Almond Croissant Cake Recipe

If you adore the flaky, nutty delight of an almond croissant but want something a bit more shareable and celebratory, you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for this Almond Croissant Cake. Imagine layers of moist, tender cake infused with almond extract and studded with finely chopped almonds, topped with crunchy sliced almonds and a light dusting of powdered sugar. It captures the essence of your favorite pastry in a luscious cake form that’s perfect for breakfast, teatime, or any special occasion. This Almond Croissant Cake is such a warm hug of a dessert that friends and family will be begging for seconds before you even get a slice yourself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Almond Croissant Cake lies in its simplicity and harmony of flavors. Each ingredient plays a vital role in bringing that tender crumb, enticing almond aroma, and beautiful golden appearance to life.

• Whole raw almonds: Skin-on almonds are great for texture and slightly toasted flavor, while blanched almonds create a milder bite; finely chopping these adds delightful crunch throughout.
• Heavy whipping cream, cold: Whipping it to soft peaks adds a lightness and softness that makes the cake irresistibly fluffy.
• All purpose flour: The base structure of the cake; be sure to measure accurately for the perfect texture.
• Baking powder: The rising agent that helps give the cake its tender lift and airy crumb.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the nutty flavors beautifully.
• Large eggs: Provide richness and help bind all the ingredients together while adding moisture.
• Sugar: Brings a subtle sweetness and contributes to the golden crust on top.
• Almond extract: This ingredient is the star, packing in the unmistakable almond aroma that will transport you to a cozy French bakery.
• Sliced almonds: A crunchy topping that adds texture contrast and visual appeal.
• Powdered sugar: A delicate dusting that finishes the cake with a touch of elegance and sweetness.

How to Make Almond Croissant Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Almonds

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and make sure to butter and flour your 9-inch springform pan. This step is crucial to ensure your Almond Croissant Cake releases beautifully without any sticking. While the oven warms, chop your almonds finely—if you have a food processor, pulse until they’re finely ground but not overly powdered. If you’re chopping by hand, take your time. This adds that signature crunch throughout the cake.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In a large mixing bowl, whip your cold heavy cream until it forms firm peaks. This whipped cream folded into the batter provides incredible moistness and a light, tender texture that mimics the layers of a true croissant.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk your flour, salt, and baking powder together in a medium bowl to combine. This ensures even distribution of leavening, helping the cake rise uniformly and develop a delicate crumb.

Step 4: Beat Eggs, Sugar, and Almond Extract

In a stand mixer or with a vigorous whisk, beat your eggs, sugar, and almond extract until pale and fluffy. This step is essential to aerate the mixture and infuse that distinct almond flavor throughout the cake.

Step 5: Combine Batter

Gently fold in the dry ingredients along with your finely ground almonds. Then carefully fold in the whipped cream. Be gentle but thorough here—this is the trick that keeps the cake light and airy without deflating the whipped cream you worked so hard to perfect.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smooth the surface, then scatter the sliced almonds on top and sprinkle with a tablespoon of sugar. Bake for about 45-55 minutes until the cake is puffed, golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs. Let it cool slightly before removing from the pan and finish with a dusting of powdered sugar.

How to Serve Almond Croissant Cake

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic and elegant, but feel free to get creative with a drizzle of honey, a light spread of almond butter, or a handful of toasted almond flakes to heighten the nutty appeal even further.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a truly luxurious treat. A cup of strong coffee or a floral tea will balance the almond richness perfectly during any occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch or special gathering, serve the Almond Croissant Cake on a beautiful cake stand surrounded by fresh flowers or sprigs of mint. You can also slice it into petite squares and serve alongside small glasses of almond-infused liqueurs for a unique dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Almond Croissant Cake fresh by storing it at room temperature, covered with a cake dome or wrapped loosely in foil. It will maintain its moist texture and subtle almond aroma for up to three days.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze it. When wrapped well, it can last for several weeks without losing its delightful flavor and texture.

Reheating

To enjoy your Almond Croissant Cake warm, gently reheat slices in a low-temperature oven or microwave for a few seconds. This brings back the soft, tender crumb and slightly melts any almond topping for a fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.

FAQs

Can I use blanched almonds instead of skin-on almonds?

Absolutely! Blanched almonds will give a milder, more delicate flavor and softer texture, while skin-on almonds add a bit more rustic nuttiness and color contrast. Both work beautifully in this Almond Croissant Cake.

Is it necessary to whip the cream? Can I omit it?

Whipping the cream is a key step to achieve the light, airy crumb that makes this cake so special. Omitting it will result in a denser texture, so for best results, don’t skip it.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake should be golden and puffed on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Every oven varies, so start checking around 45 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Can I use almond flour instead of chopped almonds?

You can substitute almond flour if needed. It will add moisture and almond flavor but lacks the delightful crunch of chopped almonds, which is a signature feature of this Almond Croissant Cake.

Is this cake best served warm or cold?

This cake shines both warm and at room temperature. Warm slices release that wonderful almond aroma and melt-in-your-mouth feeling, while room temperature serving makes it easier to slice and enjoy its delicate layers.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to wow your friends or simply treat yourself to something wonderfully indulgent yet approachable, the Almond Croissant Cake is your new best friend. Its combination of tender crumb, deep almond flavor, and crunchy topping is pure joy in every bite. Give this recipe a go—you might just find it becoming your favorite way to bake your love for almonds into a shareable masterpiece.

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