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Easy Flaky Almond Pastry Braid (Bakery-Style Almond Dessert Recipe) Recipe

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  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 pieces 1x
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Bakery

Description

Enjoy this Easy Flaky Almond Pastry Braid, a bakery-style dessert featuring crisp, all-butter puff pastry filled with a rich almond paste mixture. Perfectly braided and topped with crunchy sliced almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar, this elegant dessert is simple to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pastry

  • 1 sheet all-butter puff pastry (thawed)
  • 1 large egg (beaten, divided for binding and egg wash)

For the Filling

  • 1 cup almond paste
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Topping

  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the pastry.
  2. Prepare Pastry Base: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring it lies flat and ready for filling.
  3. Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the almond paste, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and half of the beaten egg. Stir the mixture thoroughly until it is smooth and well blended.
  4. Fill the Pastry: Spread the almond filling evenly down the center third of the puff pastry sheet, leaving the outer thirds free to create the braid.
  5. Cut Slits in Pastry: Using a sharp knife, cut diagonal slits about an inch wide along the outer thirds of the pastry on both sides of the filling.
  6. Braid the Pastry: Gently fold the cut strips over the almond filling in alternating sides to create a braided appearance.
  7. Egg Wash and Add Topping: Brush the top of the braided pastry with the remaining beaten egg, then sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top for added crunch.
  8. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the braid for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
  9. Cool and Serve: Let the pastry cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. Slice into pieces and serve.

Notes

  • For the best flavor and texture, use an all-butter puff pastry rather than one made with shortening or margarine.
  • Store any leftover pastry in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
  • This pastry is best enjoyed the same day freshly baked for optimal flakiness and crunch.

Find it online: https://recipes.mbeams.com/easy-flaky-almond-pastry-braid-bakery-style-almond-dessert-recipe-recipe/