Description
Buttery Almond Pastry Braid is a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion, combining rich flavors and an impressive presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 egg whisked with 1 teaspoon water for egg wash
- 8 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/3 cup sugar
- Dash salt
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 7 ounces almond paste, frozen until firm and then grated
- 1 cup sliced almonds, divided
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
- Sliced almonds for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gently mix in a dash of salt and almond extract, then beat in the egg until just combined. Stir in the grated almond paste flakes along with about 1 cup of the slivered almonds.
- Make the dough: Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a food processor, combine the flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cream cheese and butter, pulsing approximately six times to incorporate. Pour in the milk and almond extract, blending until the mixture begins to form a loose dough.
- Shape the pastry: Transfer the dough onto lightly-floured parchment paper and knead gently. Roll it into a rectangle, about 10 by 12 inches. Mark the dough lengthwise into thirds and spread the butter mixture over the center third.
- Craft the braid: Make diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart on both long sides without slicing through the filling. Fold the strips over the filling in an alternating manner to create a braid. Carefully move the braid onto a baking sheet using the parchment.
- Bake to perfection: Brush the braided pastry with the egg wash mixture. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until golden brown. After cooling for about 30 minutes, combine powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk in a small cup and drizzle over the pastry. Sprinkle with sliced almonds and serve warm!
Notes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
- Category: Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Buttery Almond Pastry Braid