If you’ve ever savored a flaky, buttery almond croissant at a café, you know it’s a sublime experience that’s hard to beat. But what if you’re vegan or just looking to enjoy this delightful pastry without animal products?
Good news—you can absolutely make a delicious, vegan almond croissant at home! This recipe combines the classic richness of almond cream with a perfectly crisp and tender croissant made from plant-based ingredients.
The result is a golden, layered pastry filled with luscious almond frangipane and topped with sliced almonds and powdered sugar, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat anytime.
Vegan baking might seem intimidating at first, especially when it comes to laminated dough like croissants, but with a little patience and the right technique, you’ll be rewarded with bakery-quality results.
Plus, this recipe uses accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, so you don’t need to be a professional baker to pull it off. Ready to impress your family and friends with a vegan pastry masterpiece?
Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan almond croissant recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it perfectly replicates the traditional croissant’s flaky layers without any butter or dairy, using vegan butter alternatives that deliver the same rich texture.
Second, the almond filling is homemade from scratch, packed with natural almond flavor and just the right amount of sweetness.
It’s ideal for those who follow a vegan lifestyle, have dairy allergies, or simply want to explore new baking adventures. The croissants are also freezer-friendly, making them convenient for busy mornings.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, this recipe is rewarding and satisfying, with a taste that rivals any bakery’s offering.
Ingredients
- For the Croissant Dough:
- 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened almond milk, warm
- ⅓ cup (75g) vegan butter, melted
- 1 cup (225g) vegan butter, cold (for laminating)
- For the Almond Filling (Frangipane):
- 1 cup (100g) almond flour
- ½ cup (100g) powdered sugar
- ¼ cup (60g) vegan butter, softened
- 2 tbsp almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Topping:
- Sliced almonds, for garnish
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- 2 tbsp apricot jam (optional, for glaze)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Kitchen scale (recommended for accuracy)
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Plastic wrap
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm almond milk with the yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the melted vegan butter and the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Knead the dough by hand or with a dough hook for about 7-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Prepare the vegan butter block: While the dough chills, prepare the cold vegan butter for laminating by placing it between two sheets of parchment paper and rolling it into a 7×7 inch square. Refrigerate until firm but pliable.
- Laminate the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 10×10 inch square. Place the butter block diagonally in the center. Fold the corners of the dough over the butter to encase it completely.
- Roll and fold: Roll the dough into a 20×10 inch rectangle. Fold it into thirds like a letter. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Repeat this rolling and folding process two more times, chilling the dough 30 minutes between each fold.
- Shape the croissants: After the final chill, roll the dough into a 20×10 inch rectangle. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into triangles.
- Prepare the almond filling: Mix the almond flour, powdered sugar, softened vegan butter, almond milk, vanilla extract, and flour until smooth.
- Fill and roll: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the almond filling onto the wide end of each triangle. Roll the dough from the wide end to the tip, forming a crescent shape.
- Proof the croissants: Place the croissants on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours, until puffy.
- Add toppings: Brush the tops lightly with almond milk and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the croissants for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown and flaky.
- Glaze and cool: Optional: Warm the apricot jam slightly and brush over the warm croissants for a shiny finish. Let cool on a wire rack.
- Dust and serve: Once cooled slightly, dust with powdered sugar and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
“Patience is key when working with laminated dough. Make sure to chill the dough well between folds to keep the butter from melting and to achieve those perfect layers.”
- Use quality vegan butter: The flavor and texture of your croissants depend heavily on the butter. Brands like Earth Balance or Miyoko’s work well.
- Almond filling extras: Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a more intense almond flavor or a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.
- Shape variations: Instead of crescent shapes, you can fold the croissants into rectangles and fill with the almond cream for an almond Danish twist.
- Make ahead: Freeze the shaped croissants before the final proof. When ready, thaw, proof, and bake as usual.
- Sweetener swap: Substitute coconut sugar or maple syrup in place of granulated sugar for a different sweetness profile.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Croissant (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Fat | 18 g |
Saturated Fat | 6 g |
Carbohydrates | 35 g |
Sugar | 10 g |
Protein | 6 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your vegan almond croissants fresh and warm for the best experience. Pair them with a cup of rich coffee or a creamy chai latte for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
They also make a lovely afternoon snack alongside fresh fruit or a dairy-free yogurt.
For a special occasion, serve them with a homemade fruit compote or vegan whipped cream. If you want to explore more vegan baked delights, check out our 50 Cupcake Recipes or try a fresh and healthy Zucchini Peppers Onions Tomatoes Recipe.
Conclusion
Baking vegan almond croissants at home is a labor of love that pays off with every flaky, buttery bite. This recipe offers a fantastic way to enjoy a beloved pastry in a plant-based way without sacrificing flavor or texture.
The process might require some time and patience, especially with the laminating steps, but the result is an impressive, bakery-quality treat.
Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these almond croissants brighten any morning or special gathering. Plus, they’re a wonderful introduction to vegan baking techniques that you can apply to other delicious recipes.
For more inspiring recipes, don’t miss our Bread And Gravy Recipe or the indulgent Best Spg Seasoning Recipe. Happy baking and bon appétit!
📖 Recipe Card: Almond Croissant Vegan Recipe
Description: A flaky, buttery vegan almond croissant made with plant-based ingredients and almond filling. Perfect for a delicious breakfast or snack.
Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 6 croissants
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast (7g)
- 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk, warm
- 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tbsp apricot jam (optional)
Instructions
- Mix warm almond milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar; let sit 5 minutes.
- Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Add melted vegan butter and yeast mixture; knead into dough.
- Let dough rise for 1 hour until doubled.
- Prepare almond filling by mixing almond flour, powdered sugar, almond milk, and almond extract.
- Roll out dough into a rectangle and cut into triangles.
- Spread almond filling on each triangle and roll into croissants.
- Place croissants on a baking sheet, brush with almond milk, and sprinkle sliced almonds.
- Let croissants rise 20 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes until golden.
- Optional: Brush with warmed apricot jam after baking for shine.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 32 g
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