Pecan Supreme Croissants

Delicious autumn-scent Pecan Supreme Croissants rolls, flaky, chocolaty, and with luxury pecan patisserie cream. They're a combination of mouth-licking bites that satisfy both mouth and eyes.

So, after the wild success of my Pistachio Puff Pastry Croissants that took the internet by storm, I thought it was high time to bring you another variation. This time, I’ve made something just as decadent but with a rich, nutty twist: Pecan Puff Pastry Supreme Croissants with Pecan Pastry Cream.

As you know, I’m all about shortcuts that don’t sacrifice flavor—hello, puff pastry! It’s my secret weapon in the kitchen. With the addition of cinnamon and buttery layers, these croissants are next level. You won’t believe they’re made with store-bought puff pastry.

The Pecan Supreme Croissants pastry cream filling is rich and indulgent, and trust me, it’s worth the extra step. But the best part? These croissants bake up beautifully in a ring, giving them that bakery-worthy shape, and covering them ensures they don’t puff too wildly. It’s pure perfection!

RECIPE INGREDIENTS

For the Croissants:

• 2 packs of puff pastry (store-bought works great)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (roasted for extra flavor)
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

For the Pecan Pastry Cream:

• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for a rich finish)

For the Decoration:

• 2 oz Caramilk chocolate (or your favorite caramel-flavored chocolate)
• Extra chopped pecans (for topping)

Preparing the Pecan Pastry Cream

Let’s talk about that filling. The pecan pastry cream is where the real magic happens. It's rich, buttery, and has that perfectly roasted pecan flavor that makes everything taste extra indulgent. If you haven’t made pastry cream before, don’t worry! It’s actually easier than you think and brings a real wow factor to the croissants.

Let’s start with the pecan pastry cream. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium until the mixture just begins to simmer—don’t let it boil! Stir frequently to prevent scorching.

While the milk mixture is heating, whisk together the egg yolks and cornstarch in a separate bowl until smooth. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Once combined, pour it back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking until the mixture thickens (about 2-3 minutes).

Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, toasted pecans, and butter. Let it cool, then cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface) to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate the cream while you prep the puff pastry.

Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, toasted pecans, and butter. Let it cool, then cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface) to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate the cream while you prep the puff pastry.

Preparing the Puff Pastry

Now, roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the pastry into long strips (about 2-3 cm wide).

Brush the surface of each strip with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon. This adds a lovely aromatic flavor that complements the rich pecan filling.

Rolling and Baking with the Ring

Now comes the fun part! Roll up each strip tightly from the base to the tip, making sure the tip is tucked underneath to hold the shape during baking.

Place the rolled croissants into a baking ring or on a baking sheet, ensuring they’re snug but not touching. If you don’t have a baking ring, you can place the croissants close together, but the ring method really helps them maintain that bakery-style shape.

Cover the croissants with a second dish or piece of foil (this is key to preventing too much puffing). This step ensures they bake with that perfect, controlled rise. It also helps them keep their shape as they bake into the gorgeous croissants you’re dreaming of.

Whisk the egg and brush it over the top of each croissant for a golden, glossy finish. Top each croissant with chopped roasted pecans for extra crunch and nutty flavor.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the croissants for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them, as puff pastry bakes quickly and beautifully, but we don’t want any over-baking!

Once baked, take the croissants out of the oven and let them cool slightly, and let's move to another step!

Assemble and Serve

Once the croissants are out of the oven and have cooled slightly, it’s time for the best part: filling them with more pecan pastry cream.

Use a piping bag or a spoon to carefully insert the cream inside the croissants through a small slit on the side. Don’t be shy—get generous with that creamy, nutty goodness.

Next, melt your Caramilk chocolate (or any caramel-flavored chocolate) in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave. Drizzle or spread the melted chocolate over the top of each croissant for an extra sweet touch.

Finally, decorate the tops with more chopped pecans, pressing them gently into the chocolate for a beautiful, crunchy finish. And you have it: you made your the first simplified Puff Pastry Pecan Supreme Croissants!

Tips for Success

Puff pastry: Thaw it properly before using, and make sure it’s cold when working with it for the best flakiness.

Pastry cream: Make sure to let the cream cool completely before using it. If you use it warm, it might make the pastry soggy.

Cinnamon & butter: Don't skip this step! It adds a rich, warm flavor to the croissants that pairs so well with the pecans.

Baking ring technique: The baking ring helps control the puffing during baking, so the croissants stay beautifully shaped and don’t get too out of control in the oven. If you don’t have a ring, simply bake them close together on a sheet and cover them for a controlled rise.

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Do you like more recipes like these? Check our other Puff Pastry Favorites!