Combining sweet strawberry jam with rich cherry flavour for a vibrant filling that tastes wonderfully indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen. Using ready-made croissants makes this recipe especially convenient, so you can create an impressive breakfast pastry with simple ingredients and minimal fuss.
Whether you’re planning a cosy weekend brunch, a Valentine’s Day breakfast, a Mother’s Day treat or a pretty afternoon tea spread, these fruit-filled croissants are guaranteed to look as tempting as they taste.
And because the filling is easy to customise, you can make every batch your own. Think creamy vanilla, a dusting of icing sugar or a little melted chocolate for an extra-special finish.
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Cherry Jam Croissants
These strawberry cherry croissants deliver that gorgeous bakery-style look without the stress of making laminated pastry from scratch.
Big flavour, little effort. Ready-made croissants provide buttery, flaky layers, while strawberry and cherry jam create a sweet, tangy filling that tastes deliciously homemade.
Perfect for breakfast and brunch. Serve them alongside fresh fruit, yoghurt, coffee or a creamy latte for a breakfast spread that feels effortlessly elegant.
Easy to customise. Add cream cheese for a cheesecake-inspired centre, vanilla for extra fragrance or chocolate for a decadent dessert pastry.
Golden pastry, jewel-red jam and a delicate dusting of icing sugar make these strawberry croissants a beautiful addition to brunch recipes, breakfast ideas and afternoon tea tables.
Ingredients for Strawberry Cherry Jam Croissants
This recipe makes six filled croissants using ready-made, fully baked pastries. The filling is simple, fruity and easy to prepare.
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6 medium butter croissants, approximately 60–70g each
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90g strawberry jam
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90g cherry jam
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100g cream cheese, softened
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20g icing sugar, plus extra for dusting
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
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1 tablespoon milk, if needed to loosen the cream cheese
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1 teaspoon melted butter, optional, for brushing
The flavour combination: Strawberry jam brings a familiar sweetness, while cherry jam adds a deeper, slightly tangy fruitiness. Cream cheese balances both with a smooth, lightly tangy layer that makes each bite feel extra indulgent.
Choose thick, good-quality jams rather than very runny preserves. This helps prevent the filling from leaking out of the croissants during warming.
How to Make Strawberry Cherry Jam Croissants
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5–8 minutes
Total time: Approximately 18 minutes
Servings: 6 croissants
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Filling
Place the softened cream cheese in a small bowl with the icing sugar and vanilla extract.
Beat until smooth and creamy. If the mixture feels too thick to spread, add a little milk, just enough to create a soft, spoonable consistency.
This creamy layer adds a lovely contrast to the fruity jam and helps transform simple croissants into a more luxurious breakfast treat.
Step 2: Mix the Strawberry and Cherry Jam
Add the strawberry jam, cherry jam and lemon juice to a separate bowl.
Stir gently until the two jams are combined but still retain some of their natural colour and texture.
Taste the mixture before filling the croissants. If your jams are particularly sweet, the lemon juice helps brighten the flavour without overpowering the fruit.
Step 3: Slice the Croissants
Using a small serrated knife, carefully slice each croissant horizontally, leaving one edge attached if possible.
This creates a pocket for the filling while keeping the pastry easy to handle.
For a prettier presentation, avoid cutting all the way through. The croissants will open like little pastry sandwiches and hold their filling more neatly.
Step 4: Add the Filling
Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese inside each croissant.
Spoon approximately one tablespoon of the strawberry cherry jam mixture over the cream cheese, adjusting the quantity to suit the size of each pastry.
Don’t overfill them. A generous-looking centre is lovely, but too much jam can make the delicate croissant layers soggy.
Step 5: Warm Until Golden and Delicious
Preheat your oven to 180°C conventional or 160°C fan.
Arrange the filled croissants on a lined baking tray. Brush the tops lightly with melted butter if you want a little extra shine.
Warm for approximately 5–8 minutes, until the pastries are lightly crisp and the filling is warmed through. Watch carefully because croissants can brown quickly.
Allow them to cool for a minute or two, then dust lightly with icing sugar before serving.
The result is a warm, buttery croissant with a creamy centre and a glossy strawberry-cherry filling. Absolutely lovely with your morning coffee!
My Best Tips for Flaky, Bakery-Style Croissants
1. Start with Fresh, Buttery Croissants
The quality of your pastry makes a real difference. Choose croissants with distinct, delicate layers and a buttery aroma.
Day-old croissants can work too, especially when warmed in the oven, but avoid pastries that are already dry or excessively hard.
2. Keep the Jam Filling Thick
Runny jam can seep into the pastry and soften its crisp layers.
If your strawberry or cherry jam is particularly loose, simmer it gently in a small saucepan for a few minutes to reduce excess moisture. Cool it completely before assembling the croissants.
3. Don’t Skip the Cream Cheese
The cream cheese is what gives this recipe its extra-special bakery-style appeal.
