Flaky, golden cruffins—crafted from buttery puff pastry and filled with a smooth, tangy blackberry cream—make for an irresistible brunch centerpiece or indulgent dessert. With their delicate pastry layers and vibrant berry filling, these bakery-worthy treats are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Blackberry Cream Cruffins combine the best of two favorites: the flaky texture of croissants and the ease of muffins. The rich cream cheese and blackberry filling adds a luxurious touch, while the puff pastry ensures a crisp exterior with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, tea party, or special breakfast, these cruffins are guaranteed to impress with both taste and presentation.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cruffins:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Powdered sugar for dusting

For the Blackberry Cream Filling:

• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

• Fresh blackberries

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 6-cup muffin tin or line it with parchment paper liners.
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Brush the entire surface with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with granulated sugar.
3. Roll the pastry tightly into a log, then slice into 6 equal pieces. Place each piece cut-side up in a muffin cup.
4. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the cruffins are golden brown and puffed. Allow them to cool completely in the tin before removing.
5. While the cruffins bake, prepare the filling: In a small saucepan, combine blackberries, lemon juice, and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the berries burst and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and cool.
6. Blend the berry mixture, then strain it to remove seeds.
7. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the blackberry purée and mix until the filling is creamy and thick.
8. Transfer the filling to a piping bag or use a small spoon. Carefully make a hole in the center of each cooled cruffin and fill with the blackberry cream.
9. Dust with powdered sugar and top with a fresh blackberry for garnish before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 cruffins. Preparation and baking time is approximately 45 minutes, plus cooling time for the filling and cruffins before assembly.

Variations

• Different fruits: Use raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries instead of blackberries.
• Chocolate twist: Add a swirl of melted dark chocolate or mini chocolate chips to the filling.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the pastry or the filling.
• Nutty crunch: Top with chopped pistachios or sliced almonds for added texture.
• Citrus flair: Incorporate orange or lime zest into the filling for a zesty note.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store filled cruffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: For best texture, reheat unfilled cruffins in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. Add the filling after reheating. Filled cruffins can also be served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

What is a cruffin?

A cruffin is a hybrid pastry that combines the flaky layers of a croissant with the shape of a muffin, often filled or topped with sweet ingredients.

Can I use homemade puff pastry?

Yes, if you have homemade puff pastry, it will work beautifully and add even more richness to the cruffins.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the blackberry cream can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Do I need a piping bag to fill the cruffins?

No, you can also use a small spoon to fill the center or simply spread the cream on top like a frosting.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free cream cheese and yogurt alternative, and check that your puff pastry is dairy-free as well.

Can I freeze the cruffins?

Unfilled cruffins can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before filling. Freezing filled cruffins is not recommended due to the dairy content of the cream.

How do I get the perfect cruffin shape?

Use a standard muffin tin and roll the puff pastry tightly. Placing the sliced rolls cut-side up ensures a uniform rise and defined layers.

Can I make mini cruffins?

Yes, use a mini muffin tin and cut smaller pieces of puff pastry to create bite-sized versions.

What kind of puff pastry should I use?

Use all-butter puff pastry for the best flavor and flakiness. Store-bought frozen sheets work well and are easy to handle.

Are these best served warm or cold?

They can be enjoyed either way. The cruffins are crisp when freshly baked, while the chilled filling offers a refreshing contrast when served cold.

Conclusion

Blackberry Cream Cruffins are a stunning and delicious treat that combines simplicity with elegance. With their flaky exterior, rich berry cream center, and eye-catching presentation, these pastries are perfect for a special breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you’re baking for guests or treating yourself, this recipe delivers a delightful pastry experience with minimal effort.

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