Giant Almond and Spice Croissant
For brunch, what could be better than a giant flaky croissant that can be shared with loved ones? Try this ultra indulgent version that can be prepared one day and enjoyed the next. Use store-bought puff pastry on which you spread some spiced almond cream and chocolate chips. This recipe will surely have you forgetting […]
Ingredients
- 1 sheet (200 g) store-bought puff pastry, thawed, cold
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (105 g) sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup (130 g) ground almonds
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch ground cloves
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup (70 g) dark chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/3 cup (35 g) sliced almonds
- Icing sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- With the rack in the middle position, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
- On a floured work surface, roll the puff pastry out to form a 10-inch (25 cm) square (see note). Place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the pastry is cooked and is starting to brown. The pastry will puff up. Let cool on the baking sheet, about 15 minutes. The cooked puff pastry will keep for 1 day at room temperature.
- Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk together the butter and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time and mix until smooth. Stir in the ground almonds, salt, spices and pepper until combined (see note). Set aside.
- On a work surface, using a bread knife, cut the puff pastry in half horizontally into two layers.
- Spread 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) of the almond cream over the bottom layer of pastry to cover the entire surface. Sprinkle with the chocolate chips. Close with the top layer of pastry. Gently cover the top of the pastry with the remaining almond cream, being careful not to crush it. Do not worry if the pastry is very rounded, it will flatten out during cooking. Sprinkle with the sliced almonds.
- Continue to bake the croissant for 25 to 30 minutes or until the almond cream is cooked. Let cool for 15 minutes. Lightly sprinkle with icing sugar. Cut into pieces.
For brunch, what could be better than a giant flaky croissant that can be shared with loved ones? Try this ultra indulgent version that can be prepared one day and enjoyed the next. Use store-bought puff pastry on which you spread some spiced almond cream and chocolate chips. This recipe will surely have you forgetting about the bakery down the street.