Fluffy croissants with cherries and coconut

Fluffy Croissants with Cherries and Coconut

If you're looking for a quick and delicious dessert recipe, these fluffy croissants filled with cherries and coconut are just what you need. Perfect for a savory breakfast or served alongside a fragrant coffee, these croissants are not only easy to make but also absolutely delightful. And if you're wondering how to customize them, don't worry – there are countless variations that can turn this recipe into a unique experience.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 croissants

Ingredients:
*For the dough:*
- 600 g all-purpose flour
- 13 g fresh yeast
- 350 ml soy milk (or other plant-based milk)
- 50 ml oil (sunflower or olive)
- 1 tablespoon raw sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt

*For the filling:*
- 200 g ripe cherries (pitted)
- 50 g shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons raw sugar

*For brushing:*
- 1 tablespoon honey (or agave syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 tablespoon soy milk

Instructions:

1. Prepare the filling: Start with the filling, which is the essence of these fluffy croissants. Rinse the cherries under cold water, pit them, and place them in a bowl. Add the raw sugar and shredded coconut. Mix all the ingredients well and let them sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cherries to release their juices. This step is essential for achieving an intense and delicious taste!

2. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the center. In another container, gently warm the soy milk until it's lukewarm, then add the crumbled fresh yeast and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it starts to foam. This step ensures effective activation of the yeast, which is crucial for a fluffy dough.

3. Knead the dough: Pour the yeast and milk mixture into the well in the flour and start kneading. Once the dough becomes homogeneous, add the salt and continue kneading for a few minutes. Finally, incorporate the oil and knead again until you achieve a soft and elastic dough. This dough will be the base of your fluffy croissants.

4. Let the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This waiting time is crucial for achieving a fluffy texture.

5. Shape the croissants: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangular shape. Cut it into triangles, making sure they are of equal size. At the base of each triangle, add a tablespoon of the cherry and coconut filling, then roll it towards the tip of the triangle to form the croissants. Make sure the filling is well wrapped in the dough.

6. Second rise: Place the croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Mix the honey with the soy milk and brush the croissants with this mixture. Let them rise for another 30 minutes to puff up even more.

7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius. Bake the croissants for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180 degrees Celsius and continue baking for another 20 minutes or until they are golden and browned. I recommend keeping a close eye on them, as every oven bakes differently.

8. Cool and serve: After removing them from the oven, let the croissants cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes. This step will help them become a bit firmer but still soft inside. Serve them warm, alongside a glass of soy milk or fragrant tea. They will surely be a delight!

Helpful tips:
- If you don't have cherries on hand, you can use any other preferred filling: raspberry jam, ground nuts, or dark chocolate. Each option will provide a different and delicious flavor.
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.
- If you want your croissants to be crunchier on the outside, you can sprinkle a little cornmeal on the baking sheet before placing the croissants.

Nutritional benefits: These croissants are a source of complex carbohydrates due to the flour, while cherries and coconut add essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and fiber. Soy milk provides plant-based protein, making it a healthy alternative to dairy milk.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?
Yes, you can substitute white flour with whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the liquid quantity to achieve the desired consistency.

2. How can I store the croissants?
The croissants store well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

3. What drinks pair best with these croissants?
These croissants are delicious alongside fruit tea or coffee with plant-based milk. You can also try a fruit smoothie for a complete breakfast!

A personal note: This recipe reminds me of my childhood, of the moments spent in my grandmother's garden, where cherries were everywhere. Each bite of these croissants brings back memories of those warm summer days, filled with flavors and joy. I encourage you to try them and share them with your loved ones – they will surely bring smiles to everyone's faces!

Enjoy your meal!