Delicious Almond Braids

Name: Delicious Almond Braids
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 2 braids (6 slices each).
Ingredients: 1 package (7 ounces) almond paste; 1/2 cup butter; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 large Eggland's Best egg; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 package (17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed; GLAZE:; 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar; 2 tablespoons 2% milk; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Similar to an almond crescent, this coffee cake is light and flaky, with a rich almond center. It’s so versatile you can serve it for dessert, breakfast or brunch. It will taste as if it was made from scratch at a bakery, yet the packaged puff pastry makes the recipe quick and easy. —Gina Idone, Staten Island, New York

Ingredients

1 package (7 ounces) almond paste
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 large Eggland's Best egg
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 package (17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
GLAZE:
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons 2% milk
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°. Place the almond paste, butter and sugar in a food processor; cover and pulse until chopped. Add egg and flour; process until smooth.
Place puff pastry sheets onto a greased baking sheet. Spread half of the filling mixture down the center third of 1 pastry sheet. On each side, cut 8 strips about 3-1/2 in. into the center. Starting at 1 end, fold alternating strips at an angle across filling. Pinch ends to seal. Repeat with remaining pastry and filling.
Bake until golden brown, 30-35 minutes. Remove to a wire rack.
Combine the confectioners' sugar, milk and almond extract. Drizzle over braids; sprinkle with almonds. Cut into slices to serve.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 430 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein.

Originally published as Delicious Almond Braid in Taste of Home Christmas Annual 2012

Reviews

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Cynthia Ann

Apr 26, 2017

any suggestions to lighten this up.. calories and carbs suggest this isa full meal for a pre-diabetic diet which is generally between 50-60 carbs
Shirley Cunningham

Dec 7, 2016

I have made several batches and the filling keeps creeping out from some where. I used the hard almond paste. Had a hard time getting it all mixed in without lumps. I baked them for a little over the 30 min, because one looked like it was still dough in the center.Personally, I think it's to much butter.
2B JRH

Oct 14, 2015

This was a huge hit! Everyone loved it, thought it was bought from a special bakery! And the best part was it is so easy to make!
afschaak

Jan 28, 2014

This was the first time I have worked with puff pastry and I found it so fun and easy to use. This recipe was a hit, so I made it again the same week! I love almond and my family does as well. The second time I made it I used apple pie filling in the middle and glazed it. That was also a hit, but I think my favorite was the almond! Made it for Christmas, but it is so easy that I know I will make it anytime of year!