Its mild tang balances the sweet fruit, creating a flavour reminiscent of strawberry cheesecake. For a lighter fruit-forward version, simply reduce the cream cheese or leave it out.
4. Warm Them Just Before Serving
Freshly warmed croissants offer the best contrast between crisp pastry and soft filling.
Prepare the filling ahead of time and store it separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and warm the pastries shortly before breakfast or brunch.
5. Make the Presentation Extra Special
A light dusting of icing sugar is all you need for a classic finish.
For a more indulgent dessert, add fresh strawberry slices, a few cherries or a delicate drizzle of melted white chocolate. These small touches make your homemade croissants look beautiful on a brunch table.
Delicious Variations to Try
One of the best things about this easy croissant recipe is how easily it adapts to different tastes and occasions.
Strawberry cheesecake croissants: Use strawberry jam with sweetened cream cheese and a little extra vanilla for a creamy dessert-inspired filling.
Chocolate cherry croissants: Add a few dark chocolate chips alongside the cherry jam for a rich, fruity combination.
Fresh strawberry croissants: Replace some of the jam with finely sliced fresh strawberries. Pat them dry first to avoid introducing too much moisture.
Almond strawberry croissants: Sprinkle a few flaked almonds over the tops before warming for a delicate crunch and a lovely bakery-style finish.
Mini croissant bites: Use mini croissants and reduce the filling accordingly. These make attractive additions to brunch platters, parties and afternoon tea spreads.
What to Serve with Strawberry Cherry Jam Croissants
These fruit-filled pastries are delicious on their own, but pairing them with a few simple extras makes breakfast feel even more special.
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Fresh berries: Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries bring freshness and colour.
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Greek yoghurt: A creamy, slightly tangy accompaniment balances the sweet pastry.
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Coffee or cappuccino: The roasted flavour of coffee works beautifully with strawberry and cherry.
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Fresh orange juice: Its bright citrus flavour complements the fruity filling.
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A brunch platter: Add boiled eggs, fresh fruit and yoghurt for a more substantial breakfast spread.
For an elegant weekend brunch, arrange the croissants on a serving board with fresh berries and a small bowl of extra jam. It’s a simple presentation that looks thoughtfully prepared without requiring lots of extra work.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These croissants taste best shortly after warming, when the exterior is crisp and the filling is soft.
Store any leftover filled croissants in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days because the recipe contains cream cheese.
Reheat in an oven at 160°C conventional or 140°C fan for approximately 5–8 minutes, checking frequently. The pastry may not return to its original crispness, but gentle reheating helps improve its texture.
For the best make-ahead results, keep the cream cheese mixture and jam mixture refrigerated separately, then fill the croissants shortly before serving.
Avoid freezing fully assembled croissants with the cream cheese filling, as the texture can change after thawing.
Nutrition Information
The following figures are estimates per filled croissant, based on six servings and the ingredients listed above.
| Nutrient | Approximate amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 kcal |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Sugars | 19g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated fat | 11g |
| Fibre | 2g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
Actual nutrition will vary depending on the size and brand of croissants, the jams used and the cream cheese. These are indulgent breakfast pastries rather than a low-sugar or low-fat option, so enjoy them as part of a balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use puff pastry instead of croissants?
Yes, although the result will be different. Puff pastry creates crisp, layered pockets rather than the soft, curved shape and delicate interior of a traditional croissant. Seal the filling carefully and follow the baking instructions for your pastry.
Can I make these without cream cheese?
Absolutely! Simply fill the croissants with strawberry and cherry jam. The result will be fruitier and slightly sweeter, with fewer ingredients and less preparation.
Can I use homemade strawberry or cherry jam?
Definitely. Homemade jam works wonderfully, provided it has a reasonably thick consistency. Allow freshly cooked jam to cool completely before using it as a filling.
Are these croissants suitable for brunch parties?
Yes! You can prepare the fillings in advance, then assemble and warm the pastries shortly before guests arrive. Mini croissants are especially useful when serving a crowd.
Can I serve them as dessert?
Of course. Add chocolate drizzle, fresh berries or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn these breakfast pastries into an easy dessert.
Final Thoughts: Your New Favourite Fruity Breakfast Treat
These strawberry cherry jam croissants prove that a delicious, impressive breakfast doesn’t need to involve complicated baking techniques or a long list of ingredients.
With buttery pastry, a creamy centre and the irresistible combination of sweet strawberries and rich cherries, they’re an easy way to bring a little bakery magic into your kitchen.
Make them for a lazy Sunday breakfast, a special brunch or whenever you’re craving a sweet homemade treat. Experiment with the fillings, add your favourite toppings and discover the combination your family loves most.
Give these strawberry cherry jam croissants a try! Save the recipe for your next breakfast or brunch, and share how yours turned out. I’d love to know whether you went with the classic fruity filling, the cheesecake-inspired version or a chocolatey twist.
