Those delicious almond croissants you get at the bakery are just day old croissants filled with a sweet almond flour mixture that you can make at home in under 30 mins!
These delectable pastries have taken the internet by storm, and for good reason – they’re easy to make at home and deliver a taste that rivals your favorite bakery. Join me as we dive into the world of almond croissants and learn how to recreate that bakery-style magic right in your own kitchen.
First things first, let’s talk about what makes almond croissants so special. Picture this: a flaky, buttery croissant filled with a rich almond cream and topped with crunchy sliced almonds – it’s a match made in pastry heaven! And the best part? You don’t need a complicated recipe to make these beauties at home.
So, how do you achieve that bakery-style perfection? It all starts with a good quality croissant. Whether you bake your own from scratch or pick up a pack from the store, make sure they’re fresh and full of flavor. Once you’ve got your croissants ready, it’s time to get creative with the filling.
Instead of making almond cream from scratch, you can easily cheat a little by using almond paste mixed with a bit of softened butter. This shortcut not only saves you time but also ensures that your almond croissants have that authentic bakery taste. Simply slice your croissants in half, spread a generous layer of almond mixture inside, and sandwich them back together.
Now, here comes the fun part – the toppings! To achieve that signature bakery look, brush the tops of your croissants with a simple syrup made from equal parts water and sugar. This step not only adds a glossy finish but also helps the sliced almonds adhere to the surface. Sprinkle a handful of almonds on top of each croissant, pressing them gently into the syrup for maximum adhesion.
Once your almond croissants are assembled and topped to perfection, pop them into the oven and let the magic happen. As they bake, the croissants will puff up and turn golden brown, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked pastries. And trust me, the wait will be worth it when you sink your teeth into that first bite of flaky, almond-filled goodness.
Combine the sugar, water, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat and let cool.
Melt butter in a bowl and whisk in the sugar until it dissolves. Add in the almond extract and almond flour, mix until everything is well combined. Add the egg and whisk everything together until you have a creamy filling.
Slice croissants in half horizontally. Brush the inside with simple syrup. Spread the almond mixture inside and outside of the croissants.
Press the croissant, top down, in the plate of almonds, adhering nuts to the cream. Place finished croissants on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Bake at 375° for 16-20 minutes, or until croissants are golden brown and almonds are toasted. Allow to cool for 10 minutes and then sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
Eggless Substitutions
Make the almond filling by replacing the egg with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of your choice of milk.
Tips and Tricks
Simple syrup can be made up to a month ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Almond filling will be good up to a week in an airtight container in your fridge. Make sure to alllow it to come to room temperature before trying to spread it on your croissants.
To spread the almond filling a lot easier, transfer it to a piping bag, or a ziplock, snip a corner, and squeeze onto your croissants, then spread.
Just an East/West coast girl living the southern life. I love sharing all my tested and perfected recipes here, along with some travel guides and a little bit of my lifestyle
