Strawberries and Cream Cruffins

Introduction

Mini Pancakes are your ticket to enjoying all the comfort and flavor of a classic breakfast in a fun, bite-sized form! These golden, fluffy little delights are perfect for stacking high, dipping into your favorite syrups, or even snacking straight from the plate. Whether you’re serving them up for a leisurely brunch, a special occasion, or a quick weekday treat, Mini Pancakes bring a touch of joy to every bite.

I remember the first time I made a big batch for a lazy Sunday breakfast—watching everyone grab them by the handful and drizzle them with syrup was pure happiness. The best part? They’re incredibly versatile! You can dust them with powdered sugar for a simple, sweet touch, pair them with fresh fruit for a refreshing twist, or even get creative with toppings like Nutella, peanut butter, or whipped cream.

And let’s not forget how easy they are to make! With just a few basic ingredients and a pan, you can whip up a batch in minutes. Whether you enjoy them as a cozy breakfast at home, a fun snack for the kids, or even a party treat, Mini Pancakes are always a hit!

Perfect for:

• Special breakfasts and brunches
• Afternoon tea
• Valentine’s Day or romantic occasions
• Spring and summer gatherings
• Anyone who loves strawberries and pastries

Why You’ll Love This Strawberries and Cream Cruffins

Here’s why Strawberries and Cream Cruffins will become your new favorite treat:

• Flaky, Buttery Layers: Using store-bought or homemade croissant dough, these cruffins have a beautifully crisp, golden exterior with soft, airy layers inside.
• Sweet and Fruity Flavor: The combination of strawberry jam and creamy filling creates the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
• Easy to Make: Despite their impressive look, these cruffins are surprisingly simple to prepare with just a few ingredients.
• Customizable: Swap out the filling flavors or add toppings like powdered sugar or glaze to make them your own.
• Bakery-Style Quality at Home: Enjoy gourmet-style pastries without the need for professional baking skills.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 12 cruffins
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 14g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberries and Cream Cruffins:

• 1 package (1 lb) puff pastry or croissant dough
• ½ cup strawberry jam
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Ingredient Highlights

• Puff Pastry or Croissant Dough: The key to achieving the signature flaky texture—store-bought or homemade both work well.
• Strawberry Jam: Adds a burst of fresh, fruity sweetness to complement the rich pastry.
• Cream Cheese & Whipped Cream: Creates a smooth, tangy-sweet filling that balances the flavors perfectly.
• Vanilla & Lemon Juice: Enhances the cream filling with extra depth and brightness.
• Melted Butter: Helps achieve a golden, crispy crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Strawberries and Cream Cruffins:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with parchment paper.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour a surface and roll out the puff pastry or croissant dough into a large rectangle (about 12×16 inches).
3. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the strawberry jam over the surface of the dough.

Roll and Cut the Cruffins:

4. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, similar to a cinnamon roll.
5. Slice the Rolls: Using a sharp knife, cut the log in half lengthwise to expose the layers.
6. Twist and Shape: Take each half, twist it into a loose spiral, and roll it into a muffin-like shape. Place each twisted piece into the prepared muffin tin.

Bake the Cruffins:

7. Brush with Butter: Lightly brush the tops with melted butter for extra crispiness.
8. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
9. Cool: Let the cruffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Prepare the Cream Filling:

10. Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
11. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth.
12. Combine: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.

Fill and Serve:

13. Fill the Cruffins: Once the cruffins have cooled, use a piping bag to fill them with the cream mixture or cut them in half and spread the filling inside.
14. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the tops with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
15. Serve and Enjoy!

How to Serve Strawberries and Cream Cruffins

Strawberries and Cream Cruffins are best enjoyed fresh and slightly warm. Here are some serving ideas:

• With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: These cruffins pair beautifully with hot drinks.
• With Fresh Berries: Serve with extra sliced strawberries or raspberries for a fresh touch.
• Drizzled with Chocolate: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or white chocolate for extra indulgence.
• For Special Occasions: Perfect for brunch gatherings, birthdays, or afternoon tea parties.
• As a Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luxurious treat.

Additional Tips for Strawberries and Cream Cruffins

• Use Cold Dough: Keeping the puff pastry cold makes it easier to handle and ensures flakier layers.
• Don’t Overfill: A thin layer of jam prevents it from oozing out while baking.
• Use a Sharp Knife: A sharp knife helps cut clean layers without squishing the dough.
• Chill Before Baking: If the dough becomes too warm, place the shaped cruffins in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking.
• Pipe the Cream Just Before Serving: The whipped cream filling is best when fresh.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Recipe Variations for Strawberries and Cream Cruffins

Here are 10 variations you can try for Strawberries and Cream Cruffins:

• Raspberry Cream Cruffins: Swap strawberry jam for raspberry jam.
• Lemon Cream Cruffins: Add lemon zest to the cream filling for a citrusy twist.
• Chocolate Strawberry Cruffins: Spread Nutella or melted chocolate before rolling the dough.
• Peach & Cream Cruffins: Use peach preserves instead of strawberry jam.
• Blueberry Cream Cruffins: Substitute strawberry jam with blueberry jam.
• Almond Cream Cruffins: Add sliced almonds and almond extract to the filling.
• Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins: Roll the dough with cinnamon sugar for a classic flavor.
• Pistachio & White Chocolate Cruffins: Add chopped pistachios and white chocolate chips.
• Caramel Apple Cruffins: Use apple butter or apple compote instead of jam.
• Vegan Cruffins: Use dairy-free puff pastry and coconut whipped cream for a vegan version.

Freezing and Storage for Strawberries and Cream Cruffins

• Freezing: Freeze unbaked cruffins on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Store baked cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If filled with cream, store in the fridge and consume within 1 day.

Special Equipment for Strawberries and Cream Cruffins

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Strawberries and Cream Cruffins easier:

• Rolling Pin: Helps roll out the dough evenly.
• Sharp Knife or Pastry Cutter: Essential for clean cuts and precise shaping.
• Muffin Tin: Creates the classic cruffin shape.
• Piping Bag: For neatly filling the cruffins with cream.
• Wire Rack: Allows the cruffins to cool properly without becoming soggy.
• Pastry Brush: Helps apply melted butter for a golden finish.

Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberries and Cream Cruffins

1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam?
   Yes! Chop fresh strawberries and mix them with a bit of sugar before spreading on the dough.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes! Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.
3. Can I use store-bought whipped cream?
   Yes, but homemade whipped cream gives a fresher taste and better texture.
4. How do I prevent the cruffins from getting soggy?
   Make sure they are fully cooled before adding the cream filling.
5. Can I use homemade croissant dough?
   Absolutely! It will enhance the flavor and texture even more.

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Conclusion

Strawberries and Cream Cruffins are a delightful way to bring the elegance of a bakery-style treat right into your home. With their flaky, golden layers, luscious strawberry filling, and rich, creamy center, these cruffins are an irresistible indulgence. A dusting of powdered sugar adds the perfect finishing touch to this sweet and buttery delight.

This recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat, making it perfect for brunch, dessert, or any special occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with family or savoring one all to yourself, these cruffins are sure to impress.

I’d love to see how your Strawberries and Cream Cruffins turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!