Description
These quick almond croissants are better than any from a bakery, using ready-made croissants combined with a luscious almond frangipane filling and a sweet vanilla glaze. This easy recipe delivers impressively flaky, buttery, and nutty pastries perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Croissants
- 8 croissants (stale or day old if possible)
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Frangipane (Almond Filling)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups almond meal (or almond flour/ground almonds)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp almond extract
Garnish
- 8 tbsp sliced almonds
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Croissants: Slice each croissant lengthwise without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket for the filling. Set aside.
- Make Vanilla Glaze: Combine water, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Bring to a boil while stirring. Keep boiling for 2 minutes to form a syrup. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Make Frangipane: Melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add sugar, almond meal, eggs, and almond extract to the melted butter. Beat together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Brush and Fill Croissants: Using a pastry brush, apply the vanilla glaze inside each croissant. Spoon about 2 heaping tablespoons of frangipane into the croissant and spread evenly to coat the inner surfaces.
- Close and Glaze Croissants: Carefully close each croissant, then brush the outside generously with the vanilla glaze. Spread an additional 1/2 tablespoon of frangipane over the top of each croissant.
- Add Almond Topping: Scatter sliced almonds over the tops, pressing them gently to adhere to the frangipane layer.
- Bake: Arrange the croissants on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the croissants and almonds are golden brown and fragrant.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from oven and sift powdered sugar over the croissants while still warm. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Day-old croissants work best as they soak up the filling without becoming soggy.
- The almond meal can be substituted with almond flour or finely ground almonds.
- Ensure the vanilla glaze is cool before brushing onto croissants to avoid melting the butter too much.
- Store leftover croissants in an airtight container and reheat briefly before serving.
- Feel free to double the almond glaze for extra moistness if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French