Nothing signals a treat quite like a flaky, fresh croissant—unless, of course, you fill it with strikingly sweet strawberries and cloud-like almond whipped cream. This Strawberry and Almond Flavored Whipped Cream Filled Croissants recipe is the definition of effortless elegance, swooping in to rescue any busy weeknight with minimal prep and show-stopping flavor. With luscious whipped cream, a hint of fragrant almond, and juicy berries tucked inside buttery croissants, it feels like breakfast, dessert, and a little celebration all rolled into one.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Simple and Quick: This recipe requires just six ingredients and comes together faster than you can finish your morning coffee.
- Irresistibly Delicious: Crisp croissants, fluffy almond-spiked cream, and sweet strawberries create pure magic in every bite.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a speedy weekday breakfast, an after-dinner treat, or a brunch centerpiece, these croissants fit the bill.
- Flexible for Every Taste: Tweak the sweetness, use your favorite berries, or even swap in chocolate for a whole new experience.
- No Fancy Equipment Needed: Stand mixer, hand mixer, or a trusty whisk with some patience—it’s totally up to you.
Ingredients
- Heavy Cream: The heart of the whipped filling—go for heavy or whipping cream to get that rich, fluffy consistency.
- White Sugar: Sweetens the cream just right. Adjust for more or less sugar to suit your taste buds or the tartness of your strawberries.
- Almond Extract: Delivers a wonderfully fragrant, nutty background that makes the cream taste extra special.
- Store-Bought Croissants: Flaky, buttery croissants are your shortcut to pastry bliss without the fuss—choose ones with a good crust and soft inside.
- Fresh Strawberries: Sliced thin for a juicy, fresh layer in every bite. Go with ripe, vibrant berries for the most flavor.
- (Optional) – A Dust of Powdered Sugar or Chocolate Shavings: Adds an extra touch for presentation, if you feel like dressing things up.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
- Berry Swap: Blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches work beautifully if strawberries aren’t your thing or aren’t in season.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds inside with the berries for some extra texture.
- Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle melted chocolate over the assembled croissants or add a layer of chocolate hazelnut spread under your strawberries.
- Vegan Friendly: Use coconut whipped cream and vegan croissants for a dairy-free version.
- Make it Breakfast: Add a thin smear of cream cheese before the strawberries for more staying power at breakfast.
How to Make Strawberry and Almond Flavored Whipped Cream Filled Croissants
Step 1: Whip the Cream
Pour your heavy cream, white sugar, and almond extract into the bowl of a stand mixer (or use a hand mixer). With the whisk attachment, whip the mixture on medium speed. The cream will start to thicken—watch closely after it forms soft peaks and continue whipping until you reach medium peaks. The texture should be softly billowy, not stiff. Stop as soon as you get there to avoid grainy, overbeaten cream.
Step 2: Prep the Croissants
Take your croissants and, using a serrated knife, slice them horizontally—almost like halving a sandwich bun. This keeps the crisp outside intact while making room for all that delicious filling.
Step 3: Fill Them Up
Begin by layering sliced strawberries generously on the bottom half of each croissant. If you love berries, go for two layers! Spoon about a quarter of your almond whipped cream over the strawberries. The more the merrier—don’t be shy.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Gently place the top half of each croissant over the dreamy filling. Press slightly, just to anchor everything in place. Serve immediately for the ultimate, “can’t-wait-to-take-a-bite” experience.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Chill Your Equipment: Whipped cream fluffs up faster and holds its structure longer when your bowl and whisk are cold. Pop them in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes first.
- Don’t Overwhip: Watch the cream as you go—it can go from soft peaks to butter in a flash. Medium peaks give you the ideal texture for spreading.
- Use Ripe Strawberries: Look for deep red, fragrant berries for the juiciest, sweetest taste.
- Prep Just Before Serving: To keep croissants super crisp and whipped cream at its fluffiest, assemble just before eating.
How to Serve
These croissants are at their best fresh and slightly chilled, perfect alongside a frothy coffee or as part of a sunny weekend brunch spread. If you want to be fancy, dust them with powdered sugar or add a sprig of mint for a pop of color. For a dessert treat, pair with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a small bowl of additional berries on the side.
Tip: If you’re serving a crowd, you can lay out all the components and let everyone build their own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have unassembled ingredients, store whipped cream in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours—it may need a quick whisk before using. Strawberries and croissants can also be stored separately.
Freezing
The assembled croissants don’t freeze well because the cream and berries can make the pastry soggy. If needed, freeze the croissants alone and prepare fresh cream and berries the day you plan to serve.
Reheating
If your croissants lose some of their crispness in the fridge, just warm them in a low oven for a few minutes before slicing and filling. Never microwave whipped cream, as it will break down.
FAQs
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Can I make the whipped cream ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the whipped cream up to a day in advance. Store it in a covered container in the fridge. If it deflates a little, just whisk it lightly before using to bring back its volume.
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What if I don’t have almond extract?
No problem at all—vanilla extract makes a lovely substitute. It changes the flavor profile, but you’ll still have a beautifully fragrant whipped cream.
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Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe because they stay firm and don’t release too much liquid. If you use frozen ones, thaw and drain them well, or they may make the croissant soggy.
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The whipped cream looks grainy—what happened?
It sounds like you may have overwhipped the cream. Next time, stop when you see the whisk leaving clear, but soft, trails in the bowl. For now, you can try folding in a little more fresh cream by hand to smooth things out.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry and Almond Flavored Whipped Cream Filled Croissants are the kind of no-stress treat that still feels utterly special. There’s nothing complicated here—just a handful of quality ingredients, a bit of whipping, and a lot of deliciousness. Whether you need a quick breakfast or want to impress at brunch, these croissants are the answer. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!
PrintStrawberry and Almond Flavored Whipped Cream Filled Croissants Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 filled croissants 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Experience a delightful blend of airy almond-flavored whipped cream and fresh strawberries nestled inside buttery croissants. This easy treat combines the elegance of patisserie with the comfort of homemade freshness—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Croissants and Filling
- 4 store bought croissants
Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup white sugar (adjust more or less to taste)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Fruit
- 1/2 pint fresh strawberries, sliced (add more or less as desired)
Instructions
- Prepare the Whipped Cream: In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the heavy cream, white sugar, and almond extract. Use the whisk attachment and beat on medium speed. As the mixture thickens, watch carefully. Stop beating once medium peaks form; avoid overbeating so the cream remains fluffy.
- Slice the Croissants: Using a serrated knife, gently slice each croissant horizontally in half, creating a top and bottom half.
- Layer the Strawberries: Place a layer of sliced strawberries onto the bottom half of each croissant. Add a second layer if desired for more fruit flavor.
- Fill with Whipped Cream: Evenly spread or pipe one-fourth of the almond whipped cream on top of the strawberries for each croissant.
- Finish and Serve: Place the top half of each croissant over the filling. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest taste and texture.
Notes
- An electric hand mixer works as well as a stand mixer if that’s what you have available.
- Adjust the amount of strawberries or sugar based on your personal preference for sweetness or fruitiness.
- To make ahead, prepare the whipped cream and strawberries, but fill croissants just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 filled croissant
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg