There is something utterly irresistible about merging the flaky, buttery goodness of croissants with the rich, nutty sweetness of blondies, which is exactly what the Almond Croissant Blondies Recipe achieves so beautifully. This dessert is a perfect marriage of textures and flavors, combining the tender crumb of a blondie with delicate almond notes and surprising pockets of crunchy croissant bits throughout. Whether you’re craving a sophisticated treat for a casual afternoon or a cozy sweet to share with friends, these blondies bring that French bakery vibe right into your kitchen with amazing ease and delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the flavor, texture, and irresistible appeal of these Almond Croissant Blondies Recipe treats. From the richness of butter to the subtle almond extracts and flaky croissant pieces, these simple components come together harmoniously.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled: Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps the blondies tender and moist.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight caramel depth that complements the almonds perfectly.
- 1 large egg: Binds all ingredients together for the perfect chewy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a warm, aromatic tone.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Amp up the nutty, almond character for that signature almond croissant flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure necessary to hold these decadent blondies together.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavor elements.
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds: Adds crunch and a delightful nutty texture within every bite.
- 1/2 cup chopped croissants (about 1 small croissant): Infuses buttery flakiness, creating those precious pockets of pastry goodness.
- 1/3 cup almond paste torn into small pieces: Brings richness and an authentic almond essence that elevates each blondie.
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds for topping: Gives a gorgeous, toasted almond finish and attractive visual appeal.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): Adds a delicate touch of sweetness and bakery charm when dusted on top.
How to Make Almond Croissant Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures your blondies will bake evenly and come out effortlessly without sticking to the pan, setting you up for success right from the beginning.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and light brown sugar until you achieve a smooth, luscious mixture. This step is key for creating that signature moist consistency and subtle caramel undertones that blondies are loved for.
Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts
Next, incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mixing these in just until combined ensures your blondie batter remains tender and flavorful without becoming tough, with the almond extract giving that unmistakable croissant-inspired flair.
Step 4: Stir Flour and Salt
Gently fold in the flour and salt, stirring just until you see no dry spots. This careful approach keeps the texture light and soft, balancing the rich buttery base with the necessary structure.
Step 5: Fold in Almonds, Croissants, and Almond Paste
Now the fun part: folding in the sliced almonds, chopped croissant pieces, and torn almond paste. These ingredients lend the blondies their signature crunch, buttery pockets, and deep almond flavor. Make sure to distribute everything evenly throughout the batter for delightful bites every time.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly, then sprinkle with the remaining sliced almonds for a toasted finish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let your blondies cool completely in the pan before slicing—this step allows their texture to set perfectly.
How to Serve Almond Croissant Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar transforms these blondies into a picture-perfect treat. You can also drizzle a light almond glaze or a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk for a bakery-style finish that adds extra sweetness and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair your Almond Croissant Blondies Recipe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the nutty richness with cool creaminess. Fresh berries or a warm cup of coffee or tea also elevate the experience to a cozy café-level delight.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting these blondies into bite-sized squares and serving them on a fancy platter for brunch or dessert tables. For a fun twist, layer them with fresh fruit and mascarpone in a trifle glass or sandwich them with jam for an inventive almond pastry sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain their soft, chewy texture while keeping the almond flavors vibrant and fresh.
Freezing
These blondies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual or cut pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge again, and you’ll have a quick, delicious treat waiting.
Reheating
If you prefer warm blondies, just pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them gently in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. That way, you’ll revive the buttery aroma and tender texture, freshly baked style.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought croissants for this recipe?
Absolutely! Day-old croissants work best because they’re slightly drier and hold up well during baking, adding those signature flaky pockets without getting soggy.
Is almond paste necessary in Almond Croissant Blondies Recipe?
Almond paste boosts the almond flavor and richness, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute frangipane or omit it altogether—your blondies will still be delicious.
Can I make these blondies gluten-free?
You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend, but keep in mind this might slightly change the texture. Be sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.
How do I prevent the blondies from drying out?
The key is not to overbake. Remove the blondies once a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs, and don’t forget to cool them fully in the pan for best texture retention.
Will these blondies keep their almond flavor after storage?
Yes! The almond flavor remains vibrant for several days when stored properly, and a quick reheat can refresh the aroma beautifully if needed.
Final Thoughts
If you are ready to delight your taste buds and impress everyone at your next gathering, the Almond Croissant Blondies Recipe is your new best friend. It’s an easy yet extraordinary way to indulge in all the flaky, nutty, buttery goodness reminiscent of a French bakery right from the comfort of your home. Truly, each bite feels like a little celebration—you’re going to love making and sharing this one.
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Almond Croissant Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 blondies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Almond Croissant Blondies are a delightful French-inspired twist on traditional blondies, featuring buttery croissant pieces, almond paste, and sliced almonds for a rich, nutty flavor and tender crumb. Perfect for a sophisticated dessert or a sweet snack, they combine the flakiness of croissants with the chewy texture of blondies, finished with a sprinkling of powdered sugar for bakery-style elegance.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins and Toppings
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup chopped croissants (about 1 small croissant)
- 1/3 cup almond paste torn into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds for topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Then add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until fully combined to build a flavorful base.
- Combine dry ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour and salt just until no dry spots remain. Be careful not to overmix to keep the blondies tender.
- Add croissant and almonds: Gently fold in sliced almonds, chopped croissant pieces, and torn almond paste pieces to incorporate texture and the signature almond flavor throughout the batter.
- Prepare for baking: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the top with the additional sliced almonds to add a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Bake the blondies for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs, indicating perfect doneness without drying out.
- Cool and finish: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan to set properly before slicing into 9 squares. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant, bakery-style finish.
Notes
- Use day-old croissants for better texture; fresh croissants might make the batter too soft.
- Almond paste provides rich flavor, but you may substitute with frangipane or omit it if unavailable.
- For a bakery-style touch, drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk if desired.
