Berries and Cream Filled Croissants: A Flaky, Luscious Delight

There are few things more indulgent than the combination of flaky, buttery croissants, velvety cream filling, and the sweet-tart burst of fresh berries. Enter the Berries and Cream Filled Croissants—a dessert that’s guaranteed to impress with every bite. This recipe is a perfect balance of textures and flavors: the rich, buttery layers of puff pastry, the smooth, tangy cream filling, and the homemade berry jam that offers just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re looking for a delightful breakfast treat, an elegant dessert for a gathering, or a sweet snack to satisfy your cravings, these filled croissants offer a luxurious yet approachable option. While the recipe may seem complex, it’s incredibly simple to execute, especially when using pre-made puff pastry. The result is a dessert that looks like it belongs at a high-end patisserie, but is easy enough for anyone to recreate at home.

Print

The Allure of Berries and Cream

Berries and cream is a timeless combination that never goes out of style. The smoothness of the cream beautifully contrasts with the fresh, vibrant flavors of the berries, making every bite a delightful experience. In this recipe, the berries are transformed into a homemade jam, thickened with a touch of sugar and lemon, which adds both sweetness and brightness. The rich cream filling, made from heavy whipping cream, cream cheese, and sour cream, complements the jam perfectly with its tangy and luxurious texture. When paired with the crisp and airy layers of puff pastry, these croissants become a showstopper, perfect for any special occasion or even as a decadent breakfast to start your day.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe combines several key ingredients that come together to create a flavor profile that’s both indulgent and refreshing. Below are the components that make these croissants a standout:

For the Croissants:

• 2 sheets of pre-made puff pastry (frozen or refrigerated)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting)

For the Jam:

• 2 cups frozen wild blueberries (you can substitute with fresh or other berries)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• Juice of ½ small lemon

For the Cream Filling:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar (adjust according to your preference of sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

These simple ingredients come together to form a dessert that feels indulgent but is remarkably easy to prepare. The puff pastry creates a golden, flaky exterior, the berry jam offers a fruity sweetness, and the cream filling adds a luxurious, tangy contrast that balances everything out.

Step-by-Step Instructions

To create these Berries and Cream Filled Croissants, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Puff Pastry

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (218°C). If you’re using frozen puff pastry, ensure that it has thawed according to the packaging instructions, leaving it cold but manageable. You should be able to work with it without it becoming too soft. If you’re using refrigerated puff pastry, skip the thawing step and proceed to rolling. Use a rolling pin to gently flatten the sheets slightly to make them easier to work with.

Step 2: Cut the Puff Pastry

Once your puff pastry is ready, cut each sheet into four equal squares. You should end up with eight squares, each measuring around 5 inches on each side. Feel free to cut the squares smaller if you’d like, but be aware that smaller squares may require adjusted baking times.

Step 3: Egg Wash and Shape Croissants

Brush each square of puff pastry with an egg wash, which will give your croissants a beautiful golden color as they bake. Then, take one corner of each square and fold it over into a triangle shape, pressing the edges firmly to seal them. This will help the croissants keep their shape during baking and prevent them from opening up in the oven. Brush the top of each croissant with more egg wash, and if desired, sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top for added texture and sweetness.

Step 4: Bake the Croissants

Place the croissants on a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until they’re deep golden brown and fully puffed. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking, especially if you’re using frozen puff pastry, as it may need a few extra minutes to bake. The croissants should be crispy on the outside and soft and flaky on the inside. Once baked, set them aside to cool completely. Don’t cut into them just yet; they need to cool for the best results.

Step 5: Make the Berry Jam

While the croissants are baking, it’s time to make the homemade berry jam. In a medium saucepan, add the frozen blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir the jam occasionally and allow it to cook for 15-20 minutes until the berries have broken down and the mixture has thickened. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn, and stir frequently. Once the jam has reached a thick consistency, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool. If you’re using fresh berries, you’ll need to cook the jam for an additional 5 minutes to help reduce the moisture content and reach the desired thickness.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Filling

While the croissants and jam are cooling, prepare the creamy filling. In a large mixing bowl, pour in the cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Beat these together for 1-2 minutes until smooth, fluffy, and well-combined. Once the cream cheese mixture is ready, gently fold in the whipped cream, one-third at a time, until the two mixtures are fully incorporated. Taste the filling and adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if desired. If you’re making the filling ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but bring it to room temperature before using and re-whip it to restore its fluffy texture.

Step 7: Assemble the Croissants

Once the croissants have cooled completely, use a sharp knife to carefully cut each one in half, but be sure not to cut all the way through. You want to create a pocket that you can fill with the jam and cream. Spread a generous amount of the berry jam on both halves of the croissants. Don’t be afraid to pile it on; the jam is the highlight of this dessert. Next, add a heaping spoonful of the cream filling, making sure to fill each croissant generously. The cream filling is rich and fluffy, and you’ll want to enjoy every bite of it. Once filled, gently press the croissants back together.

Step 8: Dust with Powdered Sugar and Serve

To finish, dust the tops of the croissants with powdered sugar for a beautiful, polished look. These croissants are best served immediately while the pastry is still crisp and fresh. The combination of the flaky croissant, sweet berry jam, and creamy filling is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

Tips for Variations and Substitutions

While this recipe is delicious as is, there are a few ways you can customize it to suit your tastes:

• Berry Variations: Feel free to substitute the wild blueberries with other berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. You can even combine multiple types of berries for a unique flavor.
• Citrus Twist: Add a little orange zest to the cream filling for a citrusy twist that complements the berries beautifully.
• Vegan or Dairy-Free Version: You can make a dairy-free version of this recipe by swapping the cream cheese and sour cream for plant-based alternatives and using a non-dairy whipped cream.
• Chocolate Lovers: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle the croissants with melted chocolate or add a layer of chocolate ganache to the cream filling.
• Fresh Fruit Filling: If you prefer fresh fruit over jam, you can substitute the homemade jam with a layer of fresh berries and a dollop of sweetened mascarpone cheese.

Serving Suggestions

These Berries and Cream Filled Croissants are a dessert that shines on its own, but you can elevate the experience even further by pairing them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of sparkling wine. They also make an elegant addition to a brunch spread, paired with other pastries or light finger foods. If you want to add a more decadent touch, serve the croissants with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.

Conclusion

Berries and Cream Filled Croissants are a sweet, indulgent treat that brings the perfect balance of textures and flavors. With the golden, flaky puff pastry, sweet and tangy homemade berry jam, and rich, creamy filling, these croissants are sure to impress everyone at the table. They’re the perfect dessert for any occasion, from a leisurely brunch to a special celebration. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a pastry that feels like it came straight from a French bakery—no passport required. So grab your puff pastry, whip up some cream, and indulge in the irresistible combination of berries and cream. Your taste buds will thank you!