Ever bite into an almond croissant so good it made you wonder if you were secretly in a Parisian café? That was me — totally smitten. This flaky, buttery pastry filled with rich almond cream is my ultimate treat-yourself breakfast. And guess what? You can make this almond croissant at home with just a few simple steps and ingredients (no pastry school required!).
Whether you’re reviving day-old croissants or baking from scratch, this recipe delivers that golden, crunchy top and creamy almond filling you dream about. Want to level it up even more? Start by mastering our croissant dough recipe — it’s worth it.
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Table of Contents
What You’ll Need
This almond croissant recipe is all about texture and flavor — from the crisp exterior to the soft, nutty inside. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 4 croissants (preferably a day old)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (for topping)
- Powdered sugar (for garnish)
For the Almond Cream (Frangipane)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup almond flour
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional but amazing)
For the Syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp rum or almond extract (optional)
Pro Tip: The syrup keeps the almond croissant soft inside and adds a subtle sweetness. Don’t skip it!
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Almond Croissant
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 4 croissants 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French
Description
This flaky, buttery almond croissant filled with rich almond cream is the ultimate treat-yourself breakfast, crispy, creamy, and Parisian café perfect.
Ingredients
- 4 croissants (preferably a day old)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (for topping)
- Powdered sugar (for garnish)
- For the Almond Cream (Frangipane)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup almond flour
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
- For the Syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp rum or almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in almond flour, all-purpose flour, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix until creamy.
- In a saucepan, simmer water and sugar until dissolved. Cool and stir in almond extract or rum.
- Cut croissants horizontally. Brush insides and tops with syrup.
- Spread almond cream inside each croissant. Close and spread more almond cream on top.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds on top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–18 minutes until golden brown. Dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
Use day-old croissants for best texture. Chill almond cream if too soft. Freeze assembled croissants unbaked and bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croissant
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: almond croissant, frangipane, French pastry, breakfast, bakery-style
How to Make an Almond Croissant
This isn’t your average pastry — an almond croissant is traditionally twice-baked. That’s what gives it that signature crispy top and creamy center. Here’s how to make one like a pro:
Step 1 – Mix the Almond Cream
In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the almond flour, all-purpose flour, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix until well combined and creamy.
Step 2 – Make the Syrup
Bring water and sugar to a light simmer in a saucepan. Stir until fully dissolved. Let cool and add almond extract or rum for extra flavor.
Step 3 – Slice & Soak
Cut each croissant horizontally. Brush the insides (and even the tops!) with the syrup. This helps lock in moisture and flavor.
Step 4 – Fill and Assemble
Spread a generous scoop of almond cream inside each croissant. Close them up, then spread more almond cream on top for that signature bakery finish.
Step 5 – Top & Bake
Sprinkle sliced almonds over the top. Bake on a lined sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Dust with powdered sugar while warm.
Pair this almond croissant with a cappuccino and one of our favorite French breakfast recipes for the full bistro effect.
What’s in an Almond Croissant Filling?
The filling in a classic almond croissant is called frangipane. It’s a creamy, rich almond mixture made with butter, sugar, eggs, and almond flour. Some people use almond paste as a shortcut, but frangipane has a softer, more luxurious texture that melts beautifully into the croissant layers.
Need a visual? Check out our guide to almond paste vs. frangipane.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long to cook veggies in tinfoil on the barbecue?
On a medium-high grill (400°F), most vegetables will become tender-crisp in about 15-20 minutes. Softer veggies like zucchini and bell peppers cook faster, while harder veggies like potatoes and carrots need to be cut smaller to cook in the same amount of time.
Can you cook foil packets in the oven instead of grilling?
Absolutely! Cooking foil packets in the oven is a fantastic alternative. Simply place the sealed packets on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
What vegetables go well with BBQ chicken?
So many vegetables work well! Great options include zucchini, bell peppers (all colors), red onion, broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. For heartier veggies, diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and corn on the cob (cut into rounds) are also delicious.
How long to cook chicken wrapped in tin foil on the barbecue?
When cut into 1-inch pieces, chicken will cook in a foil packet on a medium-high grill in about 15-20 minutes. It’s always best to check for doneness with a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F (74°C).
How long to cook potatoes and carrots in tin foil on the barbecue?
