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When the sun shines brightly and summer’s warmth envelops us, there’s nothing quite like the joy of fresh strawberries. Picture this: a flaky croissant, golden and buttery, waiting to cradle a luscious filling of whipped cream and vibrant homemade strawberry sauce. It’s a delightful indulgence that transports me straight to leisurely summer afternoons, where sweet desserts are lovingly shared with friends and family.

I first conjured up these Strawberries and Cream Croissants during a brunch gathering, where the usual options seemed lackluster. With simply a handful of ingredients and a dash of creativity, this dessert transformed into the star of the table. Perfect for Mother’s Day brunch or an impromptu summer treat, they’re not just easy to assemble but also bursting with flavor, capturing the essence of the season in each bite. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this delightful recipe that promises to bring smiles and satisfied taste buds to your kitchen!

Why are Strawberries and Cream Croissants irresistible?

Decadent Delight: Experience the bliss of crisp, buttery croissants filled with smooth, creamy goodness.
Fresh Flavors: Each bite is a burst of summer, highlighting the sweetness of fresh strawberries.
Quick Prep: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have this delightful treat ready in no time.
Customizable: Whether you prefer mascarpone, different fruits, or even a twist of vanilla, make it your own!
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for brunch, special occasions, or just a cozy dessert—everyone will be asking for seconds!
Treat yourself and your loved ones to this vibrant summer dessert that’s sure to impress!

Strawberries and Cream Croissants Ingredients

For the Strawberry Sauce
• Cornstarch – Thickener for the strawberry sauce that ensures a luscious consistency.
• Cold Water – Activates cornstarch for sauce thickness, giving it that perfect texture.
• Frozen, Sliced Strawberries – Forms the base of the sauce; feel free to use fresh strawberries if in season.
• Brown Sugar (packed) – Adds a deep sweetness that complements the tartness of the berries.
• Granulated Sugar – Balances the sauce’s acidity, enhancing overall flavor.
• Lemon Juice – Brightens the taste; both fresh and bottled varieties work well.

For the Whipped Cream Filling
• Cream Cheese (softened) – Adds a rich and creamy base to the whipped cream mixture.
• Icing Sugar – Sweetens the filling while stabilizing the whipped cream for easy piping.
• Heavy Cream (chilled) – Necessary for creating a light, airy whipped cream.

For Assembling the Croissants
• Fresh Strawberries (sliced) – These brightly colored beauties add a fresh texture and extra sweetness.
• Icing Sugar (sifted) – A delicate finishing touch that makes your croissants even more irresistible.

Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating your Strawberries and Cream Croissants, ensuring every bite is filled with the essence of summer.

How to Make Strawberries and Cream Croissants

Prepare Strawberry Sauce:
In a pot, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until combined. Next, add the frozen, sliced strawberries, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium-high heat until boiling, then reduce to medium, letting it simmer for 5 minutes. Smash the berries, cook for another 2 minutes, then cool in the fridge.
Make Whipped Cream:
First, chill your heavy cream for the best results. In a separate bowl, mix softened cream cheese with icing sugar until smooth. Gradually whisk in the chilled heavy cream until stiff peaks form—this will take a few minutes. Pipe or spoon the creamy mixture when ready to assemble your croissants.
Assemble Croissants:
Carefully cut the croissants halfway to create a pocket. Fill each croissant generously with the chilled strawberry sauce, then pipe on the whipped cream, finishing with slices of fresh strawberries on top. Dust with sifted icing sugar right before serving.

Optional: Top with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Strawberries and Cream Croissants?

Elevate your summer indulgence with delightful pairings that enhance the luscious flavors of these croissants.

Sparkling Water: The effervescence cleanses the palate and refreshes, balancing the sweetness of the dessert.
Iced Tea: A lightly brewed iced tea adds a refreshing touch, making it a perfect match for the creamy croissants.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the strawberry sauce, taking dessert to the next level.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits brings freshness and additional textures, complementing the sweet croissant flavors.
Shortbread Cookies: Crunchy shortbread cookies provide a satisfying contrast to the soft, creamy filling, creating a delightful texture exploration.
Lemonade: The bright, zesty flavors of homemade lemonade pair beautifully, cutting through the rich creaminess for an invigorating sip.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: For the chocoholics, these will add a touch of indulgence that pairs seamlessly with strawberries.
Amaretto Coffee: Instead of regular coffee, try a splash of amaretto; its nutty notes beautifully enhance the dessert’s flavors.

Experiment with these delicious accompaniments and watch as your Strawberries and Cream Croissants become the highlight of any occasion!

