Coconut Cream Croissant Delight

Name: Coconut Cream Croissant Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 large croissants; 1 cup coconut milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut; 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Quick Dessert Ideas

I absolutely adore making Coconut Cream Croissant Delight! The blend of flaky croissant layers with luscious coconut cream is an indulgent treat that never fails to impress. Each bite feels like a mini vacation, transporting my taste buds straight to a tropical paradise. This delightful recipe is perfect for brunch gatherings or as a special afternoon snack. Plus, it's surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a go-to whenever I want to impress my friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-25T19:58:28.108Z

Creating Coconut Cream Croissant Delight was a delightful experience for me. I experimented with different amounts of coconut milk and cream to find the perfect balance, and let me tell you, the richness was heavenly. I found that chilling the coconut mixture for a bit before layering it makes it easier to work with, resulting in a cream that's fluffy yet thick enough to hold its shape.

Another tip I discovered is to serve these croissants slightly warm. The gentle heat helps to enhance the coconut flavor and makes the cream even more delightful. It's truly a simple yet elegant dessert that has become a favorite in my household!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Flaky, buttery croissants filled with rich coconut cream
Perfectly balanced flavors of sweet coconut and delicate pastry
An elegant dessert that is easy enough for any occasion

Mastering the Coconut Cream

The coconut cream filling is the heart of this recipe, and the choice of coconut milk is crucial. Opt for full-fat coconut milk to achieve that rich, creamy texture that complements the light, flaky croissants. When whisking the coconut cream, ensure your mixing bowl and whisk are cold to help the cream hold its shape. Aim for soft peaks, which should take about 2-3 minutes of whipping. Be gentle when folding in the shredded coconut; overmixing can cause the cream to lose its lightness.

Keeping the coconut cream chilled until assembly is a game changer. If the cream warms up, it can become runny and difficult to fill the croissants neatly. You can prepare the coconut cream a few hours in advance; just store it in the refrigerator. This not only saves time on the day you intend to serve them but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the croissant delight.

Perfecting Your Croissant Assembly

When slicing the croissants, a serrated knife works best as it helps prevent tearing. Cut gently along the center without applying too much pressure, which can squish the pastry. Spread the coconut cream generously, but be mindful not to overfill; this can lead to spillage during baking. The goal is to have just enough filling that, when heated, some might ooze out a bit, creating a deliciously messy treat without overwhelming the croissant structure.

If you have leftover coconut cream, consider serving it alongside the croissants as a dip or dollop. It enhances the coconut experience and allows your guests to control their creaminess level. Plus, you can also use any leftover croissants for this treat. They freeze well, and a quick blast in the oven can revive their flakiness for this delightful recipe!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Coconut Cream Croissant Delight:

Ingredients

4 large croissants
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes (for garnish)

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Coconut Cream Croissant Delight:

Prepare the Coconut Cream

In a bowl, mix together the coconut milk, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip the mixture until it forms soft peaks. Gently fold in the shredded coconut.

Assemble the Croissants

Slice each croissant in half lengthwise. Generously fill each croissant with the prepared coconut cream, smoothing it evenly.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the filled croissants on a baking tray and bake for about 10 minutes, or until they are warm and slightly golden.

Serve

Remove from the oven and garnish with toasted coconut flakes before serving. Enjoy your Coconut Cream Croissant Delight warm!

Serve these delicious croissants warm for the best experience!

Pro Tips

Be sure to use day-old croissants for the best texture. Fresh croissants may become too soggy when filled with the cream.

Storage Tips

To keep your Coconut Cream Croissant Delight fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Be warned that the croissants may lose some of their flakiness, but reheating them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes can help restore some texture. Just ensure they are not overbaked, as they can become dry if left too long.

For longer storage, consider freezing unbaked, filled croissants. After assembling them, place them on a lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be baked directly from the freezer—just add an extra few minutes to the baking time. This makes for a quick treat whenever you crave something special without spending extensive time in the kitchen.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different flavors by adding a hint of almond extract or citrus zest to the coconut cream. A tablespoon of lime or orange zest can elevate the tropical flavors significantly. Additionally, adding a few drops of coconut extract can amplify the coconut essence if you're a true coconut aficionado.

For those who enjoy chocolate, drizzling melted dark or white chocolate over the assembled croissants can create an indulgent contrast to the coconut cream. You could also sprinkle in some mini chocolate chips to the coconut cream mixture for a delightful surprise in each bite, combining textures and flavors that complement the flakiness of the croissant beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use sweetened coconut instead?

Yes, but it may make your coconut cream sweeter than intended.

→ What if I can't find shredded coconut?

You can substitute with finely grated coconut or even coconut flour in a pinch.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover croissants in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the coconut cream and fill the croissants a few hours before serving. Just bake them just before serving.