending a deeper, more rounded flavour. Look out for fresh eggs too, as they have a real influence on the binding and texture of the paste. Vanilla extract gives the amandelspijs a special aromatic lift and is well worth including.
Preparing the dish
Before you start making the amandelspijs, it helps to have all your ingredients ready and your work surface prepared. You will need a bowl and a suitable mixing tool to combine everything evenly. Make sure the ground almonds and the sugar are well mixed so you achieve a smooth, homogeneous paste. It is also worth separating the egg white from the egg yolk if you would prefer a lighter consistency.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the ground almonds with the sugar.
- Add the egg (or egg substitute) and stir well until you have a smooth mixture.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Knead the mixture together into a compact paste.
- Wrap the amandelspijs in cling film and leave it to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
One of the great advantages of amandelspijs is that it is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, as long as you avoid adding any dairy products. For vegans, it is easy to use an egg substitute such as apple purée or a flaxseed egg. These variations keep both the consistency and the flavour intact while catering to particular dietary needs. That way, people with allergies or special diets can still enjoy this delicious almond paste.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegans, amandelspijs is simple to adapt by swapping the egg for a plant-based alternative. A popular option is to make a flaxseed egg by mixing ground flaxseed with water and letting it swell for a few minutes. Vegetarians, on the other hand, can prepare the recipe as written with eggs to keep the traditional texture. It is also worth reaching for organic ingredients to make the most of the nutrients and flavour.
More tips and tricks
To make your amandelspijs even more interesting, you can add flavourings such as cinnamon or lemon zest. These give the almond paste an extra note and help make it your own. It is also important to get the consistency right, so knead the mixture well until it is smooth and supple. If the paste turns out too dry, simply work in another teaspoon of water.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Everyone has different preferences, so you can tailor amandelspijs entirely to your own liking. Add dried fruit such as apricots or cranberries, for example, for a fruity twist. For a bit of extra texture, you might also fold in chopped nuts or even chocolate chips. The possibilities are endless, ensuring your amandelspijs always offers a unique tasting experience — much like the spiced filling in Gevulde Speculaas.
Ingredient substitutions
If you would rather not use sugar, you can turn to alternatives such as honey or agave syrup. These sweeteners give the amandelspijs a character of their own and can help reduce the overall calories. For the ground almonds, you could also use other nuts such as hazelnuts or cashews to achieve different flavours. The adaptability of this recipe makes it an ideal choice for creative cooks who enjoy almond-rich bakes like Bitterkoekjes and Bokkenpootjes.
Drink pairing ideas
Amandelspijs goes beautifully with a range of drinks. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea is a perfect partner for the sweetness of the almond paste. For a festive occasion, you might also serve sparkling wine or Prosecco for a touch of luxury. If you are after an alcohol-free option, fruit or herbal teas make an excellent choice.
Serving and presentation ideas
How you present your amandelspijs can make all the difference to your guests. You can arrange the almond paste in small, decorative dishes and garnish it with fresh fruit or mint leaves. It also works perfectly enrobed in chocolate or used as a filling in pastries. A touch of food colouring or edible glitter can add a festive flourish too.
A bit of history
Amandelspijs has its origins in European cooking and has been treasured in the Netherlands for centuries. It is a firm fixture of many traditional festivals and holidays. This sweet almond paste often symbolises wealth and good fortune, which makes it a popular gift during the festive season. Its preparation has barely changed over time, preserving authentic Dutch traditions — the same heritage you taste in classics of Netherlands cuisine such as Kerststol.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Amandelspijs
In short, amandelspijs is a delicious and versatile almond paste that is easy to make and can be enjoyed in countless ways. The combination of ground almonds and sugar provides a sweet base that finds its way into many traditional recipes. Whether as a filling in cakes, in desserts or simply on its own, the possibilities are endless. Give this recipe a try and discover the delicious world of Dutch flavours for yourself.
