If you love almond croissants and you adore blondies, you’re in for a treat! In this article, we’ll explore how to make these almond croissant blondies, a delectable dessert that perfectly combines the best of both worlds. You’ll learn how to create a soft, chewy blondie base with a rich almond filling (frangipane) topped with crunchy almonds. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe will walk you through each step, offering tips and tricks along the way to ensure your blondies turn out just right. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
What Are Almond Croissant Blondies?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of baking these delicious treats, let’s take a moment to understand what makes almond croissant blondies so special. This fusion dessert combines the buttery, flaky texture of an almond croissant with the rich, chewy goodness of a blondie.
The Origins of Almond Croissant Blondies
The idea of blending a classic French pastry like the almond croissant with a beloved American dessert like blondies might sound quirky, but it’s actually the perfect pairing. Both recipes feature rich almond flavours but with different textures and formats. Almond croissants are known for their flaky, buttery exterior, filled with an almond paste, while blondies offer a soft, dense, and chewy base made from brown sugar and butter.
These almond croissant blondies take the best elements of both and combine them into a bar format, making them easier to bake and serve. The almond filling (frangipane) added to the blondie batter creates a delicious swirl that mimics the filling of an almond croissant. The result? A sweet, nutty dessert that’ll have your taste buds dancing!
Why Almond Croissant Blondies are the Perfect Dessert
So why should you make these almond croissant blondies? For starters, they’re an ideal dessert for any occasion—whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, a brunch, or enjoying them on your own with a hot cup of coffee. The combination of textures—from the chewy blondie base to the creamy almond frangipane swirl and crunchy almond topping—makes for an irresistible treat. Plus, they’re packed with rich, nutty flavours that both almond and pastry lovers will enjoy.
In short, almond croissant blondies are a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their dessert game with something a little more unique and flavorful.
Ingredients for Almond Croissant Blondies
To make these almond croissant blondies come to life, you’ll need a few key ingredients that work together to create the perfect texture and flavour. Let’s break down each one so you know exactly what goes into this scrumptious dessert!
Key Ingredients in Almond Croissant Blondies
For the almond croissant blondies, the main ingredients include butter, brown sugar, and flour to form a rich, chewy base. The butter provides that deliciously rich texture, while the brown sugar gives the blondies their signature sweetness and golden colour. Adding in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract helps deepen the flavours, giving these blondies that irresistible, nutty aroma.
You’ll also need flour, baking powder, and a touch of salt for the perfect structure and balance. These ingredients will give the almond croissant blondies their fluffy, tender interior while keeping the outside beautifully golden.
For the frangipane (the almond filling), almond flour is key. This gives it that smooth, nutty texture that pairs so wonderfully with the blondie base. Almond extract enhances the flavour, giving it an extra kick. You’ll also need butter, sugar, and an egg to bring everything together in that creamy filling.
Substitutes and Variations
While this recipe is packed with traditional ingredients, you can easily make some swaps based on your preferences or dietary needs. For a gluten-free version of almond croissant blondies, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. If you’re avoiding dairy, try substituting it with dairy-free butter and almond milk. Similarly, you can go for egg substitutes like flax eggs or chia seeds if needed. Just keep in mind that these swaps might slightly alter the final texture, but they can still yield a delicious outcome!
Step-by-Step Instructions
PrintAlmond Croissant Blondies
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 9
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Almond Croissant Blondies are a delightful fusion of buttery blondies and almond croissants. The rich almond frangipane filling adds a creamy texture, while the sliced almonds on top bring a satisfying crunch. Perfect for any occasion, these blondies are easy to make and packed with flavor, making them a must-try treat for almond lovers!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (226 grams)
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar, packed (300 grams)
- 2 large eggs (about 120 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 mL)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (5 mL)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (5 grams)
- ½ teaspoon salt (2.5 grams)
For the Frangipane (Almond Filling):
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (113 grams)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- 1 large egg (about 60 grams)
- 1 cup almond flour (96 grams)
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (2.5 mL)
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup sliced almonds (30 grams)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting) (15 grams)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- In another bowl, make the frangipane by beating the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, almond flour, and almond extract, mixing until smooth.
- Pour the blondie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Drop dollops of the almond frangipane on top and use a knife to gently swirl it into the batter.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds on top for extra crunch.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar and slicing into squares.
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the batter and almond frangipane filling the night before. Store them separately in the fridge and bake the next day for a quicker process.
- Storage: Keep your almond croissant blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before storing.
- Add-ins: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Try adding chocolate chips or even a swirl of raspberry jam for an extra layer of flavor.
- Substitutes: If you don’t have almond flour, you can substitute with finely ground blanched almonds or even regular flour, though the texture may change slightly.
- For a Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, and ensure your almond flour is certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: almond croissant blondies, almond blondies, almond dessert, blondies with almond frangipane
Now that you know what ingredients you’ll need, it’s time to dive into the actual baking process. Don’t worry; I’ll walk you through each step to make sure your almond croissant blondies turn out perfect.
Prepping Your Ingredients
Before we start, get your kitchen ready by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. This will make it so much easier to remove your blondies once they’re done. Next, melt your butter and set it aside to cool slightly while you gather the rest of the ingredients. This helps prevent any cooked eggs from mixing in the wet ingredients later.
