If you’ve ever wished you could capture that flaky, nutty, and buttery magic of an almond croissant in a handheld treat, then this Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Combining the tender crumb of a cookie bar with the irresistible almond flavor and delicate crunch of sliced almonds on top, these bars bring French-inspired elegance straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a cozy afternoon snack or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these bars deliver comfort and sophistication in every bite, all while staying completely vegan and delightfully simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a crucial role in bringing the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma to your Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe. From the rich earthiness of almond flour to the subtle sweetness of maple syrup, you’ll see how easy ingredients create something truly special.
- Almond flour (1 1/4 cups): Provides the nutty base and tender crumb foundational to the croissant flavor.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): Adds structure to balance the softness of almond flour.
- Maple syrup (1/2 cup): Natural sweetness with depth and a hint of caramel that keeps the bars moist.
- Melted coconut oil (1/3 cup): Brings richness and helps create a tender, flaky texture reminiscent of croissant layers.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Intensifies the almond flavor, making every bite pop with that beloved taste.
- Sea salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the bars.
- Sliced almonds (1/3 cup): Adds a delightful crunch on top, mimicking the almond croissant’s classic finish.
- Slivered almonds (2 tablespoons): A final elegant touch to sprinkle on after baking for extra texture and visual appeal.
- Plant-based milk (1 tablespoon): Used for brushing the top to encourage browning and a beautiful golden hue.
- Powdered sugar (2 tablespoons, optional): Dusting this on after baking adds a sweet, delicate finish just like a pastry shop treat.
How to Make Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper—this will ensure the bars lift out easily once baked. Proper preparation here sets you up for smooth baking and effortless cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, all-purpose flour, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, almond extract, and sea salt. Stir everything together until a soft, consistent dough forms. This dough is delicate and packed with flavor, so mix gently to keep that tender texture.
Step 3: Press Dough Into Pan and Add Sliced Almonds
Evenly spread and press the dough into your prepared pan with clean hands or a spatula. Don’t worry about getting it perfectly smooth; just ensure it’s even. Next, sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top and gently press them into the dough. This step mimics the almond croissant’s signature almond topping and adds a lovely crunch.
Step 4: Brush and Bake
Lightly brush the top of the dough and almonds with plant-based milk. This simple step helps the almonds brown beautifully during baking, creating an irresistible golden finish. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is set but still soft. Watching that golden crust appear will make your kitchen smell like a cozy French bakery.
Step 5: Cool and Finish the Bars
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely right in the pan. This cooling helps them firm up for clean slicing. When cool, sprinkle the top with slivered almonds for contrast and texture, and dust with powdered sugar if you want to add a sweet, elegant touch reminiscent of a classic croissant.
How to Serve Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar is a traditional and charming garnish that adds just a hint of extra sweetness and visual appeal to these bars. Fresh almond slivers on top after baking also elevate the look and crunch. If you want to be extra fancy, a drizzle of vegan white chocolate makes for a beautiful finish.
Side Dishes
These bars pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or a foamy latte, just like you’d enjoy with a croissant at your favorite café. For an afternoon treat, try them with a small bowl of fresh berries or a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream for a simple yet indulgent experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a pretty platter for brunch or parties. Layering them between parchment paper and wrapping them up makes them perfect gifts or grab-and-go snacks. For an elevated dessert, serve alongside vegan vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of toasted almonds for contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The bars stay tender and flavorful, making them easy to enjoy anytime without losing their fresh-baked charm.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars for longer storage by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or gently warm them to refresh their texture.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat individual bars in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This warms them through without drying them out, reviving that delicate almond fragrance and soft crumb.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond flour with another flour?
Almond flour is key to achieving that tender, nutty flavor reminiscent of an almond croissant, so substituting it will change the texture and taste. If you must, finely ground hazelnut flour can be an alternative, but the bars won’t have quite the same almond essence.
Is maple syrup necessary, or can I use another sweetener?
Maple syrup provides moisture and a subtle caramel-like sweetness crucial to the bars’ flavor. You can try agave syrup or brown rice syrup, but avoid granulated sugars alone as they won’t offer the same moist texture.
Why do I need to brush plant-based milk on top?
Brushing plant-based milk encourages the sliced almonds to brown beautifully in the oven, giving a gorgeous golden color and that irresistible look that makes these bars so appealing. It also helps the almonds stick to the dough.
Can I make these bars nut-free?
Since almond flour and almonds define this recipe’s signature flavor and texture, nut-free substitutions would drastically change the result. For a nut-free option, consider using oat flour and sunflower seeds, but note it will no longer be an almond croissant-inspired bar.
How do these bars compare to traditional almond croissants?
While traditional almond croissants are flaky pastries, these Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe captures the essence through a tender, slightly crumbly bar with that wonderful almond aroma and crunchy almond topping. They’re easier to make and perfect for a quick, portable treat without the fuss.
Final Thoughts
Creating the perfect balance between a beloved pastry and a simple cookie bar is no small feat, but this Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe truly nails it. It’s a delicious invitation to enjoy rich almond flavor anytime you crave something sweet, cozy, and undeniably satisfying. Trust me, once you’ve made these bars, they’ll become a treasured staple in your baking repertoire—you won’t want to keep them to yourself!
Print
Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delight in these Vegan Almond Croissant Cookie Bars, inspired by the rich, nutty flavors of traditional almond croissants. These buttery, slightly sweet cookie bars combine almond flour and all-purpose flour with maple syrup and coconut oil for a moist texture, topped with crunchy sliced almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for a dairy-free French-inspired dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups almond flour
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons slivered almonds (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon plant-based milk (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine almond flour, all-purpose flour, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, almond extract, and sea salt. Stir thoroughly until a soft dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the base: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to create an even layer for cookie bars.
- Add almond topping: Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the dough and gently press them into the surface to ensure they adhere during baking.
- Brush with plant-based milk: Lightly brush the top of the dough and almonds with plant-based milk to help the almonds brown beautifully while baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the center is firmly set.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan, which helps them set properly and makes cutting easier.
- Final touches: Once cool, sprinkle the top with slivered almonds and dust with powdered sugar if desired for a sweet finish.
- Serve: Cut into 9 bars and enjoy your vegan almond croissant cookie bars as a delicious dessert or snack.
Notes
- These cookie bars capture the essence of almond croissants with nutty, buttery, and slightly sweet flavors.
- For enhanced flavor, toast the almonds lightly before adding them to the dough and topping.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature; they stay fresh for up to 3 days.
