Name: Strawberries and Cream Cruffins Recipe (Flaky, Easy u0026amp; Irresistible!)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 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 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional); 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing); Powdered sugar, for dusting

Strawberries and Cream Cruffins: The Bakery-Style Pastry You Can Actually Make at Home

Some recipes just feel like a warm hug wrapped in buttery layers—and Strawberries and Cream Cruffins are exactly that. The first time I baked a batch, the smell of flaky pastry mixed with sweet strawberry jam filled the kitchen, and I knew I had something special. I watched the golden spirals puff up beautifully in the oven, and when I took my first bite, I couldn’t believe they weren’t from a high-end bakery.

Cruffins, a hybrid between croissants and muffins, offer the best of both worlds: buttery, flaky texture with the soft, rich interior of a muffin. But what really takes them over the top is the strawberries and cream filling. The tang of cream cheese, the sweetness of whipped cream, and the fruity kick from strawberry jam make these pastries a showstopper.

Whether you’re baking for a brunch, a romantic weekend breakfast, or just a quiet morning treat, these cruffins are as fun to make as they are to eat. They look elegant, taste luxurious, and are easier than you think to pull off.

RECIPE OVERVIEW

Difficulty Level: Medium
Cuisine: Modern Brunch, Bakery-Inspired
Serving Size: 12 cruffins
Total Calories: 250-300 per cruffin
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Why You’ll Love These Strawberries and Cream Cruffins

Flaky and Buttery Layers: Made with puff pastry or croissant dough for bakery-quality texture
Creamy, Fruity Filling: Combines strawberry jam, cream cheese, and whipped cream for a dreamy balance
Easy Yet Elegant: Surprisingly simple to assemble and bake, with impressive results
Endlessly Customizable: Use different jams or add chocolate, nuts, or citrus for your own twist
Perfect for Any Occasion: From brunch tables to dessert platters, these cruffins shine anywhere

Ingredients

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 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
Powdered sugar, for dusting

Ingredient Highlights

Puff Pastry or Croissant Dough: This forms the light, flaky foundation of each cruffin. You can use ready-made dough to save time or homemade dough for extra flair.

Strawberry Jam: A bright, fruity layer that brings sweetness and color to every bite. It’s the heart of the “strawberries” in strawberries and cream.

Cream Cheese & Whipped Cream: These come together for a tangy, fluffy filling that pairs beautifully with the jam and pastry.

Vanilla & Lemon Juice: Add flavor depth and freshness to your cream mixture, enhancing the richness of the filling.

Butter: Brushed over the tops before baking to encourage golden brown color and extra flake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Roll and Fill the Dough

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
Lightly flour a work surface and roll the dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle.
Spread an even layer of strawberry jam over the dough, making sure it reaches all the way to the edges.

Step 2: Shape the Cruffins

Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log.
Slice the log in half lengthwise with a sharp knife to expose the layered interior.
Twist each half gently to form a rope, then coil each twisted rope into a spiral shape, like a cinnamon bun.
Place each spiral, cut side up, into a muffin tin cavity.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

Brush the tops of the cruffins with melted butter.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cruffins are golden, puffed, and crisp.
Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Filling

In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the vanilla extract and lemon juice until smooth.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to create a light, fluffy filling.

Step 5: Fill and Finish

Once the cruffins are completely cool, use a piping bag or spoon to add cream filling into the center of each.
Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Best Ways to Serve Strawberries and Cream Cruffins

Coffee Break Companion: Serve with a hot cup of coffee or a cappuccino.
Afternoon Tea: These cruffins elevate a simple tea time into a special moment.
Brunch Platter Star: Add them to a brunch spread with fresh fruit, eggs, and savory bites.
As a Dessert: Pair with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate for an indulgent dessert.
Holiday Treat: Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Easter, or Mother’s Day breakfast-in-bed.

Tips for Perfect Cruffins

Cold Dough Is Key: Warm dough becomes sticky and hard to shape.
Sharp Knife for Clean Cuts: A clean slice reveals those beautiful layers.
Less Is More with Jam: Spread just enough to flavor, not enough to leak.
Let Them Cool Before Filling: Adding cream too soon will melt it.
Pipe Right Before Serving: Keeps the texture of the filling fresh and fluffy.

Recipe Variations

Raspberry Delight: Use raspberry preserves instead of strawberry.
Citrus Curd: Fill with lemon or orange curd for a zesty twist.
Chocolate Hazelnut: Replace jam with Nutella and top with chopped hazelnuts.
Peach Cobbler: Use peach jam and cinnamon sugar.
Blueberry Dream: Swap strawberry for blueberry jam and add lemon zest to the cream.
Classic Cinnamon Sugar: Roll in cinnamon sugar and skip the filling for a buttery bun.
Cherry Almond: Cherry preserves and almond extract make a great combo.
S’mores Style: Add mini marshmallows and chocolate chips before baking.
Caramel Pecan: Drizzle baked cruffins with caramel and chopped pecans.
Vegan-Friendly: Use dairy-free dough, plant-based cream cheese, and coconut whipped cream.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Room Temperature (Unfilled): Store in a sealed container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerated (Filled): If filled with cream, refrigerate and enjoy within 24 hours.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked shaped cruffins on a tray. Transfer to a bag once firm and bake directly from frozen, adding 5 minutes.

Tools You’ll Need

Rolling pin
Sharp knife or pastry cutter
Muffin tin
Hand or stand mixer
Mixing bowls
Wire cooling rack
Piping bag (or zip-top bag with the corner snipped)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam? Yes! Dice them finely and toss with sugar to make them spreadable.

Do I have to add the cream filling? Not at all. The cruffins taste fantastic on their own.

Can I make the dough from scratch? Yes, but it will take more time. A yeasted croissant dough works best.

What if I don’t have a piping bag? Use a zip-top plastic bag with the corner cut off.

Can I freeze baked cruffins? Yes, but for best results freeze them unbaked and bake fresh.

Final Thoughts

Strawberries and Cream Cruffins are a celebration of texture and flavor. Each golden swirl is filled with the sweetness of strawberry jam and the rich tang of a fluffy cream center. The crisp exterior, tender crumb, and elegant presentation make these pastries an absolute treat.

Best of all, you don’t need to be a trained baker to master them. With a bit of rolling, twisting, and whipping, you’ll end up with a batch of cruffins that rival any bakery’s. They’re perfect for sharing—or not. No judgment if you eat two right out of the oven.

I hope these Strawberries and Cream Cruffins bring joy to your table and smiles to your morning. Share your beautiful bakes and tag me—I’d love to see how yours turn out. Happy baking!