Keto | Paleo Option | Gluten-Free | Grain-Free | Dairy-Free Option | Sugar-Free | Vegetarian
You’ll fall in love with these Healthy Almond Croissant Bars, a guilt-free twist on the classic almond pastry that’s irresistibly delicious. With a golden, crispy, flaky top and a rich almond flavour in every bite, these bars are a total treat. The inside is soft, moist, and creamy, with that smooth almond frangipane texture that melts in your mouth. Each bite delivers warmth, comfort, and that signature nutty goodness you’d expect from a real almond croissant.
These Almond Croissant Bars are made with a layer of blondie-style batter, topped with a rich almond cream (Frangipane layer), sprinkled with sliced almonds, and finished with a light dusting of sweetener.
These bars were inspired by my craving for almond croissants, but I wanted something that fits into a healthy lifestyle. I wanted to feel good with every bite and still enjoy that bakery-style experience. So I recreated that same indulgent texture and flavour in a wholesome way. These bars start with a golden top layer that cracks gently under your fork, then reveal a buttery-soft almond centre that feels luxurious but remains light. The almond frangipane is rich, flavourful, and perfectly sweet. It’s beyond satisfying, and yes, stillSugar-FreeandGrain-Free. These almond bars are proof that healthy and delicious can truly coexist.
If you enjoy almond pastries as much as I do, you’ll find so much joy in baking and sharing these. They’re simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and nourishing all at once. They offer that bakery-style feel, but with ingredients your body loves. There’s comfort, elegance, and pure almond bliss in every slice.
TheseHealthy Almond Croissant Barsbring the flavour and elegance of a classic dessert, without any of the guilt. Once you try them, they just might become your new favourite treat. Serve them warm with tea or coffee, or slice them up for a cozy afternoon with friends and family. They’re the perfect way to surprise your guests with a guilt-free dessert that tastes just like their favourite pastry but with a nourishing twist. Watch their faces light up as they take that first creamy, nutty bite of this almond bliss.
Ingredients Needed to Make Healthy Almond Croissant Bars
- Almond flour provides a nutty texture and keeps these bars low-carb and gluten-free.
- Monk fruit sweetener adds sweetness without the sugar, keeping it keto-friendly.
- Eggs help bind the bars and add richness.
- Unsweetened almond milk keeps the recipe dairy-free and adds moisture.
- Olive oil or liquid coconut oil adds healthy fats and helps keep the bars moist.
- Baking powderprovides lift for a light texture.
- Almond extract deepens the almond flavour, giving the bars a warm, nutty taste.
- Vanilla bean powder or extract enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavours.
- Sea salt balances the flavours.
- Almond meal or flour (for the frangipane layer) creates a creamy, rich almond centre.
- Unsalted butter or coconut oil (for dairy-free) adds richness to the frangipane layer.
- Sliced almonds add a crunchy, decorative top layer.
- Monk fruit icing powder is perfect for dusting and adds sweetness without sugar.
Why You’ll Love These Healthy Almond Croissant Bars
- Keto
- Paleo
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-Free
- Dairy-Free(with coconut oil substitute)
- Sugar-Free
- Grain-Free
- Low-Carb Friendly
- Golden, crispy, flaky top with a rich and creamy almond centre
- Great for snacks or dessert
- Rich in healthy fats
- High in fibre
- Packed with nutty flavour
- A guilt-free indulgence
- Perfect for afternoon gatherings with family and friends
- A nourishing twist on a classic pastry
- Great for those sweet treat moments that still feel healthy
Health Benefits & Nutrition of These Healthy Almond Croissant Bars
These Healthy Almond Croissant Bars are more than just a delicious treat. They’re made with nourishing ingredients that support your body and align with your healthy lifestyle. Here are the key benefits:
- Antioxidant-Rich & Immune Support
Almonds are packed with antioxidants, especially vitamin E, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and support overall immune function. - Heart Health & Cholesterol-Friendly
Almonds and olive oil provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that may help lower bad cholesterol levels and support better cardiovascular function. - High in Vitamin E
Almond flour is an excellent source of vitamin E, which supports skin health, brain function, and helps protect cells from damage. - Blood Sugar Control
These bars are sweetened with monk fruit and contain no added sugars. The combination of low carbs and fibre helps keep blood sugar levels stable. - Naturally Low in Carbohydrates
Made with almond flour and no refined grains or sugar, these bars are suitable for keto, low-carb, and paleo diets. - Rich in Healthy Fats
Ingredients like almonds, olive oil, and coconut oil provide satisfying healthy fats that support energy and fullness between meals. - High in Fibre
Almonds are naturally high in fibre, which helps improve digestion, regulate blood sugar, and support gut health. - Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Almonds and monk fruit contain natural compounds that may help reduce inflammation and support long-term wellness. - Gluten-Free and Grain-Free
These bars are made without wheat or grains, using only almond flour, making them perfect for gluten-free and grain-free diets. - Dairy-Free Option Available
You can substitute the butter in the frangipane layer with coconut oil to make the bars completely dairy-free. It’s an easy adjustment that keeps the texture creamy and satisfying, while making it work with your diet.
How to Adapt Healthy Almond Croissant Bars to Your Diet
These Healthy Almond Croissant Bars are easy to adapt to a variety of dietary preferences. Here’s how to make them work for your needs:
- Keto, the recipe is already keto-friendly and made with low-carb ingredients like almond flour and monk fruit sweetener.
- Paleo, monk fruit sweetener is Paleo-friendly, or you can use coconut sugar. Coconut sugar may darken the colour and create a slightly denser texture. Swap butter for coconut oil or ghee to keep it dairy-free.
- Dairy-Free, replace the butter in the frangipane layer with coconut oil. This may result in a firmer, less creamy texture since it lacks milk solids.
