If you’ve ever indulged in a buttery, flaky croissant filled with a creamy filling and sweet jam, you know how delightful the combination is. Now, imagine taking that already perfect pastry and elevating it to an entirely new level with homemade berry jam and a decadent, triple-cream filling. That’s what you’ll get with these Berries and Cream Filled Croissants, a dessert so indulgent yet surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a family breakfast, or just because you want to enjoy something extraordinary, these croissants are sure to impress everyone who gets a bite.
Berries and Cream Filled Croissants: A Beginner’s Guide to the Perfect Dessert
There’s something magical about the combination of flaky, buttery croissants filled with a luscious cream and sweet jam. These Berries and Cream Filled Croissants bring together the best of both worlds, offering a decadent dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re preparing for a special brunch or treating yourself to something indulgent, these croissants promise to impress without requiring a ton of time or effort in the kitchen.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Baking, Dessert, Breakfast, Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, French, Pastry
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Jam:
- 2 cups frozen wild blueberries (you can substitute with fresh blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries, depending on your preference)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Juice of 1/2 small lemon
For the Cream Filling:
- 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (adjust to your preferred sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Croissants:
- 2 sheets of pre-made puff pastry (either frozen or refrigerated)
- 1 egg, whisked (for the egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (218°C). If you’re using frozen puff pastry, be sure to allow it to thaw according to the packaging instructions. Once it’s thawed, gently roll the pastry with a rolling pin to flatten it slightly. This helps the dough bake more evenly and ensures a perfectly crisp result.
If you’re using refrigerated puff pastry, you can skip this step—just make sure the pastry is cold when you work with it. This is important because puff pastry works best when kept cold, which helps the layers separate and puff up in the oven.
Next, cut each sheet of puff pastry into 4 equal squares, so you’ll have 8 squares in total. The squares should be about 5 inches on each side. If you want smaller croissants, you can cut the squares into even smaller pieces, but keep in mind that the baking time may change depending on the size.
Step 2: Shape the Croissants
Now it’s time to shape the croissants. Start by brushing each square of puff pastry with the whisked egg to give it a beautiful golden color once baked. Next, take one corner of each square and fold it over to form a triangle. Press the edges of the pastry firmly to seal them. You don’t want the filling to leak out, and sealing the edges will also help the pastry hold its shape as it bakes.
Brush the tops of the croissants with more egg wash for an extra golden finish. If you like, you can sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar, but this step is optional. The croissants will be delicious even without the added sweetness on top.
Step 3: Bake the Croissants
Place the prepared croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will make cleanup easier and prevent the croissants from sticking to the pan. Bake the croissants in your preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until they are a deep golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as puff pastry can brown quickly. If you’re using frozen puff pastry, you may need to bake them for a couple of extra minutes, while refrigerated pastry may cook a bit faster.
Once the croissants are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Don’t cut into them just yet! Letting them cool helps the puff pastry set, and you’ll be able to fill them with the cream and jam more easily.
Step 4: Make the Jam
While the croissants are baking, it’s the perfect time to make the jam. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the frozen wild blueberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. As the berries cook down, the jam will thicken. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn. Once the mixture has reached a thick, jam-like 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 a little longer—about 5 extra minutes—since fresh berries have more water content than frozen ones. Don’t rush this step; allowing the jam to thicken naturally gives it a richer flavor.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Filling
Now, onto the most decadent part: the cream filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to beat the cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-beat the cream, or it may turn into butter. Stiff peaks mean the cream holds its shape when you lift the beaters.
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and fluffy. This will only take about 1-2 minutes with a hand mixer. Once the cream cheese and sour cream are fully combined, gently fold in the whipped cream, one-third at a time. Continue folding until everything is fully incorporated. Taste the filling and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more powdered sugar.
The cream filling can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before using it, and give it a quick mix with a hand mixer to restore its fluffy texture.
Step 6: Assemble the Croissants
Once the croissants have cooled, use a sharp knife to cut each croissant in half, but not all the way through. You want the croissant to open like a book, with a little “hinge” at the bottom. Gently open the croissants and spread a generous amount of the homemade berry jam on both sides. The jam will add a burst of sweet, fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with the cream filling.
