Homemade Almond Roll

This homemade almond roll starts with an almond pie crust that is filled with a mixture of jam and nuts then rolled up jelly roll style before being baked until golden! This delightful pastry is the best blend of flaky crust and sweet flavor. 

Across Europe, you will find many variations of European nut rolls. This homemade almond roll is an easy version made with Italian almond pie crust dough and filled with jam and chopped nuts or a creamy filling of choice.

The filling in this pastry is not quite as sweet as the one in this rugelach but if you fill it with a chocolate pastry cream it will be more decadent like my chocolate pastry braid.

Unlike my ricotta blueberry strudel, this pastry is spread out into a rectangle then rolled up jelly roll style and baked in a log shape until golden brown. Dust the roll with powdered sugar before slicing and serving and this pastry will be a new family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Almond Roll Recipe

• Flavorful treat: With an almond infused pie crust dough and sweet filling, this treat is perfect to pair with a cup of coffee or tea at breakfast, dessert or a holiday brunch.
• Perfect texture: With a flaky, buttery almond pie dough crust, the sweet almond flavor pairs perfectly with the sweet jam or cream filling.
• Festive showstopper: A homemade almond roll looks and tastes like you picked it up at a specialty bakery but it is easier than you think to make at home! 
• Customizable: I love this pastry filled with apricot jam and almonds but you can fill it how you like with decadent creams, almond paste or sweet jams.

Ingredients Needed

• Almond pie crust recipe: I used my Italian almond pie crust.
• Filling: Jam of choice (I used apricot jam), homemade Nutella, chocolate cream or pistachio cream.
• Chopped nuts: Almonds, hazelnuts or pistachios all work.
• Glaze: Milk, slivered almonds and powdered sugar.

Substitutions and Variations

• Almond filling: Many nut filled pastries are filled with an almond filling or almond paste which would work well here, too. Store bought or homemade is fine. 
• Puff pastry: If you have homemade puff pastry on hand or store bought that can be used instead of pie crust. 
• Pie crust: Use a different pie crust for different results! Brown sugar pie crust, Italian chocolate pie crust or any homemade pie dough would work.
• Shaping techniques: While I love the simplicity of rolling this up jelly roll style, you could spread the filling down the center, then make slits down the each side of the dough and fold the strips over the filling in an alternating pattern before sealing the ends.
• Glaze: Add some more decadence to this almond roll by glazing it with a simple powdered sugar glaze or even a chocolate glaze if you would like.

How to Make Homemade Almond Roll

To start, prepare the almond pie dough according to recipe directions and chill.

Divide pie dough into two, then roll each piece into rectangles a little more than ⅛ inch thick.

Spread each rectangle with jam or spread of choice. Roll the dough lengthwise and seal the edges. Place the dough roll sealed side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each roll with milk and sprinkle with slivered almonds.

Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and baked through. Cool for 5 minutes then move to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.

This recipe will make 2 almond rolls or you could make a roll and the remaining pastry make some almond cookies!

Expert Tips

• Cold pie dough: To create a flaky pastry crust for this homemade almond roll, ensure that your almond pie dough is chilled. 
• Rolling out the dough: To make it easier to roll out, roll the dough between two pieces of parchment paper, lightly dusted with flour.
• Bake seam side down: This not only helps hold the roll together it creates a better appearance! 
• Avoid overbaking: Burnt pastry does not taste good! Bake only until the almond roll is puffed up and golden brown. The bottom of the pastry will also be crisp, not soft or soggy. 

Recipe FAQs

How to store leftovers?

Store leftover almond roll at room temperature for a few hours then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days if it lasts that long! 

Can I freeze leftover almond roll?

Yes and no! It really depends on the filling used. A jam filling like I used would freeze just fine but one made with cream may separate when thawed. To freeze, slice in serving sizes and wrap with plastic wrap then aluminum foil. Store frozen for up to two months. Thaw and enjoy. 

More Pastry Recipes

• Pasticciotti Italian Cream Filled Tarts
• Italian Homemade Baked Cannoli
• Italian Cassatelle with Ricotta
• Cream Puffs / Baked Bigne di San Giuseppe
• Easy Nutella Puff Pastry Balls

Whether enjoyed as a morning treat with coffee, with an afternoon tea, or as the perfect ending to a meal, this almond roll stands as proof to the timeless appeal of simple, delicious baking. Enjoy!