These Almond Croissant Blondies bring the rich, indulgent flavors of an almond croissant in a simpler, more accessible form. They feature a moist, chewy texture with a crunchy almond topping, and are infused with the classic almond flavor from a creamy frangipane filling. With minimal effort compared to making actual croissants, this dessert combines almond flour, buttery dough, and a touch of sweetness for a decadent treat. Perfect for satisfying those almond croissant cravings with far less hassle!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Frangipane (Almond Cream)

• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 1¼ cups almond flour

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 egg, room temperature

• 1 tsp vanilla paste (or vanilla extract)

• 1 tsp almond extract

For the Blondies

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature

• 1¼ cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 egg, room temperature

• 1 egg yolk, room temperature

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp almond extract

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup almond flour

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ cup slivered almonds (for topping)

• ¼ cup turbinado sugar (for topping)

• 1 tbsp powdered sugar (for topping)

Directions

1. Prepare the Frangipane:

   • Beat the room temperature butter and sugar until light and creamy.

   • Add in the egg and both extracts, mixing well.

   • Whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, and salt, then add them to the butter mixture. The result should be a smooth, paste-like consistency. Set aside.

2. Make the Blondie Batter:

   • In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until creamy and smooth.

   • Add in the egg, egg yolk, and both extracts, and beat until well combined.

   • Whisk the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt in a separate bowl, then gently fold it into the butter mixture. The batter will be thick.

3. Assemble the Blondies:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan.

   • Spread ⅔ of the blondie batter in the bottom of the pan.

   • Spoon the frangipane over the blondie batter, then cover with the remaining blondie batter.

   • Sprinkle the top with slivered almonds and turbinado sugar. For an extra crunchy finish, repeat sprinkling the sugar and almonds 2-3 times to ensure a generous topping.

4. Bake:

   • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out almost clean, and the top is golden brown.

   • Let the blondies cool in the pan for about an hour, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

5. Finish and Serve:

   • Once cooled, cut the blondies into squares and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutrients (approximate per square)

• Calories: 376

• Carbohydrates: 43 g

• Protein: 5 g

• Fat: 21 g

• Saturated Fat: 10 g

• Cholesterol: 71 mg

• Sodium: 200 mg

• Potassium: 53 mg

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 30 g

The Role of Frangipane in Almond Croissant Blondies

The frangipane, or almond cream, is a classic component of almond croissants, and it plays a vital role in bringing the signature almond flavor to these blondies. Frangipane is traditionally made with butter, sugar, eggs, almond flour, and a bit of flour, resulting in a rich, creamy, almond-flavored paste. This filling adds depth and moisture to the blondies, elevating their flavor while contributing to a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

The almond extract and vanilla extract further enhance the flavor profile, ensuring that each bite delivers a strong yet delicate almond essence. Unlike almond paste, which can be a bit denser, the frangipane filling in these blondies is smooth, light, and slightly sweet, making it the ideal filling to complement the buttery blondie base.

Creating the Blondie Base

The blondie base of this recipe is buttery, soft, and chewy, much like the texture of a traditional blondie but with an added twist of almond flour. The addition of almond flour gives the blondie batter a nutty richness that complements the almond cream filling, providing a consistent almond flavor throughout the dessert.

Butter and brown sugar are beaten together to form a creamy base, which helps achieve the moist and chewy texture. The brown sugar adds a touch of molasses flavor, balancing the sweetness and deepening the flavor of the blondies. Eggs, including both the whole egg and an extra egg yolk, contribute to the rich, tender texture of the blondie batter.

Once the flour, almond flour, and salt are added to the wet ingredients, the batter is thick but smooth. This consistency allows the batter to hold the almond cream filling perfectly in place while baking, ensuring that the blondies are both tender and sturdy, with a rich almond flavor in every bite.

Assembling the Almond Croissant Blondies

Assembling the almond croissant blondies is a simple process, though it requires a few key steps to get the perfect result. First, you spread about two-thirds of the blondie batter in the bottom of a greased and lined 8-inch square baking pan. This creates the base layer of the blondies.

Next, the creamy frangipane is spooned over the blondie base. The frangipane should be spread evenly across the surface, providing a smooth, almond-flavored filling that will set perfectly as the blondies bake. Afterward, the remaining blondie batter is spread on top of the frangipane layer, covering it evenly and ensuring that the almond cream is fully encased.

To finish, a generous sprinkling of slivered almonds and turbinado sugar is added to the top. The turbinado sugar adds a slight crunch and a caramelized flavor, while the slivered almonds provide texture and enhance the almond flavor. For an even crunchier topping, it’s recommended to sprinkle the sugar and almonds multiple times, creating an extra-crunchy, golden brown finish that mirrors the texture of a traditional almond croissant.

Baking the Blondies

Baking the almond croissant blondies at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes allows the batter to cook through evenly while ensuring the top becomes golden brown and slightly crisp. The toothpick test is a reliable way to check for doneness: when inserted into the center of the blondies, it should come out almost clean, indicating that the filling has set.

It’s important to let the blondies cool completely after baking, as this helps them set and makes them easier to slice. Cooling them in the pan for an hour before transferring them to a wire rack will allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.

Decorating the Blondies

While the almond croissant blondies are delicious on their own, adding a touch of powdered sugar on top before serving gives them an elegant finish. The powdered sugar not only adds sweetness but also enhances the visual appeal of the blondies, making them look even more like the bakery-style almond croissants they are inspired by.

Serving Suggestions

These almond croissant blondies are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them an excellent choice for breakfast or afternoon tea. If you want to add an extra layer of decadence, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add a fruity or rich contrast to the sweetness of the blondies.

For a more indulgent treat, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the blondies or add a few more slivers of toasted almonds for extra crunch. These variations will add additional flavor and texture while still complementing the almond croissant-inspired base.

Why These Blondies Are a Must-Try

Almond Croissant Blondies offer the rich flavors of an almond croissant but in a simplified, accessible form. The moist, chewy texture of the blondie batter combined with the almond cream filling creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The crunchy almond topping and sprinkle of turbinado sugar add the perfect finishing touch, ensuring that every bite is as satisfying as it is delicious.

With minimal effort compared to making actual almond croissants, these blondies are the perfect solution to satisfy those almond croissant cravings. Whether you’re looking for an easy dessert for a family gathering or a special treat to enjoy with your morning coffee, these blondies are sure to impress.

Conclusion

Almond Croissant Blondies are the perfect combination of rich, almond-flavored cream and chewy, buttery blondie base, all topped with a crunchy almond finish. Inspired by the flavors of an almond croissant, these blondies are a simpler yet equally indulgent way to enjoy those delicious flavors. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dessert that’s as satisfying as it is delightful. Serve them at your next gathering, or enjoy them with a hot drink—either way, these blondies are sure to become a favorite!