Danish Almond Puff is a delightful pastry that combines a buttery, flaky crust with a sweet almond filling, topped with a glaze and sliced almonds. This treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, offering a wonderful balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cold water

For the Almond Filling:

• 1/2 cup almond paste (or marzipan)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

Timing

Making Danish Almond Puff takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Pastry

1. Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cold butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add Water: Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a rectangle, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Almond Filling

1. Mix Filling Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the almond paste, granulated sugar, softened butter, egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Puff

1. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Place the rolled dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to score a border around the edges of the dough, about 1 inch in from the edge.
3. Spread Filling: Spread the almond filling evenly within the scored border. Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the filling.

Step 5: Bake the Puff

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is set.
2. Cool: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly on the baking sheet.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

1. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.

Step 7: Serve

1. Drizzle with Glaze: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled almond puff.
2. Enjoy: Slice into squares or triangles and serve warm or at room temperature. This pastry pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Danish Almond Puff (per serving, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	210
Protein	3g
Fat	12g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	8g

Tips for Customization

• Flavor Variations: Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the almond filling for extra warmth.
• Nut Substitutions: Substitute almond paste with hazelnut or pistachio paste for different flavors.
• Fruit Additions: Incorporate fresh fruit like raspberries or sliced peaches in the filling for added sweetness and color.

Conclusion

Danish Almond Puff is a delicious and elegant pastry that is sure to impress your guests. With its flaky crust, rich almond filling, and sweet glaze, it makes for a perfect treat for any occasion!