Also known as brioche aux amandes (almond brioche), almond bostock can be best described as a cross between French toast and an almond croissant.
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Almond Brioche Toast
Almond bostock, also known as brioche aux amandes (almond brioche), can be best described as a cross between French toast and an almond croissant.
There are numerous variations on this buttery, crunchy breakfast treat.
Bostock is usually made with a thick slice of day old brioche bread. It also works well with challah or other enriched white breads like Japanese milk bread.
The bread is lightly soaked with simple syrup and topped with almond frangipane (or almond cream). It is covered with sliced almonds and baked.
Bostock Variations
You can use all sorts of different flavored simple syrups, jams, fruit preserves, or spreads, however, one constant among all bostocks is the the thick enriched bread used.
(Have a peek at this fig pistachio bostock! It’s made with pistachio spread, fig jam, and fresh fig slices!)
It is crucial to use a thick slice of bread.
The bostock bakes crisp on the outside and remains a bit soft and custard-like in the center. That contrast is what makes this breakfast pastry so delicious.
For this variation, I spread orange marmalade over my Japanese milk bread. (If you live near Trader Joe’s, I highly recommend using their sliced French brioche!)
The almond frangipane spread can be made in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to use.
The spread will harden in the fridge. Allow it soften and come to room temperature before use. Stir up the spread until it is soft, pliable, and creamy- otherwise, you’ll have a difficult time spreading it on the soft brioche bread.
Alternatively, you can also dollop cold bits of the almond frangipane. It will spread and melt as it bakes.
What is almond frangipane?
Frangipane is a creamy filling made with almonds. It is used to fill various pastries, tarts, and other baked goods. Frangipane is made by combining ground almonds with butter, sugar, and eggs.
Since I like my frangipane with a little extra almond “flavor”, I add a touch of pure almond extract.
I also added vanilla and orange zest for an extra dimension of flavor. It adds a nice freshness and liveliness to to this otherwise sweet and decadent treat.
This orange almond bostock is a favorite in my house and I foresee many variations coming soon!
Interested in more recipes featuring sliced almonds? Try these:
- Orange Almond Cake– easy to make single layer cake soaked with orange liqueur
- Almond Croissants – Transform store-bought butter croissant into stunning almond croissant worthy of a French pastry display case!
- Mixed Berry Turnovers – Puff pastry turnovers filled with a quick mixed berry jam, topped with sliced almonds and a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar
Orange Almond Bostock
Ingredients
Almond Frangipane Spread:
- 1 cup sliced almonds , (blanched or skin on)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, room temperature, softened
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon pure almond extract , (optional)
- ½ teaspoon finely grated orange zest
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tablespoons whole milk, or heavy cream
Bostock:
- 6 thick slices of brioche, challah, or enriched milk bread
- 6 Tablespoons orange marmalade*
- almond frangipane spread (recipe follows)
- sliced almonds, as needed
- confectioners’ sugar, to dust
Instructions
Almond Frangipane Spread:
- In a food processor, pulse together almonds and half of sugar until nuts are finely ground.
- Add in softened butter, remaining sugar, salt, vanilla, almond extract, orange zest, egg, and milk until smooth. Scrape down bowl as needed to ensure thorough mixing. Pulse until thoroughly combined.
- Use almond frangipane spread immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Allow to soften to room temperature before use.
Bostock:
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick silicone mat. Arrange bread on baking sheet.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of orange marmalade over bread. Top with 3 tablespoons of almond frangipane spread. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until almonds are golden and bread is toasted. Transfer bread to cool rack to prevent bottom from getting soggy. Dust warm bostock with sifted confections' sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- In place of orange marmalade, feel free to substitute any fruit jam or preserves. I have had great success with apricot preserves and blueberry jam. You can also omit the marmalade and simply top bread with almond frangipane spread.
- If making almond frangipane ahead of time, allow it soften and come to room temperature before use. Stir up the spread until it is soft, pliable, and creamy- otherwise, you’ll have a difficult time spreading cold frangipane on the soft brioche bread. Alternatively, you can also dollop cold bits of almond frangipane. It will melt and spread in the oven.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
Just made your Bostock recipe! Yay! Never have to buy a 5 dollar slice from my neighborhood bakery again!
Awesome! That’s great to hear! Glad you enjoyed it!