If you’ve ever craved the perfect balance of a crispy, flaky exterior with a rich, sweet almond filling, this giant almond croissant is the pastry for you. With the ease of using puff pastry, you can create a treat that feels like it came straight from a French bakery in just 30 minutes. The buttery almond filling combined with the light and crispy puff pastry will make this your new favorite morning indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with this recipe because it’s a perfect balance of flavor and texture. The puff pastry bakes up beautifully golden and crisp, while the almond filling adds a sweet, nutty richness. Unlike traditional croissants that require hours of preparation, this version is quick, easy, and still delivers that luxurious pastry experience. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven with coffee or as a mid-afternoon treat, this giant almond croissant is sure to impress.
Perfect Occasion
This giant almond croissant is perfect for weekend brunches, family breakfasts, or when you want to treat yourself to something special. It’s an impressive pastry to bring to gatherings or serve when entertaining guests, especially because it looks much more difficult than it is. Serve it with coffee or tea, and you’ll have the perfect pairing for a cozy, relaxing morning. It’s also a great dessert option for those who love light and buttery pastries.
Decoration Tips
For an elegant finish, sprinkle sliced almonds generously on top before baking for extra texture and visual appeal. You can dust the baked croissant with powdered sugar for a classic touch or drizzle it with a bit of melted chocolate for added decadence. For a festive look, you could even add a few edible gold flakes on top or serve it with a side of whipped cream or fresh berries.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
For the Almond Filling:
- 80g almond flour
- 1 egg
- 40g soft butter
- 45g sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
- Prepare the Almond Filling:
- In a bowl, combine the almond flour, egg, soft butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until smooth and set aside.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Place the puff pastry sheet on a piece of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Gently roll it out to thin it slightly.
- Fold the puff pastry in half to create a crease, marking the halfway point.
- Assemble the Croissant:
- Spread half of the almond filling on one side of the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Brush the edges of the pastry with egg wash.
- Fold the other half of the puff pastry over the filling, aligning the edges.
- Press the edges together to seal, using a fork to crimp the perimeter for a secure seal.
- Top the Croissant:
- Brush the top of the croissant with the remaining egg wash.
- Spread the rest of the almond filling on top and sprinkle with sliced almonds for an added crunch.
- Bake the Croissant:
- Preheat your oven to 420°F (215°C).
- Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the croissant is puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the croissant to cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired for a finishing touch.
Enjoy your crispy, golden giant almond croissant fresh from the oven!