Easy Almond Bear Claw - Mom On Timeout

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almond bear claws 4 image collage for pinterest showing finished bear claw a close up and process shots

This scrumptious Bear Claw recipe is perfect for weekend brunch! So easy to make with a decadent almond filling, this delicious pastry is a gorgeous addition to your menu! Looking for more breakfast ideas? Don’t miss my favorite biscuit recipe, fluffy buttermilk pancakes, and breakfast burritos!

top down view of almond bear claw on cake pedestal with blue napkin underneath

Bear Claw

There is nothing that beats fresh pastry or doughnuts on a weekend morning, The problem, of course, is no wants to wake up early to get the dough rising and actually put in the time. Thus, we resort to store bought goods that satisfy our sweet tooth and solve the problem of limited time.

We love all sorts of sweets at breakfast time and this easy bear claw recipe is no exception.

Bear claw pastry is one of life’s simple pleasures. Today, I’m making it even easier to enjoy with the help of a puff pastry. Puff pastry is a delicious shortcut that will save you tons of time in the kitchen while still giving you the same, flaky, buttery pastry.

two pieces of Bear Claw pastry on white plate garnished with sliced almonds white background with almond bear claw

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A Brunch Menu

When we’re serving something sweet like this bear claw for breakfast or brunch, I make sure to add some savory options to our menu as well. Here are some of our favorites:

  • Sausage and Egg Hash Brown Cups
  • Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
  • Baked Bacon
  • Zucchini Quiche
  • Deep Dish Ham and Asparagus Quiche

    • What Is A Bear Claw?

    This sweet pastry is typically made with a yeast based dough and a sweet filling that is almond flavored and frequently made with a combination of ingredients including almond paste. The pastry is commonly topped with almonds as well.

    The bear claw pastry is shaped into a rectangle or semicircle with slits cut into one side. As the bear claw rises (if using a yeast based dough) or bakes,  the “fingers” of the claw separate to form the quintessential bear claw look. Finally, the pastry is baked until until golden brown.

    Almond Bear Claw recipe on white cake stand with wood top

    Bear Claw Filling

    The filling of this easy pastry is something that anyone can make and only requires a handful of ingredients:

    • almond paste – has an amazing almond flavor that drives the overall flavor of this pastry
    • unsalted butter – for an extra decadent filling
    • granulated sugar – to sweeten the filling
    • egg – you’ll only use half of the egg for the filling, the other half with be used to brush the top of the pastry before baking.
    • all purpose flour – to act as a binder

    You can also add up to 1/4 cup of raisins or golden raisins to the filling if you prefer it that way.

    2 image collage with bear claw ingredients measured out on left side and filling in white bowl on the right

    How To Make Bear Claws

  • Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper and set aside.
  • Break up the almond paste into small pieces and place in a food processor with the butter and sugar. Pulse until broken down into pea size pieces or smaller.
  • Add in half of the beaten egg and flour and process in the food processor  just until smooth.
  • Gently lay the puff pastry out onto the prepared baking sheet.
  • Spread the filling over one half of the puff pastry sheet, leaving about an inch along the edge open.2 image collage of almond filling being spread on pastry and then the pastry folded over
  • Gently fold the puff pastry over the filling and crimp the edges together. Roll the edge under the bottom seam and press to make sure it is sealed.
  • Using a sharp knife, pizza cutter, or kitchen shears, cut through the pastry 4 times evenly spaced apart. You only want to cut about three quarters of the way through the pastry so that you form the five “fingers” of the bear claw. Carefully fan out the pastry slightly to separate the claws while keeping the filling mostly intact.
    2 image collage showing bear claw being cut into and then spread apart on parchment paper
  • Brush the top of the bear claw with the remaining beaten egg  and sprinkle with sliced almonds and sanding sugar.
    2 image collage of bear claw pastry being brushed with egg wash and then almonds and sugar sprinkled on top
  • Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

    • To Glaze Or Not To Glaze

    This recipe is plenty sweet on it’s own, but if you’d like to add a nice little glaze to the top, you certainly can.

    Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract, and 1 to 3 tablespoons of half of half, depending on desired consistency.

    close up of bear claw pastry with almonds on top

    More Sweet Breakfast Favorites

  • Cinnamon Bread
  • Stuffed French Toast
  • Lemon Blueberry Scones
  • Chocolate Chip Pancakes
  • Drop Biscuits

    • How To Make A Bear Claw

    Almond Bear Claw

    This scrumptious Bear Claw recipe is perfect for weekend brunch! So easy to make with a decadent almond filling, this delicious pastry is a gorgeous addition to your menu!

    Course Breakfast Cuisine American Keyword bear claw, bear claw pastry Prep Time 10 minutes Cook Time 15 minutes Servings 5 Calories 549kcal Author Trish - Mom On Timeout

    Ingredients

    • 4 ounces almond paste
    • ¼ cup unsalted butter
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar
    • 1 egg lightly beaten, divided
    • 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
    • 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
    • ¼ cup sliced almonds
    • 2 teaspoons coarse sugar

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper and set aside.

    • Break up the almond paste into small pieces and place in a food processor with the butter and sugar. Pulse until broken down into pea size pieces or smaller.

    • Add in half of the beaten egg and flour and process in the food processor just until smooth.

    • Gently lay the puff pastry out onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread the filling over one half of the puff pastry sheet, leaving about an inch along the edge open.

    • Gently fold the puff pastry over the filling and crimp the edges together. Roll the edge under the bottom seam and press to make sure it is sealed.

    • Using a sharp knife, pizza cutter, or kitchen shears, cut through the pastry 4 times evenly spaced apart. You only want to cut about three quarters of the way through the pastry so that you form the five “fingers” of the bear claw. Carefully fan out the pastry slightly to separate the claws while keeping the filling mostly intact.

    • Brush the top of the bear claw with the remaining beaten egg and sprinkle with sliced almonds and sanding sugar.

    • Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

    Notes

    Some of the filling will seep out while baking. That is normal and to be expected. Cut off any excess filling to form a uniform looking pastry before serving if desired. If you want to add a glaze: Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract, and 1 to 3 tablespoons of half of half, depending on desired consistency.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 549kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 138mg | Potassium: 151mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 331IU | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 2mg

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