How To Make Homemade Almond Bear Claws
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Get ready to sink your teeth into the most delectable almond bear claw pastry you’ve ever tasted! With this simple and delicious recipe, you’ll be able to create Homemade Almond Bear Claws right in the comfort of your own kitchen.
If you love baking homemade pastries. you’re going to love making these delicious bear claws. This recipe combines puff pastry sheets with a rich almond paste along with other recipes to create homemade almond bear claws that everyone will love. Enjoy with your morning coffee or prepare one for your next weekend brunch. The best part is they are perfect for so many occasions.
What is a Bear Claw?
Have you ever laid eyes on a bear claw? Not the kind that’ll have you running for the hills, but the buttery, flaky pastry that’ll have you dancing in your kitchen with joy! A bear claw typically refers to a type of pastry rather than an actual bear’s claw.
It’s a sweet pastry made with dough, similar to a Danish pastry, and typically shaped like a bear’s claw, hence the name. An almond bear claw is chock-full of almond filling, with slivers of almonds that sparkle on top like little edible jewels. Is your mouth watering yet?
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Bear Claw Pastries
- Fun to Make – There’s something so satisfying about making pastries at home and this delicious pastry is very easy to make!
- No Secret Ingredients – Say goodbye to mystery ingredients! When you make bear claws at home, you can pick the best ingredients for that perfect taste and texture.
- Mix it Up – Ever wanted to try a bear claw with your favorite filling? Switch the filling up by adding fruity jams or even chocolate. You’re in charge of making them just how you like.
- Perfect for Gatherings – Homemade bear claws are perfect for holiday brunches, parties and more!
Ingredients Needed to Make Bear Claws
- Almond paste – Can use store bough or homemade almond paste.
- Butter – softened at room temperature is best for this recipe.
- Sugar – Used to sweeten the almond paste mixture
- Egg – For the filling and egg wash
- Flour – Can use all purpose, gluten free flour or almond flour.
- Puff Pastry Sheet – Makes these pastries easy to make.
- Almonds – We recommend using sliced.
- Course sugar – An optional topping added before baking.
Equipment Need to Make Homemade Bear Claws
You’ll need basic kitchen tools like mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a rolling pin, and a baking sheet. Optionally, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
How To Make Irresistible Almond Bear Claws At Home
- Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside. Break up the almond paste into smaller chunks and place into food processor along with the butter and sugar. Pulse until chopped fine. Add in half of the beaten egg and flour, process until smooth. Can also use a pastry cutter and a small bowl to mix the filling ingredients.
- Lay the puff pastry dough out onto the lined baking sheet. Spread the almond butter mixture over half of the puff pastry sheet, leaving an inch perimeter around the pastry. Fold dough over the filling and pinch seam together. Roll the edge under the bottom seam to make sure it is sealed.
- Use a sharp knife to cut 4 lines 3/4 of the way through the pastry to form the “claw”, there should be five equal pieces. Fan out the pastry slightly to separate the claws. Use a pastry brush to brush the remaining egg all over. Sprinkle the sliced almonds and coarse sugar on top of the dough. Bake for 16-18 minutes until golden brown. Let cool and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze homemade almond bear claws?
Yes, you can! Once baked and cooled, bear claws can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy them later, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
What are some variations I can try with homemade bear claws?
While the classic bear claw features almond paste filling, you can experiment with different fillings such as chocolate hazelnut spread, fruit preserves, or even savory options like cheese and ham. You can also create a sweet glaze with milk and powdered sugar to add after baking.
Are homemade bear claws vegan-friendly?
Traditional bear claw recipes contain ingredients like eggs and butter, making them non-vegan. However, you can explore vegan-friendly alternatives by using plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg substitutes in the dough and filling.
How should I store leftover homemade almond bear claws?
Store leftover bear claws at room temperature for up to 2-3 days in an airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap. If you prefer to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, but note that the texture may slightly change.
Can I make mini-sized bear claws for parties or gatherings?
Absolutely! To make mini bear claws, simply divide the dough into smaller portions and adjust the filling accordingly. They’re perfect for serving at brunches, parties, or as a delightful snack anytime.
Tips for Making the Best Bear Claws
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the bear claws with almond paste or other fillings, as it can lead to leaks and messy pastries. A generous tablespoon of filling is usually sufficient.
- Seal the Edges Well: Properly seal the edges of the bear claws to prevent filling from leaking out during baking. You can also roll this into a long log, making sure all the edges are crimped together and slice into 2 or 3 inch pieces.
- Egg Wash for Shine: Brushing the bear claws with beaten egg before baking gives them a beautiful golden shine.
- Add Toppings Carefully: Sprinkle sliced almonds or other toppings lightly over the bear claws to prevent them from weighing down the dough.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Bake the bear claws until they are golden brown and cooked through, but be careful not to overbake them, as they can become dry.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the bear claws to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to prevent burning your mouth and to let the flavors develop.
- Enjoy Fresh: Bear claws are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are baked, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for a day or two. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to refresh if needed.
More Delicious Breakfast Recipe Ideas
Almond Bear Claw
Ingredients
- 4 ounces almond paste
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg, lightly beaten, divided
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 teaspoons coarse sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside.
- Break up the almond paste into smaller chunks and place into a food processor along with the butter and sugar. Pulse until chopped fine. Add in half of the beaten egg and flour, process until smooth.
- Lay the puff pastry out onto the parchment lined sheet tray. Spread the almond paste mixture over half of the puff pastry sheet, leaving an inch perimeter around the pastry.
- Fold the pastry over the filling, crimp the edges together. Roll the edge under the bottom seam to make sure it is sealed.
- Cut 4 lines 3/4 of the way through the pastry to form the “claw”, there should be five fingers. Fan out the pastry slightly to separate the claws.
- Brush with the remaining egg all over. Sprinkle the sliced almonds and coarse sugar on top.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes until golden brown. Let cool and serve.