Flaky Sweet Almond Pastry Recipe

Introduction

This Flaky Sweet Almond Pastry is a delightful treat combining crisp puff pastry with a rich, almond-flavored filling. It’s easy to make and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an elegant snack.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 6 oz almond paste
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten (divided)
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Place the thawed puff pastry sheet onto the prepared baking sheet.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine the almond paste, softened butter, granulated sugar, and half of the beaten egg. Mix until smooth and well blended.
4. Step 4: Spread the almond filling evenly down the center third of the puff pastry sheet.
5. Step 5: Cut diagonal strips on both sides of the pastry, parallel to the filling. Carefully fold the strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braided pattern.
6. Step 6: Brush the top of the folded pastry with the remaining beaten egg, then sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
8. Step 8: Allow the pastry to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Use chilled puff pastry for better flakiness and easy handling.
• For added flavor, stir in a teaspoon of almond extract into the filling.
• Swap sliced almonds with chopped pistachios or walnuts for a different nutty crunch.
• Serve with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Storage

Store leftover pastry in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid refrigerating as it may soften the pastry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes, homemade puff pastry works beautifully and adds a personal touch, though store-bought is a convenient and reliable option.

Is almond paste the same as marzipan?

Almond paste and marzipan are similar, but almond paste is coarser and less sweet, making it ideal for baking recipes like this one.

Flaky Sweet Almond Pastry Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 68 reviews

This Flaky Sweet Almond Pastry features crisp puff pastry filled with a luscious almond paste mixture, topped with sliced almonds and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect as a delightful dessert or a sweet snack, it combines buttery, nutty flavors with a beautifully golden, flaky crust.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Almond Filling

• 6 oz almond paste
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 of 1 large egg, beaten

Topping

• 1/2 of 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Prepare Puff Pastry: Place the thawed puff pastry sheet on the prepared baking sheet, smoothing it out gently without stretching.
3. Make Almond Filling: In a bowl, combine the almond paste, softened butter, granulated sugar, and half of the beaten egg. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a smooth and cohesive filling.
4. Assemble Filling: Spread the almond filling evenly down the center third of the puff pastry, creating a long strip.
5. Cut and Fold Pastry Strips: Cut diagonal strips on both sides of the pastry alongside the filling. Then, fold these strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braided appearance.
6. Brush with Egg and Add Almonds: Brush the top of the pastry braid with the remaining beaten egg to encourage browning, then sprinkle evenly with sliced almonds for texture and flavor.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden, puffed, and cooked through.
8. Cool and Finish: Allow the pastry to cool slightly on the baking sheet. Finally, dust with powdered sugar before serving to add a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Ensure the almond paste is softened to blend easily with butter and sugar.
• If puff pastry is frozen, fully thaw it before starting for best results.
• The diagonal cuts and folding create a beautiful braid-like presentation and help the pastry cook evenly.
• This pastry is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days.
• For a more intense almond flavor, sprinkle some almond extract into the filling mixture.

Keywords: almond pastry, puff pastry dessert, flaky almond braid, sweet almond treat, almond paste recipe