ET Celebrity Chef of the Month: Almond Croissants

Yield 12–16 bars

Almond croissants have always been one of my favorite bakery treats. Every time I walk into a bakery, the buttery aroma and toasted almonds immediately remind me of why I love them so much. There’s something special about the combination of rich almond flavor, flaky texture, and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a classic treat that never goes out of style. I wanted to create a dessert that captured those same flavors but was simple enough to make at home and share with family and friends. These Almond Croissant Bars have a soft, buttery base, plenty of almond flavor, and a crunchy almond topping finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. They’re perfect for holidays, weekend gatherings, or enjoying with a cup of coffee. I hope they bring as much joy to your kitchen as they do to mine. – by Alexandra of Hauppauge

THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED

THIS IS WHAT YOU DO

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth and combined.
3. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
4. Stir in the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt until a thick batter forms.
5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
6. Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top and gently press them into the batter
7. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
   Dust generously with powdered sugar and cut into squares before serving.

Alexandra’s Note: For the best almond croissant flavor, use pure almond extract and don’t skip the powdered sugar. A warm bar paired with a cup of coffee tastes just like your favorite bakery treat.