If you’re looking for a quick, elegant, and irresistibly crunchy dessert, these Puff Pastry Palmeritas with Almond Crocanti are a must-try. Made with just a few ingredients, they offer the perfect combination of buttery layers, caramelised sugar, and the nutty aroma of toasted Marcona almonds. This recipe is ideal for coffee breaks, afternoon tea, or as a delightful homemade gift.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and quick: Just a sheet of puff pastry and a handful of ingredients.
- Ultra-crispy texture thanks to caramelised sugar.
- Gourmet touch with authentic Marcona almond crocanti.
- Perfect for beginners—no special equipment required.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 100 g white sugar
- 50 g Marcona almond crocanti (made using Deliart Marcona almonds)
How to Make Puff Pastry Palmeritas with Almond Crocanti
1. Prep the pastry
Lay the puff pastry sheet on your work surface. Evenly sprinkle the entire surface with white sugar and almond crocanti.
2. Roll into palmeritas
Start rolling each long end toward the center, creating the classic palmier shape. Press gently as you roll so the layers stay compact and well-formed.
3. Coat the exterior
Once rolled, sprinkle the outside with a little extra sugar and crocanti for additional caramelisation and crunch.
4. Slice
Cut the roll into slices 2 cm thick. Place them on a baking rack or lined tray, leaving plenty of space—they expand significantly during baking.
5. Bake
Bake at 180°C (356°F) for 15 minutes, or until deeply golden and caramelised.
Ready to enjoy!
Let cool slightly before serving. They harden as they cool, becoming deliciously crisp.
Gluten-Free Version
You can easily make these palmeritas 100% gluten-free by replacing the traditional puff pastry with a certified gluten-free puff pastry sheet. Many brands now offer high-quality gluten-free options that still deliver flaky layers and excellent results. The rest of the ingredients—white sugar and Deliart Marcona almonds—are naturally gluten-free.
Creative Variations and Flavor Ideas
Once you master the basic palmerita, you can elevate the recipe with endless variations:
1. Chocolate-Dipped Palmeritas
Dip half of each cooled palmerita into melted dark, milk, or white chocolate. Sprinkle with extra almond crocanti for a gourmet touch.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Palmeritas
Mix white sugar with cinnamon before sprinkling it over the pastry for a warm, aromatic twist.
3. Orange Zest & Almond
Add a touch of freshly grated orange zest to the sugar mixture for a bright, citrusy aroma.
4. Salted Caramel Almond Palmeritas
Finish with a drizzle of salted caramel once baked—rich, buttery, and irresistible.
Final Tips for Perfect Palmeritas
- Use chilled puff pastry to ensure clean cuts and defined layers.
- Avoid overcrowding the tray—palmeritas need space to puff.
- For extra crunch, bake on a rack or parchment paper-lined tray.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
