These Berries and Cream Croissants bring together the elegance of flaky puff pastry with the freshness of homemade berry jam and a luxurious triple cream filling. Every bite has a perfect balance of sweetness, fruitiness, and buttery crispness, making it a show-stopping dessert for any brunch, breakfast, or special occasion.
Impress your guests with this easy yet sophisticated pastry that looks like it came straight out of a French bakery. The golden, crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with the creamy, fruity interior, and the dusting of powdered sugar on top adds the final touch of elegance. Best served fresh out of the oven with a dusting of sugar and extra dollops of cream.
Full Recipe:
- For the croissants:
- 2 sheets pre-made puff pastry (frozen or refrigerated)
- 1 egg (whisked for egg wash)
- 1 Tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting)
- For the jam:
- 2 cups frozen wild blueberries (can substitute with fresh or other berries)
- 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- Juice of 1/2 small lemon
- For the cream filling:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 2 Tablespoons sour cream
- 3 Tablespoons powdered sugar (adjust sweetness as preferred)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). If using frozen puff pastry, thaw per package instructions. Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares (about 5 inches each side), making 8 squares total. Brush each square with egg wash, fold into a triangle, and seal edges. Brush tops with more egg wash.
- Bake the Croissants: Place on a baking sheet and bake for 22-25 minutes until golden brown. If using frozen puff pastry, you may need an additional few minutes of baking. Let cool completely before assembling.
- Make the Jam: In a saucepan over medium heat, add frozen blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the fruit is broken down and juices thicken. Stir frequently and set aside to cool.
- Make the Cream Filling: Beat cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Separately, beat cream cheese and sour cream until fluffy, then fold in whipped cream in thirds until combined. Adjust sweetness if needed.
- Assemble the Croissants: Once puff pastry is cooled, cut each croissant in half. Spread both sides generously with jam, then pipe in the cream filling. Close the croissants and dust tops with powdered sugar. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 292 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings
Why This Recipe Stands Out
The Berries and Cream Croissants recipe is a delightful fusion of light, flaky puff pastry with a rich cream filling and the tartness of berries. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or any time you want to elevate a simple pastry into something more sophisticated. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, using store-bought puff pastry that cuts down on preparation time without compromising on quality.
The Perfect Combination of Flavors & Textures
- Flaky Pastry Layers: Puff pastry is a versatile base for many desserts and breakfast pastries. It’s buttery, flaky, and has hundreds of layers that puff up beautifully when baked, creating a crispy texture. Whether you use frozen or refrigerated puff pastry, the result is a perfectly golden and flaky croissant shell.
- Homemade Berry Jam: The filling is made with blueberries but can easily be substituted with your favorite seasonal berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. The quick-cooked jam adds a slightly tart yet sweet layer to complement the creamy filling.
- Triple Cream Filling: The combination of heavy cream, cream cheese, and sour cream creates a rich, silky filling that’s just sweet enough to balance the berry tartness. The texture is luscious and light, making every bite feel decadent but not overly heavy.
Tips for Making the Best Berries and Cream Croissants
- Work with Cold Puff Pastry: When handling puff pastry, keep it cold until you’re ready to use it. Warm pastry can become sticky and difficult to work with, affecting the layers and puff when baking. If it starts to soften, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes before continuing.
- Egg Wash for a Golden Finish: Brushing the croissants with egg wash before baking gives them a beautiful golden-brown color and adds a slight sheen to the surface.
- Assemble Just Before Serving: For the best texture, assemble the croissants just before serving to keep the pastry crisp. The cream filling and jam can be prepared in advance, so all you need to do is cut the pastries, fill, and serve.
Make Ahead & Storage Suggestions
While these croissants are best enjoyed fresh, you can still prepare some components in advance:
- Make the Cream Filling Ahead: The cream can be prepared up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and bring it to room temperature before assembling the croissants. Give it a good mix to restore its fluffy texture.
- Store the Jam Separately: The berry jam can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before using it to spread easily.
- Reheating the Croissants: If you need to make the croissants ahead, you can gently reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to restore their crispiness. Just be sure to fill them right before serving to avoid sogginess.
Variations & Customizations
- Berry Mix: Feel free to mix and match berries based on what’s in season or your personal preference. A combination of strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries adds a burst of flavor and color. If using strawberries, dice them into small pieces to help the jam thicken.
