Berries and Cream Croissants are one of my absolute favorite treats to make, especially when I want something that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy.
They’re perfect for a weekend brunch, a special breakfast, or even a light dessert. What I love most is how the flaky, buttery croissants pair with the sweet berries and the rich, creamy filling.
Recipe Overview: Berries and Cream Croissant
This dish is all about combining simple ingredients to create something truly delicious. We’re taking store-bought croissants and turning them into a delightful treat filled with a luscious cream cheese mixture and fresh, juicy berries.
The croissants get a little extra crispy in the oven, the cream is smooth and slightly tangy, and the berries add a burst of sweetness.
It’s a wonderful balance of textures and flavors that’s sure to impress.
You can serve these Berries and Cream Croissants warm, right out of the oven, or even at room temperature. They’re fantastic with a cup of coffee or tea. And they work as a sweet end to a nice brunch spread.
Detailed Ingredients for Berries and Cream Croissant
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this recipe. I’ve added a few notes to help you out:
- Croissants: 4 large, store-bought croissants. You can usually find these in the bakery section of your grocery store. Make sure they’re not already filled.
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened. I recommend using full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavor, but reduced-fat will work too. Make sure it’s softened so it mixes easily. You can leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup. This adds sweetness to the cream cheese filling.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. This gives the filling a lovely, warm flavor.
- Fresh Berries: 1 cup, mixed. I like to use a combination of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. You can use any berries you enjoy. Just make sure they’re washed and any large strawberries are sliced.
- Optional Garnish: A sprinkle of extra powdered sugar.
Note: If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can substitute it with granulated sugar, just blend it first to refine the texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Berries and Cream Croissant
Let’s get started! Here’s how to make these delicious treats:
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, take your croissants and carefully slice them in half horizontally, like you’re making a sandwich. Don’t slice all the way through. Just enough to be left with a top and bottom connected at the back.
- Bake the Croissants: Place the sliced croissants on a baking sheet. Pop them in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes. This will make them a little extra crispy and warm. Keep an eye on them – you don’t want them to burn!
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: While the croissants are baking, get a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. There should be no lumps.
- Assemble the Croissants: Once the croissants are out of the oven and slightly cooled (just enough so you can handle them), it’s time to assemble! Take a spoon or a small spatula and spread a generous amount of the cream cheese filling onto the bottom half of each croissant.
- Add the Berries: Now, arrange your mixed berries on top of the cream cheese filling. You can gently press them into the filling so they stay put.
- Finish and Serve: Close the croissants by placing the top half back on. If you want, you can dust the tops with a little extra powdered sugar for a pretty finish.
Variations & Tips for Berries and Cream Croissant
Here are a few ideas to customize your croissants and some helpful tips:
- Different Fruit: Feel free to use other fruits besides berries. Sliced peaches, nectarines, or even bananas would be delicious.
- Add some Zest: For a little extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the cream cheese filling.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the cream cheese filling a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before using.
- Storage: If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: You can gently reheat leftover croissants in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes, but they’re best enjoyed fresh.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Key Details
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 5-7 minutes
- Total time: 15-17 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Equipment you’ll need: Baking sheet, mixing bowl, hand mixer or whisk, knife, spatula.
Berries and Cream Croissant
Ingredients
- 4 large store-bought croissants
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh mixed berries strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries
- Optional: powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice croissants in half horizontally.
- Bake croissants on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes until slightly crispy.
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread cream cheese filling on the bottom halves of the baked croissants.
- Arrange fresh berries over the cream cheese filling.
- Place the top halves of the croissants back on and dust with powdered sugar if desired.