Potatoes and carrots take longer to cook than chicken and other veggies. To ensure they’re done in 15-20 minutes, you must cut them small—about a 1/2-inch dice for potatoes and thin 1/4-inch slices for carrots. This allows them to become tender in time.
How long should I grill veggies on the barbecue?
When grilling veggies in a foil packet, they will typically take 15-20 minutes. If you are grilling them directly on the grates or in a grill basket, the time can vary. Softer veggies might take 5-10 minutes, while harder ones could take 15-20 minutes.
What Is the Stuff Inside an Almond Croissant Called?
That “stuff” inside your almond croissant is frangipane — almond cream. It’s not marzipan, and it’s definitely not just butter and sugar. The almond flour gives it a distinct nutty depth and creamy mouthfeel.
What’s in the Starbucks Almond Croissant?
Starbucks uses a commercial version of almond cream that’s similar to frangipane but often includes stabilizers and extra sugar. If you want a Starbucks-style almond croissant at home, this recipe is your go-to — just add a touch more sugar and slice your almonds extra thin.
What’s Inside Trader Joe’s Almond Croissants?
Trader Joe’s frozen almond croissants are a cult favorite. They’re filled with almond paste and topped with slivered almonds and sugar. The secret? Letting them rise overnight before baking. With our recipe, you can mimic that bakery-style result using your own ingredients (and skip the freezer burn).
What Are the Best Fillings for Croissants?
Besides the almond croissant classic, here are some swoon-worthy options:
Chocolate – because chocolate makes everything better
Hazelnut spread – think homemade Nutella vibes
Pastry cream or custard – for a creamier twist
Fruit jam – like raspberry or apricot with almond cream
What’s Inside the Almond Croissant at Dunkin’?
Dunkin’ keeps it simple: almond paste filling, sliced almonds on top, and a light sugar glaze. Our homemade version uses real almond flour and butter for a much richer, more authentic flavor.
Almond Croissant Variations to Try
One of the best parts of making almond croissants at home? You can get creative with flavors and formats. Here are some fun twists:
Chocolate Almond Croissant
Add a few dark chocolate chips to the filling or drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving. Chocolate + almond = total bliss.
Vegan Almond Croissant
Use vegan butter, almond milk, and a flax egg to recreate the creamy filling. Bonus points if you use a vegan croissant base!
Almond Croissant Muffins
Use leftover croissant dough or chopped croissants to make bakery-style muffins. Layer with almond cream and bake in muffin tins.
Almond Croissant Baked Oatmeal
Yes, you read that right. Mix almond cream and chopped croissants into oats, then bake for a cozy almond croissant-inspired breakfast bake.
Mini Almond Croissants
Use crescent roll dough or mini croissants to create bite-sized versions — perfect for brunch spreads or dessert platters.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Almond Croissant
- Use stale croissants – they hold up better when brushed with syrup and baked again.
- Don’t overbake – 15–18 minutes is plenty. You want a golden crust, not a rock-hard pastry.
- Toast the almonds before sprinkling them on top — it deepens the flavor and adds crunch.
- Chill the almond cream for 20 minutes if it feels too soft to spread neatly.
- Freeze unbaked assembled croissants for a future treat — just bake from frozen with 2–3 extra minutes.
These tips also work beautifully with our almond dessert recipes collection!
How to Serve and Store Your Almond Croissant
Almond croissants are best enjoyed slightly warm, when the filling is soft and the top is crisp. Serve with a cappuccino, café au lait, or a touch of raspberry jam on the side for contrast.
Storage Tips
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
- Fridge: Store up to 3 days. Reheat at 300°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Freezer: Freeze after assembly but before baking. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes.
More Almond-Inspired Recipes You’ll Love
- Almond Croissant Cinnamon Rolls
- Almond Croissant Cookies
- Easy French Breakfast Recipes
- How to Make Croissant Dough from Scratch
Why You’ll Love This Almond Croissant Recipe
There’s something magical about turning a plain croissant into a decadent, nutty masterpiece. This almond croissant recipe brings French bakery vibes straight into your kitchen — without the pastry chef degree. It’s easy, indulgent, and totally crowd-pleasing.
If you try it, let me know how it goes in the comments below! Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram @thecroissants — we love seeing your bakes come to life.
Happy baking, friend!