Looking for an indulgent, yet easy-to-make pastry that will elevate your breakfast or dessert game? Whipped Ricotta & Burnt Honey Croissants are the perfect combination of crispy, flaky croissants with a rich and creamy ricotta filling, sweetened with the caramelized flavor of burnt honey. This simple, yet decadent treat is perfect for a special brunch, dessert, or just a moment of indulgence. The lightness of the ricotta and the bold, deep flavor of the burnt honey create a perfect balance of sweetness and richness that will have everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love Whipped Ricotta & Burnt Honey Croissants
Here’s why this recipe will quickly become your go-to pastry:
Easy to Make
This recipe uses store-bought croissants, which makes it incredibly simple to prepare. With minimal effort, you’ll have a delightful dessert or breakfast pastry ready in no time.
Rich & Creamy
The whipped ricotta provides a smooth, creamy texture that contrasts perfectly with the crispy croissant. The richness of the ricotta is complemented by the caramelized depth of the burnt honey.
Sweet and Savory
The combination of the sweet, slightly smoky burnt honey and the savory notes of the ricotta makes this pastry a unique treat that appeals to a wide variety of tastes.
Versatile
This treat works equally well as a breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a dessert. Serve it with a cup of coffee or tea, and you have the perfect pairing for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Whipped Ricotta & Burnt Honey Croissants, you’ll need:
For the Croissants:
- Store-bought Croissants: Flaky and buttery croissants form the base of this recipe. You can use fresh or day-old croissants.
- Butter: For extra richness and a glossy finish on top.
For the Whipped Ricotta Filling:
- Ricotta Cheese: Full-fat ricotta is ideal for a creamy, smooth texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the ricotta without making it overly sweet.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and a warm, aromatic flavor to the ricotta filling.
- Lemon Zest (Optional): A touch of lemon zest brightens the ricotta and adds a zesty contrast to the honey.
For the Burnt Honey:
- Honey: Use a mild, good-quality honey for this recipe. The honey will be gently caramelized to give it a deep, warm flavor.
- Water: A small amount to help melt and reduce the honey.
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Ready to indulge in this sweet and savory treat? Let’s get started!
Step 1: Make the Whipped Ricotta
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of lemon zest (if using). Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the ricotta until smooth and fluffy. Set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Burnt Honey
In a small saucepan, add the honey and a tablespoon of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let the honey come to a gentle simmer, and then reduce the heat to low. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, or until the honey thickens slightly and takes on a deep amber color. Be careful not to burn it. Once the honey has caramelized, remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Toast the Croissants
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the croissants in half lengthwise. Place them on a baking sheet and lightly toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden and crisp. If you like, you can brush a little melted butter on top before toasting for an extra rich flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Croissants
Once the croissants are toasted, spoon a generous amount of the whipped ricotta onto the bottom half of each croissant. Drizzle the warm burnt honey over the ricotta, allowing it to soak in a little. Top with the other half of the croissant.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the croissants immediately, either as a decadent breakfast, dessert, or snack. Enjoy the crispy texture, creamy ricotta, and the irresistible burnt honey sweetness in every bite.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350 kcal (approx.)
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 140mg
Total Carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 21g
Protein: 5g
(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes (including toasting croissants)
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
How to Serve Whipped Ricotta & Burnt Honey Croissants
These Whipped Ricotta & Burnt Honey Croissants can be served in several ways:
As a Brunch Treat
This is a perfect dish for a relaxed brunch with friends or family. Serve alongside fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal.
With Coffee or Tea
Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy, indulgent treat during your afternoon break or as a delightful breakfast.
As a Dessert
These croissants are rich enough to serve as a dessert after dinner. The whipped ricotta and burnt honey provide a decadent yet light finish to a meal.
Additional Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the whipped ricotta and burnt honey ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply toast the croissants and assemble.
- Other Fillings: Feel free to get creative with your fillings! Try adding a layer of fresh berries, figs, or even a little bit of lemon curd for extra flavor.
- Make it Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based ricotta substitute and coconut cream instead of regular heavy cream for the whipped texture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use any type of croissant for this recipe?
A1: Yes! Fresh or day-old croissants work well. If you want an extra crispy texture, try using butter croissants for a more flavorful base.
Q2: Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
A2: While honey adds a particular caramelized flavor when burnt, you can substitute it with maple syrup for a different but equally delicious taste. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as maple syrup burns quicker than honey.
Q3: Can I make this recipe without the whipped ricotta?
A3: Yes, you can skip the ricotta filling and simply drizzle the burnt honey over the toasted croissants for a simpler version. However, the ricotta adds a creamy richness that pairs perfectly with the honey.
Q4: Can I store leftover croissants?
A4: While croissants are best eaten fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Reheat them in the oven to regain some of their crispiness before serving.
Q5: How do I make this recipe more indulgent?
A5: For an extra indulgent treat, add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top of the whipped ricotta. You could also sprinkle some toasted nuts or chocolate shavings for extra flavor and texture.
Q6: Can I use other fruits with the ricotta filling?
A6: Absolutely! Fresh figs, strawberries, or even a touch of lemon curd would pair wonderfully with the ricotta and honey. Be sure to adjust the sweetness based on the fruit used.
Q7: How long can I store the whipped ricotta filling?
A7: The whipped ricotta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before using.
Conclusion
Whipped Ricotta & Burnt Honey Croissants are the perfect pastry for anyone who loves a combination of crispy, creamy, and sweet flavors. The burnt honey adds a unique caramelized touch, while the ricotta brings a rich, smooth contrast to the flaky croissants. This treat is as simple as it is decadent, making it the perfect addition to any meal or special occasion. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious breakfast or a sweet ending to your meal, these croissants are sure to impress!
PrintWhipped Ricotta & Burnt Honey Croissants
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these irresistible Whipped Ricotta & Burnt Honey Croissants! A perfect balance of creamy, fluffy ricotta and the rich sweetness of burnt honey, all wrapped in flaky, buttery croissants. This decadent treat is ideal for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 4 large croissants (preferably day-old or slightly stale for the best texture)
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for the burnt honey)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp lemon zest (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (for a savory twist)
Instructions
- Prepare the burnt honey:
- In a small saucepan, heat the honey over medium heat until it starts to bubble and foam. Stir occasionally and allow it to turn a deep amber color (about 5 minutes). Be careful not to burn it.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter until fully incorporated. Let it cool slightly.
- Make the whipped ricotta:
- In a food processor, combine the ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, lemon zest (if using), and a pinch of salt. Pulse until smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble the croissants:
- Slice the croissants in half lengthwise. Spoon a generous amount of whipped ricotta onto the bottom half of each croissant.
- Drizzle the burnt honey over the ricotta layer and top with the other half of the croissant.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately as is, or you can toast the croissants lightly for an extra crispy texture.
Notes
- If you don’t have day-old croissants, fresh ones will also work, but slightly stale croissants have a better texture when toasted or filled.
- The burnt honey can be stored in a jar and used for other recipes like drizzling over roasted vegetables, desserts, or even as a tea sweetener.
- For a more savory version, add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme to the ricotta before whipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croissant
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 130 mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg