Sourdough Almond Cruffins bring together the delight of flaky pastry with a rich almond filling, creating an indulgent treat that delights the senses. Picture sinking your teeth into one of these golden beauties—every bite is a harmonious blend of textures, with a buttery crust giving way to a creamy, nutty heart that sings of warmth and comfort.
These pastries are not just meant for breakfast but should celebrate any moment deserving of a sweet treat—think cozy Sunday mornings or festive gatherings. If you’ve ever felt that the store-bought croissant just doesn’t cut it anymore, get ready. The Sourdough Almond Cruffins are bound to elevate your pastry game to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Why You'll Love This Sourdough Almond Cruffins
- This incredible Sourdough Almond Cruffins transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
Ingredients for Sourdough Almond Cruffins
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Sourdough Almond Cruffins:
100 g active sourdough starter – This is your leavening agent; ensure it’s bubbly and cheerful for the best results.
300 g plain flour – The foundation of your dough. Use high-quality flour for a flaky pastry.
¼ teaspoon salt – A pinch enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness of the filling.
30 g caster sugar – A sprinkle of sweetness for the dough to complement the almond filling.
1 medium egg – This helps bind the ingredients and creates a rich texture.
60 ml milk – Use whole milk for a creamy touch in your dough.
50 ml water – Adjusts the dough’s consistency; keep it warm for the best kneading results.
35 g butter – Room temperature butter works perfectly to enrich the dough.
160 g butter – For lamination, this butter creates those gorgeous flaky layers we crave in pastries.
220 g ground almonds – The star of the filling, offering a nutty flavor and a delightful texture.
90 g icing sugar – This sweetens the almond filling and gives it a nice creamy texture.
150 g butter (for the almond filling) – Softened butter creates a luscious filling.
2 medium eggs (for the almond filling) – Adds richness to the filling and helps it set perfectly.
½-1 teaspoon almond extract (optional) – For those who want to amp up the almond flavor.
20 g flaked almonds – These are sprinkled on top for crunch and visual appeal.
1 small egg (for the egg wash) – This gives your pastries that perfect golden finish.
1 tablespoon water or milk or double cream (for the egg wash) – Thins the egg wash for easy brushing.
100 g icing sugar (for the almond glaze) – Adds the final sweet touch that’ll make you swoon.
4 drops almond extract (for the almond glaze) – Enhances the glaze with a pleasant almond aroma.
30 ml milk (for the almond glaze) – Makes the glaze pourable and smooth.
How to Make Sourdough Almond Cruffins
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Sourdough Almond Cruffins:
Step 1: Feed Your Sourdough Starter
Start by feeding your active sourdough starter and placing it in a warm spot. In a few hours, it should double in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix all the dough ingredients—flour, salt, sugar, egg, milk, water, and butter. Mix until you get a sticky dough, then let it run for about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Tip your dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a ball. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 3 to 4 hours.
Step 4: Prepare the Butter Layer
Soften 160 g of butter and roll it between two sheets of baking parchment into a 15×15 cm square. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes until firm.
Step 5: Laminate the Dough
Roll the dough into a 25×25 cm square. Place the butter in the center and fold the edges of the dough over to create a butter parcel. Roll out into a rectangle around 30×45 cm.
Step 6: Chill and Repeat
Fold the dough like a pamphlet and wrap it in parchment. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, then repeat the rolling and chilling process two more times, allowing the dough to relax and build those amazing layers.
Step 7: Shape the Cruffins
After chilling overnight, roll out the dough into a rectangle larger than 20×30 cm and cut it into six squares. Shape each square into cute little cruffins on a lined baking sheet. Let them puff up for about 4 to 5 hours at room temperature.
Step 8: Make the Filling
While the cruffins are proving, beat the butter and icing sugar for the filling until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well. Fold in the ground almonds and almond extract if using.
Step 9: Preheat and Fill
Preheat the oven to 190°C fan-bake. Add a tablespoon of your almond mixture into the center of each cruffin and sprinkle flaked almonds on top.
Step 10: Egg Wash
Beat the small egg with water for an egg wash, brushing it over the edges of the pastries to ensure that beautiful, golden finish when baking.
Step 11: Bake and Cool
Bake in your preheated oven for about 18 to 20 minutes, turning the trays halfway through to ensure even baking. Let the cruffins cool on a wire rack.
Step 12: Glaze It Up
Mix icing sugar, milk, and almond extract to make a smooth glaze. Once the cruffins are cool, drizzle the glaze over them for that perfect finishing touch.
Transfer to plates and enjoy the incredible flavor explosion of these Sourdough Almond Cruffins—you might just find your new favorite pastry!
You Must Know About Sourdough Almond Cruffins
- This showstopping Sourdough Almond Cruffins delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Sourdough Almond Cruffins Cooking Process
To achieve the ultimate Sourdough Almond Cruffins, start by preparing your dough while letting your sourdough starter double in size. This allows you to maximize the flavors. Next, incorporate the creamy almond filling as your pastries prove, making the cooking phase efficient and delicious.
Add Your Touch to Sourdough Almond Cruffins
Feel free to customize these Sourdough Almond Cruffins by swapping ground almonds with hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor or adding chocolate chips for an extra treat. You can also experiment with various extracts, such as vanilla or even orange, to elevate the pastries.
Storing & Reheating Sourdough Almond Cruffins
For optimal freshness, store Sourdough Almond Cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, pop them in a 180°C oven for about 5 minutes or until warm, preserving their flaky texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Sourdough Almond Cruffins
- This professional-quality Sourdough Almond Cruffins relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
Sometimes when I’m whipping up these Sourdough Almond Cruffins, I think back to the first time I made them for a brunch gathering. My friends were in awe—not just by how beautiful they looked but also how heavenly they tasted. It felt like the best kind of triumph!
FAQs About Sourdough Almond Cruffins
What are Sourdough Almond Cruffins?
Sourdough Almond Cruffins are delightful pastries that combine the light, flaky texture of croissants with the rich almond flavor of a traditional Danish pastry. By incorporating active sourdough starter, these cruffins develop a unique tanginess and extensive flavor profile unlike typical sweet pastries. The creamy almond filling, combined with the flaky layers, makes them a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Plus, their alluring appearance will captivate anyone who sees them, making them a showstopper at any gathering.
How do I store Sourdough Almond Cruffins?
To maintain the freshness of your Sourdough Almond Cruffins, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you’d like to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap the cruffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy them later by thawing at room temperature and gently reheating in the oven.
Can I customize my Sourdough Almond Cruffins?
Absolutely! The beauty of Sourdough Almond Cruffins lies in their versatility. You can easily customize the almond filling by substituting ground almonds with other nuts like hazelnuts or pecans. Adding chocolate chips or fresh fruits can also elevate the flavor, giving you a unique twist. Experimenting with different extracts, such as vanilla or even a hint of orange, can further enhance your pastries, creating delightful variations that suit your preferences.
How long does it take to make Sourdough Almond Cruffins?
Making Sourdough Almond Cruffins requires some time due to the fermentation and proving processes, but the results are worth it. From prep to bake, you’ll spend about 1 hour actively working on the recipe, but factor in a total time of around 15 hours, including proving and resting. Plan ahead to allow your sourdough starter to ferment properly and give your pastries the time they need to rise and develop their incredible flavor.
Conclusion for Sourdough Almond Cruffins
Sourdough Almond Cruffins are a perfect blend of flaky pastry and nutty, creamy filling that will undoubtedly impress your family and friends. The process may take some time, but the rewards are immense when you see their delighted faces. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these pastries will become a beloved addition to your recipe repertoire. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create some show-stopping Sourdough Almond Cruffins that will keep everyone coming back for more!
Delicious Sourdough Almond Cruffins Recipe with Creamy Filling
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Feed the sourdough starter and leave it in a warm spot to double in size.
- In a bowl of a stand mixer, mix all the dough ingredients to form a sticky dough. Keep the mixer running for 5 minutes.
- Tip the dough onto a kitchen surface and form it into a ball. Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and leave in a warm spot for 3-4 hours.
- Soften 160 g of butter for lamination and roll it out into a 15x15 cm square between sheets of baking parchment. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
- Roll the dough out into a 25x25 cm square.
- Place the butter in the middle of the dough square, folding each edge of the dough into the center to create a butter parcel, and then roll it into a rectangle measuring approx. 30x45 cm.
- Fold the dough like a pamphlet and wrap in baking parchment. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle measuring approx. 30x45 cm again and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Repeat the rolling and refrigerating process once more, then wrap the dough well and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Take the pastry out of the fridge, cut it in half, and roll each piece into a rectangle larger than 20x30 cm. Cut each rectangle into 6 squares.
- Shape the squares into danish pastries and transfer them onto parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving space between them. Allow to prove for 4-5 hours at room temperature.
- While the pastries are proving, make the filling by beating the butter and icing sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time and then the almond extract, mixing until combined. Fold in the ground almonds.
- Preheat the oven to 190°C fan-bake.
- Add a tablespoon of almond filling to each danish and scatter flaked almonds on top.
- Beat the egg and water for the egg wash and brush the mixture on the pastry edges.
- Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, turning the trays halfway through to ensure even baking. Cool on a wire rack.
- Make the almond glaze by mixing icing sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled danishes.
