Julia Koch
Golden, crisp, and filled with a delicate almond cream, the Flaky Sweet Almond Pastry is a bakery-style treat you can make at home. Whether you’re entertaining for brunch or treating yourself with a morning coffee companion, this pastry strikes that perfect balance of rich, nutty filling wrapped in buttery puff layers. The sliced almonds on top provide a light crunch while a dusting of powdered sugar adds just the right finish.
This pastry looks impressive but relies on a handful of smart shortcuts, making it approachable even if you aren’t a seasoned baker. The filling is creamy yet not too heavy, and the layered dough puffs beautifully in the oven. Serve it warm or at room temperature—either way, it’s the kind of recipe that will have guests asking for seconds.
What Kind of Puff Pastry Should I Use?
For this recipe, store-bought puff pastry is perfectly fine and highly recommended to save time. Look for all-butter puff pastry if possible for the richest flavor and flakiest texture. Allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight or on the counter for about 30-40 minutes until pliable but still cold.
Ingredients for the Flaky Sweet Almond Pastry
Puff Pastry Sheet
This is the foundation of the recipe, providing those irresistible flaky layers.
Almond Flour
The base of the filling, almond flour gives a rich, nutty flavor and smooth texture.
Granulated Sugar
Sweetens the almond filling without overpowering its delicate flavor.
Unsalted Butter
Softened butter helps bind the filling and adds creaminess.
Eggs
Used both in the filling for structure and as an egg wash for a golden crust.
Vanilla Extract
Adds depth and balances the nutty notes in the filling.
Sliced Almonds
Sprinkled on top for added texture and visual appeal.
Powdered Sugar
A finishing touch for sweetness and presentation.
How To Make the Flaky Sweet Almond Pastry
Step 1: Prepare the Almond Filling
In a medium bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in almond flour, one egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fully combined. Set aside.
Step 2: Roll and Fill the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a rectangle. Spoon the almond filling down the center third of the pastry, leaving the outer thirds clean.
Step 3: Braid or Fold the Pastry
Cut slits along the sides of the outer thirds, then fold the strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braided look. Tuck in the ends to seal.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Top
Beat the second egg and brush it generously over the pastry. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top for crunch and texture.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer the pastry to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Step 6: Cool and Finish
Let the pastry cool for 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
Serving and Storing the Flaky Sweet Almond Pastry
Serve this pastry fresh from the oven while still warm, when the filling is gooey and the crust is ultra-crisp. It’s delightful on its own or paired with coffee, tea, or even a dollop of whipped cream.
To store leftovers, let the pastry cool completely and place in an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for 4 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or 300°F oven for a few minutes to bring back the flakiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pastry ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pastry and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving for the freshest results.
Can I freeze the pastry?
You can freeze the unbaked assembled pastry or the fully baked and cooled pastry. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake or reheat straight from frozen.
What if I don’t have almond flour?
You can use finely ground blanched almonds as a substitute, or try a frangipane filling made with other nuts like hazelnuts or pistachios.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Make sure to seal the edges well and avoid overfilling the center. Also, chilling the assembled pastry for 15 minutes before baking helps.
Can I add fruit to the filling?
Absolutely! Thin slices of fresh pear or a layer of raspberry jam under the almond cream add a beautiful flavor twist.
Is this the same as almond croissant filling?
It’s very similar! This almond cream is a version of frangipane, which is also used in almond croissants.
Want More Dessert Ideas?
You might also like the Apple Enchiladas, a Sweet and Comforting Treat if you’re after something warm and spiced. Or try Raspberry Crescent Rolls for a fruity pastry twist.
If you’re craving more nutty sweets, Indulgent Chocolate Chess Pie delivers on richness. For a lighter option, the Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries offer bite-sized indulgence.
Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out
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If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you try a fruit layer? Did you add extra crunch? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others bake it.
Flaky Sweet Almond Pastry
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
Description
A golden, crisp pastry filled with rich almond cream and topped with sliced almonds and powdered sugar. This flaky treat is bakery-level indulgent and surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry (thawed but cold)
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 eggs (1 for filling, 1 for egg wash)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp sliced almonds
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in almond flour, 1 egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface into a rectangle.
- Spoon almond filling down the center third of the pastry.
- Cut slits along outer thirds and fold over to braid. Tuck in the ends.
- Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
- Cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
