This Almond Flake Pastry is a delightful treat, combining a soft and fluffy dough with a rich almond-flavored topping. The sweet, buttery mixture with almond flakes creates a deliciously crispy, golden crust, while the optional coffee mixture provides a perfect pairing to enjoy with your pastry. Whether for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a special dessert, this pastry will surely be a hit.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) milk
- 25 g (0.9 oz) sugar
- 4 g (0.14 oz) yeast
- 20 ml (0.7 fl oz) melted butter
- 1 egg
- 10 g (0.35 oz) vanilla sugar
- 250 g (8.8 oz) flour
For the Topping:
- 150 g (5.3 oz) butter
- 50 g (1.76 oz) almond flakes
- 80 g (2.82 oz) sugar
Optional Coffee Mixture:
- 20 ml hot water
- 10 g instant coffee
- 10 g sugar
- 300 ml hot milk
Directions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, combine 4 g of yeast, 10 g of vanilla sugar, 25 g of sugar, 20 ml of melted butter, and 100 ml of milk.
- Add 1 egg and 250 g of flour to the mixture and stir until a dough forms.
- Mix until smooth and let it rest.
2. Microwave the Dough:
- Place the dough in a microwave-safe bag or bowl.
- Put the bag or bowl with the dough into the microwave and microwave on high for 2 minutes.
3. First Leavening:
- Let the dough leaven for 30 minutes, allowing it to rise and become fluffy.
4. Prepare the Tray:
- Grease a baking tray (25 cm x 15 cm) with 20 g of soft butter, ensuring the dough doesn’t stick during baking.
5. Second Leavening:
- After the dough has leavened, transfer it to the greased baking tray.
- Let the dough rise for another 10 minutes before proceeding to the next step.
6. Prepare the Topping:
- In a saucepan, melt 150 g of butter over low heat.
- Add 80 g of sugar and 50 g of almond flakes to the melted butter. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined.
7. Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Pour the butter, sugar, and almond mixture evenly over the leavened dough.
- Bake the pastry in the oven for about 40 minutes, or until it is golden brown and crispy.
8. Optional Coffee Mixture:
- In a cup, mix 20 ml of hot water, 10 g of instant coffee, and 10 g of sugar.
- Add 300 ml of hot milk to the mixture, stirring to combine.
- Serve this coffee alongside your freshly baked almond flake pastry for a perfect pairing.
9. Serve:
- Once the pastry is baked and golden brown, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Slice the pastry into squares or pieces and serve warm with the coffee mixture on the side.
Tips for Perfect Pastry
- Do Not Overmix the Dough: Once you add the flour, mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing may make the dough tough.
- Watch the Oven: Keep an eye on the pastry while it’s baking. The sugar and butter on top can caramelize quickly.
- Add More Almond Flakes: If you prefer a more almond-heavy topping, you can increase the amount of almond flakes for a richer texture.
- Coffee Adjustments: Adjust the amount of sugar and coffee in the optional coffee mixture to your taste.
- Serve Fresh: This pastry is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving for the best flavor.
Variations to Try
- Berry Topping: Add fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries on top of the dough before adding the almond topping for a fruity twist.
- Spiced Pastry: Add ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a plant-based milk to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the pastry after baking for a decadent finish.
Nutritional Benefits
- Almonds: Rich in healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E, almonds help promote heart health and support healthy skin.
- Milk: A great source of calcium, protein, and vitamin D, supporting bone health and muscle function.
- Butter: While high in calories, butter provides essential fatty acids and helps add a rich flavor to baked goods.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Almond Flake Pastry is a perfect treat that combines a light, soft dough with a rich almond topping and a crispy, buttery crust. Paired with a delicious coffee mixture, it makes for a satisfying snack or dessert. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or impress your guests, this pastry is an easy-to-make, flavorful option that everyone will enjoy.
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature before proceeding with the second rise and baking. -
Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
Yes, you can use chopped hazelnuts, walnuts, or pistachios for a different nutty flavor in the topping. -
Can I freeze the pastry?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, allow it to rise and bake as directed. -
Is it possible to make the coffee mixture without instant coffee?
Yes, you can brew fresh coffee and add sugar and milk to it as an alternative to the instant coffee mixture. -
Can I add more sugar to the dough?
If you prefer a sweeter dough, you can increase the sugar in the dough by 1-2 tablespoons, but be careful not to make it too sweet.