Imagine biting into a pillow-soft croissant, split open and brimming with clouds of sweet cream cheese filling and a tumble of fresh berries—every mouthful is a burst of color, flavor, and pure joy. That’s exactly what you’ll get with these Berries and Cream Filled Croissants, a treat that’s as easy to make as it is irresistible to eat. Whether you serve them for a leisurely brunch, a celebratory breakfast, or a show-stopping dessert, these croissants are guaranteed to steal the spotlight and make any ordinary day feel special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients—each one is simple, familiar, and absolutely essential. They come together to create the perfect marriage of flaky pastry, luscious cream, and fruity freshness. Here’s what you’ll need and why each piece matters:
- Croissants: Choose large, buttery croissants for the best texture and flavor; either store-bought or homemade work beautifully.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This is what makes the filling so light and airy—don’t skimp on the whip!
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds richness and a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar: It sweetens the filling without making it grainy, and also looks gorgeous when dusted on top.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash brings warmth and depth to the creamy mixture.
- Strawberries: Sliced fresh, they add a juicy, bright pop of color and flavor.
- Blueberries: Their tartness and size make them perfect for tucking into every creamy bite.
- Raspberries: Soft and delicately sweet, raspberries give a lovely contrast to the other berries.
- Extra Powdered Sugar (optional): For an elegant finish, a dusting of powdered sugar makes these croissants look bakery-worthy.
How to Make Berries and Cream Filled Croissants
Step 1: Whip the Cream
Start by pouring the heavy whipping cream into a mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Soft peaks mean the cream holds its shape but still looks a little billowy—this is what gives the filling its dreamy texture.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps in sight. The vanilla brings out the sweetness and helps round out the tang of the cream cheese.
Step 3: Fold Together for the Perfect Filling
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula and a light hand—the goal is to keep the filling fluffy and airy. This step is where the magic happens, transforming the mixture into a cloud-like cream that’s perfect for stuffing inside croissants.
Step 4: Prepare the Croissants
Take each croissant and slice it horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through. You’re basically creating a pocket that will cradle your delicious berries and cream filling. This technique keeps everything neatly tucked inside and makes for easy eating.
Step 5: Fill and Assemble
Spoon—or pipe, if you’re feeling fancy—the cream filling inside each croissant pocket. Add a generous mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Gently press the croissant closed so the filling and berries peek out invitingly. If you like, dust the tops with extra powdered sugar for a bit of sparkle and sweetness.
How to Serve Berries and Cream Filled Croissants
Garnishes
For truly swoon-worthy Berries and Cream Filled Croissants, don’t skip the finishing touches. A light dusting of powdered sugar makes them look straight from a Parisian bakery. If you want to take it up a notch, drizzle a little honey or a quick berry glaze over the top for shine and extra flavor. Edible flowers or a sprig of mint also make a beautiful, fresh garnish.
Side Dishes
These croissants are a star all on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can elevate your brunch spread. Serve with a side of crisp bacon or savory breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness. A fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad adds lightness and color, while a cup of strong coffee or tea is the perfect sip alongside these indulgent pastries.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun! Try arranging the filled croissants on a large platter in a fan shape, or stack them on a cake stand for a show-stopping centerpiece. For a special occasion, wrap each croissant in parchment and tie with twine for a bakery-chic touch. You can even slice them in half and serve on a board with extra berries and little bowls of jam for a DIY brunch bar experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Berries and Cream Filled Croissants (which, honestly, is a rare occurrence), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to a day, though the croissants will soften slightly as they sit with the filling inside.
Freezing
While these filled croissants are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the unfilled croissants and the cream filling separately. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the croissants and berries, whip up the filling, and assemble. Freezing assembled croissants isn’t recommended, as the texture of the cream and berries may change upon thawing.
Reheating
If you’d like to enjoy your croissants warm, gently reheat the plain croissants in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) before filling them. Avoid reheating the filled croissants, as the cream filling is best served cold and may melt or separate with heat. Simply assemble right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen berries in a pinch, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the Berries and Cream Filled Croissants. This helps avoid extra moisture that could make your croissants soggy.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
If your cream cheese is still cold, you can soften it quickly by cutting it into cubes and letting it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave it in short 10-second bursts until just soft but not melted.
Can I make the filling in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cream filling up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir before using, and assemble the croissants right before serving for the freshest taste.
Are there other berries I can use?
Definitely! Feel free to swap in blackberries, sliced cherries, or even a handful of pomegranate seeds. Any combination of your favorite berries will make these Berries and Cream Filled Croissants delicious and uniquely your own.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
With a few swaps, you can! Use your favorite plant-based croissants, substitute coconut cream for the whipping cream, and vegan cream cheese for the filling. Stick with fresh berries, and you’ll have vegan-friendly Berries and Cream Filled Croissants in no time.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about treating yourself to Berries and Cream Filled Croissants—a little luxury that’s easy enough for any day, yet special enough for celebrations. I hope you give this recipe a try and fall in love with every flaky, creamy, fruity bite. Happy baking, my friend!
Print
Berries and Cream Filled Croissants Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 filled croissants
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the simple elegance of Berries and Cream Filled Croissants, a no-bake French-American treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Flaky croissants are filled with a light and fluffy cream cheese and whipped cream mixture, then layered with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a burst of fruity freshness. This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, offering a deliciously creamy and fruity indulgence that’s easy to assemble and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 4 large croissants (store-bought or homemade)
Cream Filling
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit Filling
- 1/2 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup raspberries
Optional Garnish
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form, creating a light and airy base for the filling.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Mix carefully to maintain the fluffiness and create a light, airy filling.
- Slice the Croissants: Carefully slice each croissant horizontally, leaving one edge intact to create a pocket for the filling without splitting the croissant apart.
- Fill the Croissants: Spoon or pipe the cream filling evenly inside each croissant pocket, then layer in a generous mix of sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
- Close and Garnish: Gently press the croissants closed to enclose the filling. Optionally dust with extra powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
- Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh texture and flavors, or refrigerate for a few hours if preparing ahead.
Notes
- For extra flavor, drizzle the filled croissants with honey or a berry glaze before serving.
- These croissants are best served fresh but can be made a few hours ahead and chilled until ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 filled croissant
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