- Low-Sugar, naturally sweetened with monk fruit, these bars are low in sugar and have no added sweeteners.
- Gluten-Free, made with almond flour, these bars are completely free of wheat or gluten-containing ingredients.
- Grain-Free, this recipe uses no grains at all, making it perfect for grain-free or paleo lifestyles.
- Vegetarian, the recipe is naturally vegetarian. Both eggs and dairy are acceptable in a standard vegetarian diet.
Step-by-Step Making These Healthy Almond Croissant Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Almond Frangipane Layer
In a medium mixing bowl, combine almond meal, softened butter (or coconut oil for Paleo), and golden monk fruit sweetener. Mix with a spoon or spatula until fully combined. Add the beaten egg, almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set the frangipane aside while you prepare the blondie base.
Tip: Use softened butter or coconut oil to create a rich, creamy frangipane texture.
Step 2: Make the Blondie Batter
Preheat your oven to 165°C (325°F) and line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with baking paper. Lightly sprinkle water over the sliced almonds and set them aside for topping.
Separate the eggs. In one bowl, whisk the egg yolks with monk fruit sweetener until light and foamy. Add almond milk, olive oil or coconut oil, almond extract, and vanilla. Mix well until smooth.
In another bowl, combine almond flour, baking powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until the batter is smooth.
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until firm peaks form. Gently fold them into the batter to keep it light and airy.
Tip: Beating the egg whites separately gives the bars a softer texture without using flour. Fold them in gently to keep that lightness.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
Pour the blondie batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Scoop the almond frangipane layer on top, then gently smooth it to fully cover the surface. Finish by sprinkling the moistened sliced almonds across the top.
Tip: Sprinkling water on the almonds before baking keeps them from over-browning.
Step 4: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Turn off the oven and let the bars rest inside for 5 more minutes. Remove and allow them to cool completely in the pan.
Tip: Cooling fully helps the layers set, making it easier to slice without crumbling.
Step 5: Dust, Slice, and Serve
Once fully cooled, carefully lift the bars from the pan. Dust the top with monk fruit icing powder or your Favorite powdered sweetener. Slice into bars and serve. The top is golden and slightly crisp, the centre is soft and rich with almond flavour. Every bite is creamy, nutty, and comforting.
Tip: Dust with sweetener just before serving to keep the top looking fresh and elegant.
Treat Yourself to These Next
Healthy Almond Croissant Bars | Sugar-Free, Keto, Paleo
Annie, Healthy Food by AnnieIngredients
For the Blondie Batter:
- 1½ cups (150g) almond flour
- ¼ cup (50g) Monk fruit sweetener (or sweetener of your choice)
- 2 large eggs, separated
- ¼ cup (60ml) unsweetened almond milk
- ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil or liquid coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean powder or extract
For the Almond Frangipane Layer:
- 1½ cup (150g) almond meal or flour
- ¾ cup (150g) golden Monk fruit sweetener (or sweetener of your choice)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ⅓ cup (90g) softened unsalted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free/Paleo)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Pinch of salt
To Decorate:
- ⅓ cup (40g) sliced almonds
- Monk fruit icing powder (or icing powder of your choice)
Instructions
- Prepare the Almond Frangipane Layer• In a medium mixing bowl, combine almond meal, softened butter (or coconut oil for Paleo), and golden monk fruit sweetener.• Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix until the ingredients are fully combined.• Add the beaten egg, almond extract, and a pinch of salt.• Stir until the mixture is smooth, then set this frangipane layer aside.
- Prepare the Blondie Batter• Preheat your oven to 165°C (325°F).• Line a 20x20 cm (8x8-inch) square baking pan with baking paper.• Lightly sprinkle water over the sliced almonds to prevent them from burning during baking.• In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks and monk fruit sweetener until the mixture becomes light and foamy.• Add almond milk, olive oil (or liquid coconut oil), almond extract, and vanilla. Mix well.• Add almond flour, baking powder, and a pinch of sea salt to the wet mixture.• Stir until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.• In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until they reach firm peaks.• Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter to keep the mixture light and airy.
- Assemble the Bars• Pour the blondie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.• Gently spoon the almond frangipane layer on top of the batter.• Smooth the frangipane to cover the surface completely.• Sprinkle the top with the moistened sliced almonds.
- Bake• Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.• Turn off the oven and leave the bars inside for an additional 5 minutes.• Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
- Decorate and Serve• Once fully cooled, carefully remove the bars from the pan.• Dust the top with monk fruit icing powder or your preferred powdered sweetener.• Slice and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- Sprinkle water over the sliced almonds, before adding them on top of the bars, lightly sprinkle them with water. This helps prevent burning during baking and keeps them golden and crisp instead of overly darkened.
- Use room temperature ingredients, for the best texture, make sure your eggs, almond milk, and other refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature. This helps them blend more smoothly and creates a more even, tender texture.
- Beat egg whites to firm peaks, when beating the egg whites, make sure they reach firm peaks before folding them into the batter. This gives the bars a light, airy structure that balances the rich almond flavour.
- Fold gently, when adding the egg whites to the batter, fold gently to keep the mixture airy. Overmixing can deflate the batter and result in a denser texture.
- Use softened butter or coconut oil, if using butter for the almond frangipane layer, make sure it’s softened (not melted) to ensure smooth mixing. For a dairy-free or Paleo version, use softened coconut oil instead.
- Cool completely before slicing, let the bars cool fully before removing them from the pan and slicing. This allows the layers to set properly and helps you get clean, even slices without crumbling.
- Dust just before serving, for a pretty finish, dust the top with monk fruit icing powder or your preferred powdered sweetener right before serving. This keeps the bars looking fresh and inviting.