Description
This Flaky Sweet Almond Pastry features a golden, buttery puff pastry filled with a smooth almond paste mixture, topped with crunchy sliced almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for a delightful breakfast or an elegant dessert, it combines crisp, flaky layers with rich almond sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 6 oz almond paste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten (divided)
Topping
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare Pastry: Place the thawed puff pastry sheet on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring it is flat without any folds or creases.
- Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the almond paste, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and half of the beaten egg. Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and well blended.
- Add Filling: Spread the almond filling evenly down the center third of the puff pastry sheet, leaving space on the sides for folding.
- Shape Pastry: Using a sharp knife, cut diagonal strips on both sides of the pastry, parallel to the filling. Carefully fold the strips over the almond filling, alternating sides to create a braided effect.
- Brush and Top: Brush the remaining beaten egg over the top of the folded pastry to give it a beautiful golden finish as it bakes. Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Bake the pastry in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
- Serve: Remove the pastry from the oven and let it cool slightly. Before serving, dust generously with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before using to ensure easy handling and proper puffing.
- You can substitute sliced almonds with slivered or chopped almonds if desired.
- For an extra almond flavor, add a few drops of almond extract to the filling mixture.
- Serve the pastry warm or at room temperature; it tastes delicious both ways.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: almond pastry, puff pastry dessert, flaky pastry, sweet almond filling, baked almond pastry
