Indulge in the delightful flavors of France with our Spring Brunch Almond Croissants! Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, flaky croissant filled with a creamy almond paste, perfectly complemented by a sprinkle of toasted almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar. This recipe is not just a treat for your taste buds; it's a showstopper that will impress your guests at any brunch gathering. With just a few simple ingredients and a mere 35 minutes of your time, you can create a gourmet experience right in your own kitchen. Ready to elevate your brunch game? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 6 croissants
- 1 cup almond paste
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine almond paste, powdered sugar, and one whole egg. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy, creating a rich almond filling.
- Carefully slice each croissant horizontally, creating a top and bottom half, ensuring you don't cut completely through.
- Generously spread the almond paste mixture evenly inside each croissant, covering the entire interior surface.
- Reassemble the croissants, gently pressing the halves back together to seal the almond filling.
- In a small bowl, whisk the remaining egg with milk to create an egg wash.
- Brush the exterior of each croissant generously with the egg wash, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds over the top of each croissant, pressing lightly to help them adhere.
- Place the prepared croissants on the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown and almonds are lightly toasted.
- Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving warm.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Croissants: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh croissants from a bakery or your local grocery store. Day-old croissants can work, but fresh ones will yield a flakier result.
- Make Your Own Almond Paste: If you're feeling adventurous, try making your own almond paste using blanched almonds, sugar, and a bit of almond extract. This can add a personal touch to your croissants.
- Don’t Skimp on the Egg Wash: A generous egg wash not only gives the croissants a beautiful golden color but also helps the sliced almonds stick better. Make sure to cover every inch!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a splash of almond extract to the filling for an extra punch of almond flavor. You could also incorporate chocolate chips for a delicious twist!
- Serve Warm: These croissants are best enjoyed warm out of the oven. If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their flaky texture.
- Presentation Matters: For an elegant touch, serve your croissants on a beautiful platter and dust them with powdered sugar just before serving. A sprig of fresh mint can add a pop of color!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