Make Ahead Options

These Strawberries and Cream Croissants are a dream for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the strawberry sauce up to 3 days in advance; simply cook and cool it, then refrigerate in an airtight container. The whipped cream filling can be made up to 2 days ahead—just whip it, store it in the fridge, and gently re-whip before use to retain fluffiness. To maintain the croissants’ structure, avoid assembling them until just before serving. When you’re ready to indulge, simply slice the croissants, fill them with the chilled sauce and whipped cream, and enjoy your delightful dessert with minimal effort!

Storage Tips for Strawberries and Cream Croissants

Room Temperature: Enjoy your filled croissants immediately for the best texture; if left at room temperature, consume within 1 hour to avoid sogginess.

Fridge: Store any leftover filled croissants in the fridge for up to 1 day, but be aware that the croissants may lose their crispiness.

Freezer: Separate components can be frozen; store the whipped cream and strawberry sauce in airtight containers for up to 1 month, but avoid freezing assembled croissants, as they won’t hold their texture.

Reheating: If you store croissants in the fridge, reheat individually for a few minutes in a toaster oven to help restore some crispiness before serving.

Expert Tips for Strawberries and Cream Croissants

Chill Ingredients: Ensure your heavy cream is thoroughly chilled for the best whipped cream texture. This helps achieve those perfect stiff peaks.
Fresh Strawberries: Whenever possible, use in-season fresh strawberries for the richest flavor and vibrant color in your strawberry sauce.
Avoid Sogginess: To keep the croissants flaky, don’t assemble them too far in advance. Fill just before serving to maintain that perfect texture.
Mix It Up: If you want a different taste, try using mascarpone instead of cream cheese for your filling. It brings a delightful twist to the classic recipe.
Smooth Sauce: For an extra silky strawberry sauce, blend it before chilling to eliminate any chunky bits—this way, you get a smooth burst of flavor in every bite!

Enjoy making your Strawberries and Cream Croissants with these helpful tips!

Strawberries and Cream Croissants Variations

Feel free to get creative and make this delightful recipe truly yours with these fun twists!

Mascarpone Swap: Replace cream cheese with mascarpone for a creamier, richer filling that enhances the croissant experience.
Berry Medley: Incorporate different berries like raspberries or blueberries in the sauce for a vibrant, mixed berry flavor that excites the palate.
Citrus Burst: Add a splash of orange or lime juice to the strawberry sauce to elevate its flavor profile with a zesty kick.
Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the creaminess.
Chocolate Infusion: Drizzle melted chocolate over the finished croissants for a decadent finishing touch that chocolate lovers will adore.
Vanilla Whip: Enhance your whipped cream by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a comforting, familiar flavor that elevates every bite.
Spicy Twist: For a hint of heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne or chili powder into the strawberry sauce for an unexpected and exciting twist.
Coconut Cream: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a tropical flair that pairs wonderfully with strawberries, making it a refreshing summer treat.

With these variations, you can tailor your Strawberries and Cream Croissants to suit every taste bud!

Strawberries and Cream Croissants Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe strawberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting strawberries, look for those that are plump, vibrant red, and free of dark spots. The green leafy tops should be fresh and intact. If purchasing from a store, smell them—ripe strawberries will have a sweet fragrance, indicating their juicy flavor.

How can I store the leftover strawberry sauce?
Very simply! You can store your strawberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Just make sure it has completely cooled before sealing it up to maintain its flavor and consistency.

Can I freeze the components of Strawberries and Cream Croissants?
Absolutely! To freeze, separately store the chilled strawberry sauce and whipped cream in airtight containers for up to 3 months. For the strawberry sauce, let it cool completely before transferring it. Just remember, don’t freeze the assembled croissants, as they won’t retain their delightful texture.

What if my whipped cream doesn’t form stiff peaks?
Don’t worry, this can happen! If your heavy cream isn’t chilled enough, it may struggle to whip properly. Make sure your cream is nice and cold before starting. If you find you haven’t achieved stiff peaks, try adding a bit more icing sugar to stabilize; it can help achieve that light, airy texture you’re aiming for.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Of course! This recipe is naturally nut-free, so you’re good to go. Just double-check that your cream cheese and other ingredients are not processed in facilities that handle nuts if you have allergies.

How long can I keep the assembled croissants?
I highly recommend enjoying your assembled croissants immediately for the best texture. If you must store them, keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 1 day, but be mindful that the croissants may lose their crispiness. You can always reheat them briefly in a toaster oven to restore that flaky goodness before serving.