If you love the sweet almond flavor of French pastries but want something easier than making croissants from scratch, Almond Croissant Blondies are the perfect dessert. These soft, chewy bars combine the rich taste of almond cream with the comforting texture of classic blondies. The result is a bakery-inspired treat that looks elegant but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
With buttery notes, a delicate almond aroma, and a golden top covered in sliced almonds, these blondies are ideal for brunch, afternoon coffee, or special occasions when you want something refined yet easy to bake.
What Makes Almond Croissant Blondies Special?
Unlike traditional croissants that require laminating dough and long resting times, blondies come together in one bowl and bake in a single pan. By adding almond extract and toasted almonds, the flavor closely resembles almond croissants while keeping the process simple.
These dessert bars are:
- Soft and chewy in the center
- Slightly crisp around the edges
- Rich in almond flavor
- Perfectly balanced between sweet and buttery
They are especially popular because they deliver a “French bakery” experience without complicated techniques.
Ingredients
For the Blondie Batter
- 170 g (¾ cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 200 g (1 cup) light brown sugar
- 50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 180 g (1½ cups) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
Almond Croissant Topping
- ½ cup sliced or flaked almonds
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting after baking)
Optional additions:
- White chocolate chips for extra sweetness
- A thin layer of almond cream (frangipane) spread on top before baking
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra paper on the sides to help lift the blondies out easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth and glossy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix just until no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the blondies tender.
Step 4: Assemble the Batter
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the sliced almonds generously over the top, pressing them lightly into the surface so they stick during baking.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center looks set but still slightly soft. The blondies will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking.
Step 6: Cool and Finish
Remove the pan from the oven and let the blondies cool completely inside the pan. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper. Dust lightly with powdered sugar to give them that classic almond croissant look.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Cut into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. For clean slices, wipe the knife between cuts.
Baking Tips for Perfect Texture
- Use room-temperature eggs to help the batter blend smoothly.
- Do not overmix once you add flour, or the blondies may become dense.
- Slightly underbaking creates a soft, chewy center similar to bakery blondies.
- Let the blondies cool fully before slicing to prevent crumbling.
Flavor Variations
One of the best things about almond croissant blondies is how easy they are to customize.
Chocolate Almond Blondies: Add white or dark chocolate chips to the batter.
Raspberry Almond Blondies: Swirl a few tablespoons of raspberry jam before baking.
Pistachio Almond Blondies: Mix chopped pistachios with the sliced almonds for a luxurious twist.
Glazed Almond Blondies: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled bars for extra sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve almond croissant blondies slightly warm with:
- Coffee or espresso
- Chai tea or milk tea
- Iced lattes or cappuccinos
They also look beautiful arranged on dessert platters for gatherings or festive occasions.
Storage Tips
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days if your kitchen is warm.
- Freeze individual pieces for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven before serving.
Final Thoughts
Almond Croissant Blondies combine the elegance of French pastry flavors with the simplicity of a homemade dessert bar. With their buttery texture, delicate almond aroma, and golden toasted topping, they offer the perfect balance between comfort baking and sophisticated presentation.
Whether you’re preparing them for a cozy afternoon treat or adding them to your recipe collection, these blondies are a delicious way to enjoy almond croissant flavors without the complexity of traditional pastry making.