There’s nothing quite like the delightful crunch of a freshly baked croissant, especially when it’s filled with a luscious strawberry cream that transports your taste buds to a sunny café in Paris. I stumbled upon my love for these Strawberry Cream Filled Croissants during a lazy Sunday brunch at home, where I found myself craving something that felt both indulgent and effortless.
With just a handful of ingredients and under 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch that delights not only your senses but also those of your family and friends. Imagine biting into that flaky pastry, the creamy filling mingling with sweet, succulent strawberries—it’s an experience that feels special yet is so easy to recreate! Perfect for gatherings, breakfast, or a simple afternoon pick-me-up, these croissants are sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into this delicious journey together!
Why You'll Love This Strawberry Cream Filled Croissants
- These Strawberry Cream Filled Croissants are incredibly easy to make, taking under 30 minutes from start to finish.
- The combination of flaky croissants, luscious cream, and fresh strawberries creates a symphony of flavors that will impress even the pickiest eaters.
- Their versatility allows them to be served for breakfast, brunch, or even as a delightful dessert option, making them perfect for any occasion.
- Visually, they are stunning with a dusting of powdered sugar and vibrant strawberries, making them a showstopper on any table.
Strawberry Cream Filled Croissants Ingredients
Get ready to create a delightful treat!
For the Croissants
• 4 large croissants – Choose fresh, buttery croissants for the best texture and flavor.
For the Strawberry Filling
• 1 cup fresh strawberries – Hulled and sliced to enhance sweetness and juiciness.
• 1 tablespoon sugar – Helps macerate the strawberries, drawing out their natural juices for a delicious filling.
For the Cream Filling
• 1 cup heavy cream – Whip this until stiff for a light and airy texture.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar – Adds sweetness to the cream while keeping it smooth.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Infuses the filling with a warm, fragrant flavor.
• 8 oz cream cheese – Softened to ensure easy mixing and a rich, creamy profile.
For Garnish
• Additional sliced strawberries – Fresh slices bring a burst of color and flavor to your dish.
• Powdered sugar – For dusting, adding a touch of elegance and sweetness.
These Strawberry Cream Filled Croissants are a mouthwatering way to indulge your cravings!
How to Make Strawberry Cream Filled Croissants
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Macerate Strawberries: In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with the tablespoon of sugar. Let them sit for about 10 minutes; this will draw out their delicious juices and enhance their sweetness.
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Whip Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until you reach stiff peaks—a fluffy cloud-like texture!
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Mix Cream Cheese: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, helping to create a silky filling. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese until well combined, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors.
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Slice Croissants: Carefully slice each croissant in half horizontally, taking your time to maintain their lovely shape. This is where you’ll add your delightful filling!
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Fill Croissants: Spoon a generous amount of the cream filling into each croissant, aiming for a lovely and decadent texture. You want that filling to overflow just a bit—yum!
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Add Strawberries: Top the cream filling with a few slices of the macerated strawberries, letting them peek out with their vibrant colors, adding both beauty and taste.
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Reassemble Croissants: Replace the top half of each croissant to enclose the filling; this keeps everything snug and ready for serving!
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Dust and Garnish: Dust the filled croissants with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance and garnish with additional sliced strawberries for a burst of freshness.
Optional: Serve them warm for the best flavor experience!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Strawberry Cream Filled Croissants Variations
Feel free to get creative with these delectable croissants and make them your own!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a light, tropical twist that’s equally luscious and rich.
- Fruit Variations: Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for an exciting flavor change that brings a burst of color and tang.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a decadent drizzle of melted chocolate over the top for a luxurious touch that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, like almonds or hazelnuts, into the cream filling for an unexpected crunch that elevates each bite.
- Herbal Hint: Infuse your whipped cream with a splash of mint extract, offering a refreshing taste that perfectly complements the strawberries.
- Maple Sweetness: Replace powdered sugar with maple syrup in the cream for a cozy, wholesome flavor, making these croissants extra special.
- Spicy Surprise: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the strawberry mixture for a sweet and spicy kick that adds intrigue and depth.
- Caramel Swirls: Fold in some caramel sauce into the cream filling for a sweet, gooey surprise that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Each of these variations creates a delightful twist that invites you to savor the moment!
What to Serve with Strawberry Cream Filled Croissants?
Creating a delightful brunch or dessert spread is easy with a few perfect accompaniments to your croissants.
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Fresh Berries: A medley of raspberries and blueberries adds a vibrant pop of color and juicy sweetness, enhancing your treat’s fresh flavors.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, rich notes of vanilla ice cream contrast beautifully with the light croissant, making each bite decadent and enjoyable!
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Minted Fruit Salad: Refreshing mint with seasonal fruits like melons and citrus provides a cooling balance that lifts the entire meal.
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Iced Coffee: A smooth glass of iced coffee pairs wonderfully, providing a subtle bitterness that complements the sweetness of your croissants.
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Cinnamon Sugar Toast: This option offers a warm, crunchy element, and the hint of cinnamon works harmoniously with the strawberries’ natural sweetness.