Making the Blondie Base
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is smooth. This is the base of your almond croissant blondies, and it’s important to get it nice and creamy. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing in the vanilla and almond extract until well combined. The almond extract adds that unmistakable nutty flavour that will fill your kitchen with a lovely aroma.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix it! The batter should be thick and sticky, perfect for a chewy blondie texture.
Assembling the Almond Croissant Topping
Now comes the fun part: making the frangipane filling. In another bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add in the egg, almond flour, and almond extract, mixing until smooth. You should end up with a thick, creamy almond filling that’s rich in flavour and texture.
Pour the blondie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Drop dollops of the almond frangipane on top of the batter. Then, using a knife, gently swirl the frangipane into the blondie batter. This will create a beautiful marbled effect that adds flavour and visual appeal to your almond croissant blondies.
Baking and Perfecting the Texture
Once everything is assembled, sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top for that extra crunch. Now, pop the pan into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake; you want the blondies to remain soft and gooey in the centre.
Once baked, let the almond croissant blondies cool completely in the pan. This cooling step is important because it allows the flavours to set, making the blondies easier to slice. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for that finishing touch. Slice them into squares and get ready to indulge in these heavenly, nutty treats!
Tips for the Best Almond Croissant Blondies
Making the perfect almond croissant blondies isn’t just about following the recipe to the letter—it’s about a few extra tips that can elevate your baking game. Here are some helpful pointers to ensure you end up with the most delicious, chewy blondies every time.
Achieving the Perfect Texture and Flavor
When it comes to getting the perfect texture for your almond croissant blondies, a lot hinges on the consistency of the batter. One tip is not to overmix the wet and dry ingredients; doing so can lead to dense blondies. Gently folding the dry ingredients into the wet will ensure a soft, chewy texture.
Also, make sure your butter isn’t too hot when mixing with the brown sugar, as this can cause the sugar to crystallize and affect the texture. Letting the melted butter cool slightly before using it will help keep your blondies soft.
For an added flavour boost, consider toasting your sliced almonds before sprinkling them on top. This small step brings out the natural nuttiness of the almonds and adds another layer of flavour to your almond croissant blondies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best bakers make mistakes! One common pitfall is overbaking. Be sure to check your blondies regularly after about 30 minutes of baking. They should be golden brown with a few moist crumbs on your toothpick—not dry or completely clean. Overbaking leads to a dry texture, and we don’t want that!
Another mistake is not allowing the blondies to cool completely before slicing. While it’s tempting to dig in, letting them cool helps them set, making them easier to slice into perfect squares.
Serving and Storing Your Almond Croissant Blondies
Once you’ve baked the perfect batch of almond croissant blondies, it’s time to enjoy them. But before you start serving, here are some helpful tips on how to serve and store these beauties.
Serving Suggestions
The almond croissant blondies are delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They’re also fantastic when paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
For a more festive touch, dust the top with some extra powdered sugar just before serving, and consider adding a drizzle of melted chocolate for even more indulgence. The combination of the chewy blondie, creamy frangipane, and crunchy almonds is heavenly!
How to Store Almond Croissant Blondies
Store your almond croissant blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you have any leftovers (though I’m sure you won’t!), they can also be frozen for up to two months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them at room temperature, and they’ll taste just as fresh as the day they were baked!
For more delicious recipes, check out our article on the Almond Nut Cake Recipe, which also features a rich almond flavour, or explore our Protein Cookie Recipe for a healthier treat!
FAQs about Almond Croissant Blondies
Even with a delicious recipe in hand, questions can pop up! Let’s answer some common FAQs to ensure you’re fully equipped to bake the perfect almond croissant blondies.
Can I make almond croissant blondies in advance?
Yes, absolutely! In fact, almond croissant blondies often taste even better the next day after the flavours have had time to meld. You can prepare the batter and frangipane the night before, store them in the fridge, and then bake them the following day. This saves you time and ensures a fresh batch for your guests.
What’s the difference between a blondie and a brownie?
Great question! While both are baked in a similar way and share similar ingredients, the main difference lies in the type of sugar used and the resulting flavour. Blondies use brown sugar, which gives them a caramel-like toffee flavour, while brownies use cocoa powder, making them more chocolatey. The almond croissant blondies blend the best of both worlds with a nutty almond flavour and a chewy texture, setting them apart from traditional blondies.
Can I freeze almond croissant blondies?
Yes! If you have extra almond croissant blondies, you can easily freeze them. After they’ve cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature, and they’ll taste just like freshly baked.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The Blondies with Almond Frangipane are a unique, indulgent treat that combines the rich flavours of almond croissants and the chewy texture of blondies. This fusion dessert is perfect for anyone looking for something a bit different yet still familiar and comforting. Whether you’re serving them at a party, treating yourself, or surprising your loved ones, these blondies are sure to impress.
Final Tip
Make sure to enjoy your Blondies with Almond Frangipane with a warm cup of tea or coffee, letting the almond flavours shine through in every bite. And remember, the beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile—feel free to tweak it to suit your preferences, whether you prefer more frangipane filling or a heavier almond topping.
And that’s a wrap for the almond croissant blondies recipe article! If you want to continue exploring, try checking out more sweet recipes like our Almond Nut Cake Recipe or dive into our Protein Cookie Recipe.