- Citrus Twist: Add lemon zest to the jam for a bright, citrusy flavor, or orange zest to pair beautifully with the berries and cream. The zest will enhance the fruitiness and add a refreshing aroma.
- Nutty Garnish: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle toasted almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts over the cream filling before closing the croissant. The nuts add a delightful crunch and pair well with the creamy filling and tart jam.
Serving & Presentation Ideas
The beauty of these croissants lies not just in their taste but also in their presentation:
- Garnish with Fresh Berries: After filling the croissants, garnish the top with a few fresh berries to indicate the flavor and add a pop of color.
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance. It’s a simple step but makes the croissants look more refined.
- Drizzle with Chocolate or Caramel: For an extra layer of indulgence, drizzle melted dark chocolate, white chocolate, or caramel sauce over the filled croissants before serving.
Pairing & Enjoyment Tips
Berries and Cream Croissants are versatile and can be served in many ways:
- For Brunch or Breakfast: Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad, yogurt parfaits, or scrambled eggs for a balanced brunch spread. Pair with mimosas, coffee, or freshly brewed tea for the perfect accompaniment.
- As a Dessert: These croissants also work wonderfully as a dessert. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Afternoon Treat: Enjoy the croissants with a hot cup of tea or iced coffee in the afternoon for a delightful pick-me-up.
Adaptations for Special Dietary Needs
If you’re catering to guests with specific dietary needs, here are some easy adaptations:
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free puff pastry dough, which can often be found in specialty grocery stores. Make sure to adjust the baking time as gluten-free dough may behave differently.
- Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free cream filling, use coconut cream in place of heavy cream, and opt for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. These substitutions will still provide a creamy and fluffy texture.
- Lower Sugar Option: If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the powdered sugar in the cream to 1-2 tablespoons. You can also use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or stevia in the jam.
Recipe Origins & Inspirations
The concept of pairing flaky pastries with fruit and cream comes from classic French patisserie, where fresh fruits are often used to create light yet indulgent treats. These Berries and Cream Croissants offer a similar experience with a simplified preparation, making them perfect for home bakers who want to achieve that classic French elegance without the hassle of making croissant dough from scratch.
Fun Facts & Trivia
- What Makes Puff Pastry Puff? Puff pastry gets its flaky texture from layers of butter folded into the dough. When baked, the water in the butter creates steam, causing the dough to rise and form thin, crispy layers.
- Why Frozen Berries for the Jam? Frozen berries are ideal for this recipe because they tend to have a higher concentration of natural sweetness and break down more easily when cooked. However, fresh berries can also be used for a more vibrant flavor.
- A Triple Cream Filling: This cream filling is called “triple cream” because it uses three dairy ingredients – heavy cream, cream cheese, and sour cream – to achieve a rich, velvety texture. It’s versatile and can be used as a filling for other pastries, cakes, or even as a fruit dip.
Creative Ideas for Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover components from the croissants, don’t let them go to waste:
- Leftover Berry Jam: Use any extra jam as a topping for toast, pancakes, waffles, or even stirred into yogurt for breakfast.
- Extra Cream Filling: The cream filling can be used as a dip for fresh fruits like strawberries, apple slices, or bananas. Alternatively, serve it over cakes, scones, or as a filling for cookies.
- Reinvent the Croissants: If you have leftover assembled croissants, break them into pieces and make a quick berries and cream croissant bread pudding. Mix with eggs, milk, and a bit of sugar, then bake until golden and set.
Quick Tips for Perfect Berries and Cream Croissants
- Use Sharp Tools: Use a sharp knife to cut the baked croissants for clean, precise cuts that don’t tear the flaky pastry.
- Control the Sweetness: Taste the cream filling and jam as you make them to ensure they are balanced to your liking. Remember, you can always add more sugar if necessary, but you can’t take it away!
- Adjust Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep a close eye on your croissants as they bake. They’re done when they are puffed, golden brown, and crispy.
History and Origins of Croissants
The croissant, a staple in French bakeries, has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century. Originating from Vienna’s Kipferl, the modern croissant was popularized in France, where it became synonymous with elegance and culinary excellence. The delicate, flaky layers of a croissant are achieved through the meticulous process of laminating dough with butter, creating the signature puffed texture that croissants are celebrated for worldwide.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at croissants for the first time, this Berries and Cream Croissants recipe offers a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. Enjoy the delightful combination of flaky pastry, sweet berry jam, and creamy filling that’s sure to impress at any gathering. Happy baking!