As you gather these delights, imagine the joyous laughter and satisfaction at the table, savoring each bite and sip together—perfect for making any occasion feel special!
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Cream Filled Croissants are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cream filling and macerated strawberries up to 24 hours in advance; just store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the filling airy and prevents the strawberries from becoming too mushy. When you’re ready to serve, simply slice the croissants, fill them with the prepared cream, and add the strawberries just before dusting with powdered sugar. This way, you’ll enjoy the delightful crunch and fresh flavors, making your croissants just as delicious as if you made them fresh!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Cream Filled Croissants
Fridge: Store any leftover croissants in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This helps maintain their flaky texture while preventing them from drying out.
Freezer: If you need to freeze, keep them in a single layer on a baking sheet for about an hour before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 1 month.
Reheating: To enjoy again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, allowing them to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Assembly Tip: If you plan on freezing, consider adding the cream filling and strawberries after reheating, to keep everything fresh and flavorful when serving your Strawberry Cream Filled Croissants!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Strawberry Cream Filled Croissants, make sure to macerate the strawberries for at least 10 minutes to enhance their sweetness and flavor.
- When whipping the cream, ensure it is at cold temperature to achieve the best volume and texture, stopping at stiff peaks for a fluffy filling.
- Always beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth before folding in the whipped cream to create a lump-free filling.
- Finally, serve the croissants immediately after assembling to enjoy their fresh and delightful flavors at their peak.
Strawberry Cream Filled Croissants Recipe FAQs
What type of strawberries should I use?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and sweetness, select ripe, fresh strawberries that are firm and free of blemishes. Look for bright red berries with a shiny appearance and a sweet scent. Avoid any that have dark spots or are overly soft, as they may not have the desired taste or texture.
How long can I store leftover Strawberry Cream Filled Croissants?
You can store any uneaten croissants in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep them from drying out, ensure they are well-covered. I recommend enjoying them fresh, but if you find yourself with leftovers, this storage method will keep them tasting delightful for a little while longer!
Can I freeze Strawberry Cream Filled Croissants?
Yes! If you want to freeze them, lay the assembled croissants in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once they are firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat them in the oven, but wait to add the filling until after they are warmed through to maintain freshness.
I have a dairy allergy; can I make a non-dairy version?
Absolutely! To make dairy-free Strawberry Cream Filled Croissants, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy whipping cream alternative. For the cream cheese, there are excellent dairy-free cream cheese options available. The flavor will still be rich and delicious, just with a slightly different twist!
What should I do if my cream didn’t whip properly?
If your cream isn’t whipping, here are a few troubleshooting tips! First, ensure that both your bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of any grease. Use heavy cream that’s cold from the fridge, as warmth can prevent it from thickening properly. If you have separated cream, just start from scratch with fresh cream, making sure to stop whipping as soon as you reach stiff peaks—overwhipping can lead to butter!
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Certainly! You can make the cream filling in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, keep the strawberries separate and macerate them just before filling your croissants for the best texture and flavor. When ready to serve, simply assemble your croissants for that fresh, indulgent experience!
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- spatula
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
For the Croissants
- 4 large croissants Choose fresh, buttery croissants for the best texture and flavor.
For the Strawberry Filling
- 1 cup fresh strawberries Hulled and sliced to enhance sweetness and juiciness.
- 1 tablespoon sugar Helps macerate the strawberries, drawing out their natural juices for a delicious filling.
For the Cream Filling
- 1 cup heavy cream Whip this until stiff for a light and airy texture.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar Adds sweetness to the cream while keeping it smooth.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Infuses the filling with a warm, fragrant flavor.
- 8 oz cream cheese Softened to ensure easy mixing and a rich, creamy profile.
For Garnish
- additional sliced strawberries Fresh slices bring a burst of color and flavor to your dish.
- powdered sugar For dusting, adding a touch of elegance and sweetness.
Instructions
How to Make Strawberry Cream Filled Croissants
- Macerate Strawberries: In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with the tablespoon of sugar. Let them sit for about 10 minutes; this will draw out their delicious juices and enhance their sweetness.
- Whip Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until you reach stiff peaks—a fluffy cloud-like texture!
- Mix Cream Cheese: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, helping to create a silky filling. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese until well combined, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Slice Croissants: Carefully slice each croissant in half horizontally, taking your time to maintain their lovely shape. This is where you’ll add your delightful filling!
- Fill Croissants: Spoon a generous amount of the cream filling into each croissant, aiming for a lovely and decadent texture. You want that filling to overflow just a bit—yum!
- Add Strawberries: Top the cream filling with a few slices of the macerated strawberries, letting them peek out with their vibrant colors, adding both beauty and taste.
- Reassemble Croissants: Replace the top half of each croissant to enclose the filling; this keeps everything snug and ready for serving!
- Dust and Garnish: Dust the filled croissants with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance and garnish with additional sliced strawberries for a burst of freshness.
