Apple Pie Almond Croissants
These Apple Pie Almond Croissants are a decadent twist on a classic pastry, filled with rich almond frangipane and sweet apple pie filling. Each flaky croissant is finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and a generous drizzle of salted caramel, creating the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack, these croissants bring together the comforting taste of apple pie with the luxurious texture of almond croissants.
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Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Large or mini croissants, a day or two old
Apples of choice (I used Granny Smith)
Salted butter
Brown sugar
Maple syrup
Cinnamon
Apple pie spice (optional)
Granulated sugar
Almond flour
Egg
Almond extract
Vanilla extract
Sliced almonds
Coconut oil
Almond butter
Powdered sugar
Why You’ll Love Apple Pie Almond Croissants:
Quick and Easy Preparation: Using pre-made croissants makes this recipe approachable and time-saving, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet treat with minimal effort.
Perfect Flavor Combination: These croissants combine the rich, nutty taste of almond frangipane with the comforting sweetness of apple pie filling, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
Decadent Salted Caramel Drizzle: The finishing touch of a salted caramel drizzle adds a sweet and salty element that elevates the croissants to a new level of indulgence.
Elegant and Impressive: These croissants are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them an impressive addition to any breakfast table or dessert spread.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving them for a special breakfast, a holiday brunch, or as a decadent snack, these croissants are versatile and always a hit.
Comforting and Cozy: The apple pie filling brings a warm, comforting flavor that’s perfect for cozying up with during the fall and winter months.
Convenient Yet Decadent: Even though these croissants are pre-made, they still offer a decadent, bakery-quality treat that feels indulgent and special.
Easy to Customize: You can easily customize these croissants by experimenting with different fruit fillings or adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the frangipane for an extra layer of flavor.
Sweet and Nutty Balance: The combination of sweet apples and nutty almond frangipane provides a balanced flavor profile that appeals to both almond lovers and apple pie fans alike.
Crowd-Pleaser: These croissants are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, a brunch with friends, or as a treat for yourself.
Tips for Making Apple Pie Almond Croissants:
Use Day-Old Croissants: Pre-made croissants that are a day or two old work best for this recipe. They absorb the fillings better without becoming too soggy, ensuring a deliciously flaky result.
Slice Carefully: Use a sharp serrated knife to carefully slice the croissants in half horizontally, creating a pocket for the almond frangipane and apple pie filling.
Generous with the Frangipane: Spread a generous layer of almond frangipane inside the croissant halves. The frangipane adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the apple pie filling perfectly.
Don’t Overfill with Apples: When adding the apple pie filling, avoid overfilling to prevent the croissants from becoming too heavy or the filling from spilling out during baking.
Bake Until Golden: After filling the croissants, bake them until the frangipane is set and the croissants are golden brown. This ensures the flavors meld together beautifully.
Let Cool Before Adding Drizzle: Allow the croissants to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and drizzling with salted caramel. This helps the toppings set properly without melting.
Add a Pinch of Sea Salt: For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt over the salted caramel drizzle. This enhances the contrast between the sweet and salty elements.
Reheat Before Serving: If you’ve made these croissants in advance, reheat them in the oven at a low temperature to restore their flakiness and warmth before serving.
Store Properly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to refresh the croissants before enjoying again.
How to Store Apple Pie Almond Croissants:
Room Temperature Storage: Store the finished croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This option keeps the croissants fresh and ready to enjoy without the need for refrigeration.
Refrigeration: If you prefer longer storage, place the croissants in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 5 days. To enjoy later, reheat the croissants in the oven or air fryer to restore their flakiness and warmth.
Freezing for Later Use: To freeze, allow the croissants to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Air Fryer Reheating: For a quick and crispy reheat, use an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), place the croissants in the basket, and heat for 3-5 minutes. This method helps to revive the flaky texture while warming the fillings.
Oven Reheating: To reheat in the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C), place the croissants on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-15 minutes. This option helps to maintain the croissant’s flakiness while heating the fillings evenly.
Powdered Sugar and Caramel Drizzle After Reheating: If you’re storing the croissants for later, consider waiting to add the powdered sugar and salted caramel drizzle until after reheating. This ensures the toppings are fresh and set perfectly.
Microwave Option: While not ideal for maintaining flakiness, the microwave is a quick option. Heat the croissant for 20-30 seconds, but be aware that this may soften the pastry rather than crisp it.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use fresh croissants instead of day-old ones?
A: Yes, you can use fresh croissants, but day-old croissants are recommended as they hold up better to the fillings without becoming too soft or soggy.
Q: How do I prepare the almond frangipane filling?
A: Almond frangipane is made by creaming together butter, sugar, almond flour, eggs, almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt. This rich, nutty filling complements the apple pie filling perfectly.
Q: Can I make the croissants ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the croissants ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for a quick, fresh-baked treat.
Q: How do I store leftover apple pie almond croissants?
A: Store leftover croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped for up to 3 months.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat the croissants?
A: The best way to reheat the croissants is in the oven or air fryer. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 3-5 minutes. Both methods help restore the croissants' flaky texture.
Q: Can I use an air fryer to reheat apple pie almond croissants?
A: Yes, an air fryer is a great option for reheating. It quickly revives the croissants' flakiness and warms the fillings. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat the croissants for 3-5 minutes.
Q: Can I make these croissants with a different filling?
A: Absolutely! You can customize the croissants with various fillings such as chocolate, berry compote, or even a simple cream cheese filling. Just be sure not to overfill to prevent leakage.
Q: Should I add the powdered sugar and caramel drizzle before or after storing?
A: It’s best to add the powdered sugar and caramel drizzle just before serving, especially if you’re storing the croissants. This keeps the toppings fresh and prevents them from melting or absorbing moisture.
Q: Can I use a store-bought apple pie filling?
A: Yes, store-bought apple pie filling can be used for convenience. However, homemade filling allows you to control the sweetness and spice level to your liking.
Q: How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?
A: To minimize leakage, avoid overfilling the croissants and ensure they are properly sealed. You can also bake them on parchment paper to make cleanup easier in case of any spills.
Check out my other fall recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you try these apple pie almond croissants. Happy baking!
