I’m utterly drawn to this pastry—its golden, flaky puff pastry envelopes a sweet almond paste center, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and toasty sliced almonds. It’s elegant yet surprisingly simple.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I love how it feels both refined and cozy. The combination of airy, buttery pastry and rich almond paste hits a sweet spot that’s tender, buttery, and irresistibly nutty. It’s one of those bakery-style treats I feel fancy serving, even though it’s easy enough for everyday baking.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 sheet puff pastry
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Almond paste
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Butter (for richness)
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Granulated sugar (for sweetness)
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Sliced almonds (for topping)
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Powdered sugar (for garnish)
directions
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I unfold the puff pastry on a baking sheet and spread a layer of almond paste over it.
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I sprinkle granulated sugar and dot the surface with small bits of butter to enhance richness.
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I top it with sliced almonds for crunch and texture.
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I bake until golden and puffed, then let it cool slightly.
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Finally, I dust the pastry with powdered sugar for a delicate finish. These steps replicate the “bakery-style” look and feel at home.
Servings and timing
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Yield: About 6–8 servings.
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Total time: Approximately 35 minutes—from prep through baking.
storage/reheating
I store any leftovers at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a couple of days and reheat them briefly in a toaster oven to bring back that flaky crispness.
FAQs
1. Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
I’ve swapped in pistachios or hazelnuts before, and they add a lovely variation—just expect a different flavor profile and texture.
2. What’s the best almond paste to use?
I usually go with a high-quality store-bought almond paste, but homemade almond paste would be stellar if I’m feeling ambitious and want extra creaminess.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—I’ve prepped them earlier in the day, then lightly reheated before serving to maintain their crunch.
4. Any tips for a more dramatic presentation?
I sometimes drizzle melted chocolate or honey over the top instead of—or in addition to—the powdered sugar for extra elegance.
5. Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes, I’d replace the puff pastry with a gluten-free version—though it might change the flakiness slightly.
Conclusion
I absolutely cherish how this Flaky Sweet Almond Pastry bridges simplicity and bakery-level sophistication. It’s perfect for breakfast treats, brunch, or dessert when I want to impress without complicated baking. Let me know if you add creative toppings like chocolate glaze or use different nuts—I’m always eager to explore your twists!
Print
Flaky Sweet Almond Pastry
- Total Time: ~40–50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Buttery, flaky puff pastry wrapped around a sweet almond filling (like almond paste or marzipan), often finished with apricot jam and sliced almonds—perfect for festive breakfasts or elegant desserts.
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
200 g almond paste or marzipan
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
2 tbsp apricot jam (optional, for glazing)
Sliced or flaked almonds, for topping
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 200 °C (390 °F).
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle.
Shape the almond paste/marzipan into a log or place it in the center of the pastry. Fold or roll the pastry to encase the almond filling completely.
Place the pastry seam‑side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
Brush generously with the beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.
(Optional) Warm and brush the top with apricot jam for extra shine and sweetness.
Sprinkle sliced or flaked almonds on top.
Bake for approximately 25–35 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: ~25–35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
