Experience the delightful taste of our Flat Croissants, an innovative twist on the classic French pastry. These croissants combine the crispiness of puff pastry with the smoothness of vanilla custard, topped with a burst of fresh berries. Ideal for a sophisticated dessert or a luxurious treat during your coffee break, these croissants are both visually appealing and irresistibly tasty.
Why You'll Love These Flat Croissants
- Crispy Texture: The use of puff pastry ensures each bite is perfectly crisp and flaky.
- Rich Vanilla Custard: Homemade vanilla custard adds a creamy, luxurious layer that perfectly complements the crispy pastry.
- Freshness of Berries: The addition of fresh berries not only adds a lovely visual appeal but also introduces a refreshing, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Whether served as a dessert at a dinner party or enjoyed as a mid-morning snack, these flat croissants are versatile and suited for any occasion.
Perfect Occasion
These Flat Croissants are perfect for high tea events, elegant brunches, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with a sophisticated and delicious pastry. They are also ideal for holiday celebrations or as a special weekend treat.
Decoration Tips
- Berry Beautiful: Top each croissant with an assortment of berries for a colorful and appetizing presentation.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a touch of sweetness and makes them even more irresistible.
- Edible Flowers: For a more decorative touch, garnish with edible flowers alongside the berries for a stunning visual effect.
Ingredients
- 400g puff pastry
- Fresh blueberries (or your choice of berries) for decoration
For the Custard Filling:
- 250ml milk
- 50g sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 25g cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Prepare the Vanilla Custard:
- Warm the milk in a saucepan until steaming but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture, stirring continuously.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, then transfer to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent skin formation, and let cool.
Bake the Flat Croissants:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into 8-9 triangles.
- Make a small slit at the wide end of each triangle, roll them up into croissants.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with another sheet of parchment and a second baking sheet on top to flatten.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy, applying gentle pressure occasionally to keep them flat.
- Cool the croissants completely.
Assemble and Serve:
- Fill a piping bag with the cooled custard.
- Pipe the custard onto each croissant and garnish with fresh blueberries.
Enjoy these sophisticated Flat Croissants filled with creamy vanilla custard and topped with fresh berries, a true pastry masterpiece that's sure to delight at any occasion!