Next, spoon or pipe the cream filling into the croissants. Don’t be shy—there’s plenty of filling, and it’s the best part! The creamy, fluffy texture will complement the buttery puff pastry and sweet jam beautifully. Once filled, gently press the croissants back together and dust the tops with powdered sugar for that classic finishing touch.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Berries and Cream Filled Croissants immediately while they’re still fresh and flaky. These croissants are best enjoyed right away, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. However, keep in mind that the puff pastry will lose some of its crispness over time. To refresh the croissants, you can briefly reheat them in the oven to regain some of their original flakiness.
Notes
- Puff Pastry Tips: Puff pastry is one of those ingredients that can be tricky to work with, but don’t be intimidated! The key is to keep it cold while you work with it. If the pastry gets too warm, it becomes difficult to handle and won’t puff up properly in the oven. If this happens, simply pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Jam Troubleshooting: If your jam doesn’t thicken as much as you’d like, don’t worry! Simply return it to the heat and cook for a few more minutes. If you want to thicken it faster, you can also add a little cornstarch mixed with water. Just be sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps.
- Cream Filling Tip: When making the cream filling, be careful not to over-beat the heavy cream. You want it to form stiff peaks, but if you beat it too much, it can turn into butter. Stop mixing as soon as the cream holds its shape.
- Assembly Tip: When cutting the croissants, use a serrated knife. A regular knife can squish the flaky layers, while a serrated knife will give you clean, crisp cuts without ruining the pastry.
When I first made these croissants, I was amazed at how easy they were, despite their gourmet look and taste. As someone who loves baking but isn’t afraid to take shortcuts, using pre-made puff pastry was the perfect choice for me. It saved time and effort, while still giving me that flaky, buttery texture that makes croissants irresistible. I was hooked—and so were my guests! Now, I’m excited to share this recipe with you, especially if you’re new to baking or looking for a dessert that’s beginner-friendly, quick, and delicious.
Berries and Cream Filled Croissants are perfect for those who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The recipe is simple, with easy-to-follow instructions, and the results are absolutely delicious. Ready to try it for yourself? Let’s dive into this easy yet elegant dessert!
Ingredients and Preparation
Before you begin, it’s important to gather all the ingredients to ensure a smooth and efficient baking process. I recommend measuring everything out ahead of time, so you’re not scrambling for a missing ingredient midway through.
For the Jam:
- 2 cups frozen wild blueberries (you can substitute with fresh blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries, depending on your preference)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Juice of 1/2 small lemon
For the Cream Filling:
- 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (adjust to your preferred sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Croissants:
- 2 sheets of pre-made puff pastry (either frozen or refrigerated)
- 1 egg, whisked (for the egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting)
Substitutions and Flexibility:
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients to make it work for your dietary needs or preferences:
- For a dairy-free version: Use non-dairy cream cheese and plant-based whipped cream instead of heavy cream.
- For a different berry flavor: Swap out blueberries for strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries. You can even mix different berries together to create your own unique flavor profile.
- For a gluten-free option: If you need to make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free puff pastry. Many brands offer pre-made gluten-free options that are delicious and bake up beautifully.
Once you’ve gathered all your ingredients, you’re ready to start the fun part: baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (218°C). If you’re using frozen puff pastry, be sure to allow it to thaw according to the packaging instructions. Once it’s thawed, gently roll the pastry with a rolling pin to flatten it slightly. This helps the dough bake more evenly and ensures a perfectly crisp result.
If you’re using refrigerated puff pastry, you can skip this step—just make sure the pastry is cold when you work with it. This is important because puff pastry works best when kept cold, which helps the layers separate and puff up in the oven.
Next, cut each sheet of puff pastry into 4 equal squares, so you’ll have 8 squares in total. The squares should be about 5 inches on each side. If you want smaller croissants, you can cut the squares into even smaller pieces, but keep in mind that the baking time may change depending on the size.
Step 2: Shape the Croissants
Now it’s time to shape the croissants. Start by brushing each square of puff pastry with the whisked egg to give it a beautiful golden color once baked. Next, take one corner of each square and fold it over to form a triangle. Press the edges of the pastry firmly to seal them. You don’t want the filling to leak out, and sealing the edges will also help the pastry hold its shape as it bakes.
Brush the tops of the croissants with more egg wash for an extra golden finish. If you like, you can sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar, but this step is optional. The croissants will be delicious even without the added sweetness on top.
Step 3: Bake the Croissants
Place the prepared croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will make cleanup easier and prevent the croissants from sticking to the pan. Bake the croissants in your preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until they are a deep golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as puff pastry can brown quickly. If you’re using frozen puff pastry, you may need to bake them for a couple of extra minutes, while refrigerated pastry may cook a bit faster.
Once the croissants are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Don’t cut into them just yet! Letting them cool helps the puff pastry set, and you’ll be able to fill them with the cream and jam more easily.
Step 4: Make the Jam
While the croissants are baking, it’s the perfect time to make the jam. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the frozen wild blueberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. As the berries cook down, the jam will thicken. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn. Once the mixture has reached a thick, jam-like 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 a little longer—about 5 extra minutes—since fresh berries have more water content than frozen ones. Don’t rush this step; allowing the jam to thicken naturally gives it a richer flavor.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Filling
Now, onto the most decadent part: the cream filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to beat the cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-beat the cream, or it may turn into butter. Stiff peaks mean the cream holds its shape when you lift the beaters.
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and fluffy. This will only take about 1-2 minutes with a hand mixer. Once the cream cheese and sour cream are fully combined, gently fold in the whipped cream, one-third at a time. Continue folding until everything is fully incorporated. Taste the filling and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more powdered sugar.
The cream filling can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before using it, and give it a quick mix with a hand mixer to restore its fluffy texture.
Step 6: Assemble the Croissants
Once the croissants have cooled, use a sharp knife to cut each croissant in half, but not all the way through. You want the croissant to open like a book, with a little “hinge” at the bottom. Gently open the croissants and spread a generous amount of the homemade berry jam on both sides. The jam will add a burst of sweet, fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with the cream filling.
Next, spoon or pipe the cream filling into the croissants. Don’t be shy—there’s plenty of filling, and it’s the best part! The creamy, fluffy texture will complement the buttery puff pastry and sweet jam beautifully. Once filled, gently press the croissants back together and dust the tops with powdered sugar for that classic finishing touch.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Berries and Cream Filled Croissants immediately while they’re still fresh and flaky. These croissants are best enjoyed right away, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. However, keep in mind that the puff pastry will lose some of its crispness over time. To refresh the croissants, you can briefly reheat them in the oven to regain some of their original flakiness.
Beginner Tips and Notes
- Puff Pastry Tips: Puff pastry is one of those ingredients that can be tricky to work with, but don’t be intimidated! The key is to keep it cold while you work with it. If the pastry gets too warm, it becomes difficult to handle and won’t puff up properly in the oven. If this happens, simply pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Jam Troubleshooting: If your jam doesn’t thicken as much as you’d like, don’t worry! Simply return it to the heat and cook for a few more minutes. If you want to thicken it faster, you can also add a little cornstarch mixed with water. Just be sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps.
- Cream Filling Tip: When making the cream filling, be careful not to over-beat the heavy cream. You want it to form stiff peaks, but if you beat it too much, it can turn into butter. Stop mixing as soon as the cream holds its shape.
- Assembly Tip: When cutting the croissants, use a serrated knife. A regular knife can squish the flaky layers, while a serrated knife will give you clean, crisp cuts without ruining the pastry.
Serving Suggestions
These croissants are already an indulgent treat on their own, but you can elevate them even further with a few complementary sides or beverages:
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with extra fresh berries on the side to complement the fruity jam and add a refreshing balance.
- Extra Whipped Cream: For a little extra decadence, serve with a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top of each croissant.
- Beverages: These croissants pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or a glass of sparkling wine. If you’re enjoying them for breakfast, a hot cup of coffee will complement the richness of the filling.
Storage Tips for Leftovers
While these Berries and Cream Filled Croissants are best served fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Be sure to enjoy them within 24 hours for the best texture. If you have extra filling, store it separately in an airtight container and refrigerate it as well.
To restore the puff pastry’s flakiness, you can reheat the croissants in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This will help revive the crispiness.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Berries and Cream Filled Croissants, a dessert so delicious and elegant, it’ll make you feel like a pastry chef—even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to create an impressive yet simple treat. With flaky, buttery croissants, homemade berry jam, and a rich cream filling, these croissants are sure to be a hit at any occasion.
Don’t be afraid to try it out, even if you’re new to baking. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be able to make a dessert that will wow your family and friends. If you give this recipe a try, we’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts. Happy baking!
