Delicious Almond Cream Filled Croissants

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves indulgent pastries without the time commitment of making them from scratch. By using day-old croissants, you’re able to create something extraordinary in just 15 minutes. The almond cream filling is smooth, rich, and packed with flavor, taking the croissants to the next level. This simple transformation results in a truly decadent dessert or breakfast treat that is crispy, creamy, and utterly irresistible.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 10 to 12 day-old homemade flaky croissants (or store-bought)

• For the Almond Cream Filling:

  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 cup blanched almond flour

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 1 large egg, room temperature

  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract

  • Sliced almonds, to garnish (optional)

  • Powdered sugar, to garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Split the day-old croissants in half and place them on the prepared baking sheets.

3. To make the almond cream filling, add the butter and sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy.

4. Add the almond flour, all-purpose flour, salt, egg, and almond extract to the mixer. Beat again until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

5. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the almond cream filling on the bottom half of each croissant. Place the tops on and then spread about 1 tablespoon of almond cream on top of each croissant. Garnish the tops with sliced almonds, using as much or as little as you prefer.

6. Bake the croissants for 12 to 15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the almonds are slightly toasted.

7. Cool slightly on a wire rack before serving and finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a final touch.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10 croissants

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Fruit: You can add a few slices of fresh fruit such as strawberries or raspberries inside the croissant before topping it with almond cream.

• Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle a little melted chocolate over the top after baking.

• Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use an egg replacer for the egg. Make sure to choose almond flour that is free from animal products.

• Flavored Cream: Experiment with different extracts like vanilla or hazelnut to vary the flavor profile of the almond cream.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the croissants in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds, though they may lose some of their crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh croissants for this recipe?

It’s best to use day-old croissants because they hold up better when filled and baked. Fresh croissants may become too soft and soggy.

2. Can I make the almond cream filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the almond cream filling ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

3. Can I freeze these almond cream croissants?

Yes, you can freeze the croissants after they are assembled but before baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen for 15-20 minutes at 375°F.

4. Can I use other nuts for the filling?

Yes, you can use other nut flours such as hazelnut or cashew flour. Keep in mind the flavor will change depending on the nut used.

5. Is almond extract necessary in the filling?

Almond extract gives the filling a rich, almond flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute it with vanilla extract or another flavor of your choice.

6. How can I garnish these croissants?

Sliced almonds are a great garnish, but you can also use slivered almonds or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

7. Can I make these croissants gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensuring the almond flour is certified gluten-free, you can make this recipe gluten-free.

8. What should I serve these croissants with?

These croissants are perfect on their own, but you can also pair them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a light fruit salad for a well-rounded breakfast or brunch.

9. How long does it take to bake the croissants?

Bake the croissants for about 12 to 15 minutes or until they’re golden brown on top and the almonds are toasted.

10. Can I use store-bought almond paste instead of making the filling?

Yes, you can substitute store-bought almond paste or marzipan for the homemade almond cream filling. You may need to adjust the sugar content to your taste.

Conclusion

Delicious Almond Cream Filled Croissants are a quick and easy way to elevate ordinary croissants into something truly special. With their rich almond cream filling and golden, crispy texture, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack. Whether you’re using homemade or store-bought croissants, this recipe promises an indulgent treat that’s sure to impress.