Indulge in the luxury of a homemade Giant Almond Croissant, a pastry that combines the crispiness of perfectly baked puff pastry with a rich and flavorful almond filling. This recipe brings a slice of a French café into your kitchen, allowing you to create a pastry that feels gourmet yet is surprisingly simple to prepare. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a croissant that is both visually impressive and incredibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This:
This Giant Almond Croissant is the epitome of indulgence, with its buttery, flaky layers and a moist, decadent almond center. The combination of vanilla and almond extracts in the filling adds a depth of flavor that is both sophisticated and satisfying. Perfect for almond lovers and pastry aficionados alike, this croissant is a delightful treat that marries the simplicity of puff pastry with the elegance of a traditional frangipane filling.
Perfect Occasion:
This croissant is perfect for brunch, as a luxurious weekend breakfast, or as an elegant addition to a tea party. It’s also ideal for special occasions like Mother’s Day, Easter brunch, or as a comforting treat to brighten up any day. Serve it fresh from the oven to impress guests or savor it as a special treat for yourself.
Decoration Tips:
- Sprinkle the top generously with sliced almonds before baking to add a beautiful texture and nutty flavor.
- Dust with powdered sugar after baking for a sweet, professional finish.
- Serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- For the Almond Filling:
- 80g almond flour
- 1 egg
- 40g soft butter
- 45g sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- Egg wash for brushing
- Sliced almonds for topping
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 420°F (215°C).
- Prepare the Almond Filling:
- In a bowl, mix together almond flour, egg, soft butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Assemble the Croissant:
- Place the puff pastry sheet on parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Lightly roll out the puff pastry and fold it in half briefly to mark the midpoint.
- Spread half of the almond filling on one side of the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Brush the edges with egg wash and fold the other half over the filling.
- Press the edges to seal, and crimp with a fork for a decorative touch.
- Brush the top of the pastry with more egg wash and spread the remaining almond filling on top.
- Sprinkle with sliced almonds.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffy and golden brown.
Enjoy this Giant Almond Croissant as a sublime treat that combines simple preparation with complex flavors, making any occasion feel a bit more luxurious.
