Table of Contents: Almond Croissant Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Almond Croissant Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
There’s something magical about the way flaky croissants meet rich buttery batter—especially when you pour in cream cheese, almonds, and a touch of vanilla to create a Almond Croissant Ooey Gooey Butter Cake that melts in your mouth. If you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond and remember those warm bakery mornings with golden pastries in hand, this recipe will feel like a nostalgic hug. It’s simple, sensational, and perfect for impressing at brunch, holidays, or even a cozy Friday night treat when comfort calls. Ready to rekindle that bakery magic right in your own kitchen?
Introduction: Almond Croissant Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Few desserts capture the essence of indulgence as perfectly as the Almond Croissant Ooey Gooey Butter Cake—a stunning fusion of two beloved treats: the buttery, flaky French croissant and the ultra-creamy, custard-like Southern ooey gooey butter cake. This unique dessert recipe takes the best of both worlds and wraps them in an easy-to-bake, store-bought shortcut that still feels gourmet. With its crisp top, gooey center, and generous sprinkle of sliced almonds, this cake is the ultimate comfort food for family dinners, Sunday brunches, or holiday gatherings.
What makes this croissant butter cake so special isn’t just its flavor—it’s how effortlessly it comes together. Using a boxed almond cake mix as the base, this recipe takes the stress out of baking while delivering restaurant-worthy results. Whether you’re serving it for Christmas morning, Thanksgiving dessert, or just a Tuesday evening craving, this almond gooey cake is guaranteed to disappear fast. The layers of buttery batter, cream cheese, and sugar mimic the richness of a Parisian croissant, while the almonds add texture and nutty depth. It’s decadent, yes—but in the most satisfying, nostalgic way possible.
Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this dish combines convenience with indulgence. You don’t need stand mixers or pastry cutters—just a bowl, a spatula, and a dream. Serve it warm with coffee or tea, and watch as every guest goes back for seconds (or thirds). This is more than a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavor, ease, and the joy of sharing something truly special.
Alternate Names & Variations
You might stumble upon this unique dessert recipe under other names, like:
– Almond Croissant Bars
– Gooey Almond Croissant Cake
– Buttery Almond Croissant Dessert
– Flaky Almond Cream Bars
– Croissant butter cake with almond glaze
Some variations include toasting the almond cake mix for a deeper flavor, stirring in marzipan for intensity, or even layering in jam (like apricot or raspberry) between the batter and cake base. You’ll also find versions that use real day-old croissants as the crust—though this recipe keeps things simple and foolproof. For a decadent twist, drizzle with white chocolate or a light almond glaze after baking. No matter the name, the essence remains: a almond gooey cake that’s impossibly rich and satisfying.
Ingredients: Almond Croissant Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

For the base layer:
- – 1 (15.25 ounce) box almond cake mix (extra nutty flavor, see Note for homemade shortcut)
- – 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- – 1 large egg
For the filling:
- – 1 (8 ounce) package full-fat cream cheese, softened (best when room temperature)
- – 3 large eggs
- – 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (Madagascar recommended)
- – 2 cups confectioners sugar, plus more for dusting
- – 1/2 cup sliced raw almonds (plus extra for topping)
Why these ingredients? The almond cake mix adds instant flavor without fussy extra spices. Melted butter creates a denser, flakier base—like a crust you’d find on a true croissant. The cream cheese and powdered sugar mixture mimics the gooey, custard-like texture of classic butter cakes, while the extra almonds bring crunch and nutty richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray, then line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the almond cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. The dough will be thick and sticky—this is normal. Press it evenly into the prepared pan. Pro tip: Use a wet spatula or the bottom of a glass to avoid sticking.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the 3 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the 2 cups confectioners sugar, mixing until smooth and creamy. Avoid overbeating to prevent air bubbles (which can cause cracking).
5. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the base layer. Use a spatula to spread evenly, tapping the pan lightly to remove air pockets.
6. Sprinkle the 1/2 cup sliced almonds on top. Add a pinch more for extra crunch if desired.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set with a slight jiggle (like a soft cheesecake). Do not overbake—ooey gooey means a soft center!
8. Let cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours. This sets the texture. For cleaner slices, chill for 30 minutes in the fridge.
9. Use the parchment overhang to lift the cake from the pan. Cut into 12–16 bars using a serrated knife dusted with confectioners sugar.
10. Dust the top with extra powdered sugar for a bakery-fresh finish. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.
Shortcut: Want less sugar? Reduce confectioners sugar to 1.5 cups. For extra flavor, mix 1/2 tsp almond extract into the filling.
Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)
Get ready for the easiest, most luxurious dessert you’ll make all year. This Almond Croissant Ooey Gooey Butter Cake comes together in just 15 minutes of prep time, then bakes for 35 minutes, with a total time of about 3 hours, including cooling. Ideal for 12–16 servings, this decadent treat has approximately 380–420 calories per slice, depending on cut size. Each serving is a perfect balance of buttery crispness, creamy filling, and nutty crunch—making it a standout at any meal.
Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips
This unique dessert recipe works because it leverages the best of layered baking: a sturdy, flavorful base, a silky, rich filling, and a crisp, nutty topping. The almond cake mix ensures instant depth—no need to juggle almond extract, flour, and spices. The base acts like a croissant crust, while the filling? Pure ooey gooey butter cake magic—creamy, sweet, and just firm enough to slice cleanly.
The genius lies in the texture contrast: the top browns and slightly caramelizes, the center stays lusciously soft, and the almonds add a satisfying crunch. It’s easy comfort food for family dinners, yet elegant enough for holiday tables. For a next-level version, try layering in crushed croissant pieces (1/2 cup, lightly toasted) into the base—this adds real “croissant” flakiness without the labor.
Another pro tip? Use full-fat cream cheese—light versions lack the protein structure needed for the right consistency. And never skip cooling—this is essential for that perfect “pull-apart” factor when you lift it from the pan.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Store your croissant butter cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The colder it gets, the firmer it becomes—perfect for slicing. For longer storage, freeze the entire cake or individual bars for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds for a soft, gooey center. For a crispier top, preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm for 3–5 minutes. Avoid baking it again—this can dry out the filling.
Pro move: Add a splash of milk if the edges feel dry after freezing. And dust with fresh powdered sugar before serving to revive that bakery look. This almond gooey cake reheats beautifully and tastes even richer the next day.
People Also Ask: Almond Croissant Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
How do you make an almond croissant ooey gooey butter cake?
You make an almond croissant ooey gooey butter cake by combining a boxed almond cake mix with melted butter and one egg to form a rich, flaky base. Then, a creamy filling of cream cheese, eggs, vanilla, and confectioners sugar is poured over the top and baked. Finished with a sprinkle of sliced almonds, it bakes into a decadent, gooey dessert that tastes like a fusion of French pastries and Southern butter cake. This unique dessert recipe takes just 15 minutes to mix and 35 to bake—simple, yet deeply satisfying.
What is ooey gooey butter cake?
Oooey gooey butter cake is a beloved American dessert, traditionally made with a yellow cake crust topped with a dense cream cheese, sugar, and egg filling. The result is a soft, custard-like center with a slightly crisp top. Originally from St. Louis, it’s known for its rich, buttery texture and addictive sweetness. When you add almond cake mix and sliced almonds, it transforms into a almond gooey cake—a nuttier, more aromatic version perfect for those who love croissant flavors. It’s classic comfort food with a modern twist.
Can you use real croissants in this cake?
Yes, you can use real croissants in this croissant butter cake! For a more artisanal version, layer 2–3 day-old cut croissant halves in the pan before adding the cream cheese filling. This adds authentic flakiness and buttery depth, mimicking the real pastry experience. However, it requires extra prep and less consistency than the boxed mix base. For beginners, the original method (boxed mix) is faster and foolproof. But advanced bakers love this croissant-infused variation—just ensure the croissants are not too dry, or they can absorb moisture and become tough.
Is this cake very sweet?
Yes, this almond croissant ooey gooey butter cake is on the sweeter side—like most butter-based desserts. With 2 cups of confectioners sugar plus the sugar in the boxed mix, it’s designed to deliver that classic gooey, sugary-rich experience. That said, you can reduce the confectioners sugar to 1.5 cups or use a low-sugar almond cake mix for a less sweet version. The richness of the butter and cream cheese balance the sugar, so it’s sweet but not overwhelming. Many fans love it with a cup of coffee to cut the sweetness—making it an ideal afternoon dessert with tea or espresso.
Conclusion: Almond Croissant Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
If you’ve ever craved the buttery flakiness of a croissant, the creamy richness of a butter cake, and the crunch of toasted almonds—all in one bite—this Almond Croissant Ooey Gooey Butter Cake was made for you. It’s simple, decadent, and unforgettable. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday brunch, gifting it to a friend, or just treating yourself on a Tuesday night, this unique dessert recipe brings joy with every slice.
Try it once, and you’ll add it to your permanent rotation. Share your creation with a photo or tag us in your baking journey—we’d love to celebrate your kitchen success! And did you know you can tweak it with chocolate, espresso powder, or even orange zest? The possibilities are endless. So go ahead: preheat that oven, stir that batter, and make someone’s day a little sweeter.
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Almond Croissant Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares 1x
Description
A decadent mashup of flaky almond croissants and gooey butter cake, layered with rich almond flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 2–3 day-old almond croissants, torn into pieces
- 225g cream cheese, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (for topping)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until a thick dough forms. Press into the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Scatter torn almond croissants evenly over the crust layer.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs and almond extract, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until fully combined.
- Pour cream cheese mixture over the croissants and crust, spreading evenly.
- Top with sliced almonds.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until edges are golden and center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar and slicing into squares.
Notes
This cake is best served at room temperature. Store leftovers in the fridge and bring to room temp before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: almond croissant, gooey butter cake, dessert, bakery-style, almond cake