Marry Thompson This Pioneer Woman Almond Croissant Recipe is a buttery and easy recipe, which is made with almond paste and store-bought croissants. It’s the perfect breakfast treat, ready in about 35 minutes.
Jump to RecipePioneer Woman Almond Croissant Recipe Ingredients
Almond Cream
- 1/2 cup almond paste (4 ounces)
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup brewed coffee, at room temperature
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 heaping teaspoon all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
To Build
- 6 store-bought croissants
- 1 (3-ounce) semisweet chocolate bar
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Chocolate Drizzle
- 1 (1-ounce) semisweet chocolate bar
- Splash of cream
How To Make Pioneer Woman Almond Croissant
- Prep the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the almond cream: In a food processor, combine the almond paste, softened butter, coffee, and egg yolk. Process until the mixture is smooth. Add the flour and a pinch of salt, then pulse a few times to combine.
- Prepare the croissants: Slice the croissants in half lengthwise. Place the bottom halves on a baking sheet with the cut side facing up. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the almond cream on each bottom half. Break the 3-ounce chocolate bar into pieces and place them on top of the cream.
- Assemble and top: Place the top halves of the croissants on. Spread another tablespoon of almond cream over the top of each croissant and sprinkle generously with the sliced almonds.
- Bake until golden: Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, until the almonds are toasted and golden and the cream filling is slightly set. Let the croissants cool on the baking sheet.
- Make the chocolate drizzle: While the croissants cool, melt the 1-ounce chocolate bar with a splash of cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
- Garnish and serve: Dust the cooled croissants with powdered sugar, then drizzle the melted chocolate over them and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- How do I get the best texture? Start with good-quality, fresh croissants. Stale or dry croissants won’t absorb the cream as well and can result in a less tender final product.
- How do I get a smooth almond cream? Using room temperature butter and egg yolk is key. Cold ingredients won’t blend as easily with the almond paste and can create a lumpy texture.
- How do I keep the croissants from drying out? Watch them carefully in the oven. You want to bake them just until the almonds are golden and the filling is slightly set. Overbaking will dry out both the croissant and the filling.
- How can I get an even stronger almond flavor? For an extra boost of flavor, you can add a small splash (about 1/4 teaspoon) of almond extract to the almond cream mixture.
What To Serve With Almond Croissants
These rich pastries are a wonderful breakfast or brunch treat on their own. They are best served with:
- A hot cup of coffee or a latte
- A simple side of fresh berries
- A glass of cold milk
How To Store Almond Croissants
Room Temperature: These are best enjoyed on the day they are made. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. Reheat: You can refresh a day-old croissant by warming it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes.
Almond Croissant Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Sodium: 350mg
Nutrition information is estimated per serving and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
What is almond paste?
Almond paste is a thick, dense paste made from ground almonds and sugar. It’s different from marzipan, which is sweeter and smoother. You can usually find it in the baking aisle of most grocery stores.
Can I make the almond cream ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the almond cream up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to soften before spreading it on the croissants.
Can I use day-old croissants for this recipe?
While fresh croissants are best, this is a fantastic way to revive day-old croissants. The almond cream and baking process will help to soften them and give them new life.
Try More Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Boozy Berry Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Lemon Berry Icebox Cake Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Yellow Cake With Chocolate Icing Recipe
Pioneer Woman Almond Croissant Recipe
Course: BreakfastCuisine: French-InspiredDifficulty: EasyServings
6
servingsPrep time
15
minutesCooking time
15
minutesCalories
490
kcalA bakery-style treat made easy at home by filling store-bought croissants with a rich chocolate and almond cream filling.
Ingredients
Almond Cream: 1/2 cup almond paste, 4 tbsp salted butter, 1/4 cup brewed coffee, 1 egg yolk, 1 tsp flour, pinch of salt.
Assembly: 6 store-bought croissants, 1 (3-oz) semisweet chocolate bar, 1/2 cup sliced almonds, powdered sugar.
Drizzle: 1 (1-oz) semisweet chocolate bar, splash of cream.
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a food processor, blend almond paste, butter, coffee, and egg yolk until smooth. Pulse in flour and salt.
- Slice croissants in half. Spread almond cream on the bottom halves, top with chocolate pieces, then cover with the croissant tops.
- Spread more almond cream on top of the croissants and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes until golden.
- Melt the 1-oz chocolate bar with a splash of cream for the drizzle.
- Dust cooled croissants with powdered sugar, drizzle with chocolate, and serve.
Notes
- Using fresh, good-quality croissants will yield the best results.
- Ensure your butter and egg yolk are at room temperature for a smooth almond cream.
- Do not overbake, as this will dry out the croissants.
- For a more intense almond flavor, add a splash of almond extract to the cream.