Eesha Kulkarni

The latest ‘foodtok’ sensation to capture home chefs and carb enthusiasts alike is the viral ‘flat croissant’ recipe. Born out of the need to breathe new life into day-old pastries, this innovative twist on the classic croissant has taken social media by storm. From its humble beginnings as a simple hack to revive stale croissants, it has now blossomed into a full-fledged culinary craze, with restaurants, cafes and home cooks putting their own spin on this delightful treat.

What Are Flat Croissants?

The journey of the flat croissant begins with the simple act of flattening down a day-old croissant until it is paper-thin. This step not only revitalises the texture of the pastry but also unlocks a world of creative possibilities. Once flattened, the croissant is fried or baked in butter to achieve a golden crispiness, before being generously doused in honey for a decadent finish. The result? A mouthwatering creation that bears a striking resemblance to the beloved French Toast Crunch cereal, offering a delightful marriage of buttery richness and sweet indulgence.

In a world where croissants are revered for their labour-intensive preparation process, which can span several days, finding ways to extend their shelf life is essential. By repurposing day-old pastries in imaginative ways, chefs and home cooks are not only minimising waste but also unleashing the full potential of this beloved pastry.

The Endless Possibilities of the Flat Croissant

One of the most exciting aspects of the flat croissant trend is its versatility. Once revived, the croissant serves as a blank canvas, ready to be adorned with an array of delicious toppings.

From savoury options like burrata and prosciutto to sweet delights like whipped topping and fresh berries, the possibilities are truly endless. Food creators on social media have embraced this creativity, offering a plethora of inventive variations to suit every palate.

Recipe: How to Make Flat Croissants

Ingredients

• ⅔ cup Butter, unsalted, melted
• ¼ cup Granulated Sugar
• 6 cups Whipped Cream Topping
• 12 oz Fresh Raspberries
• ⅔ cup Fresh Basil Leaves, Chiffonade

Method

1. Thawing: Take your croissants out of the freezer and cover them. Let them sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, or alternatively, you can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Flattening: Once fully thawed, gently flatten each croissant using a rolling pin until they are paper thin.
3. Assembly: Spread a thin layer of melted butter (about 2/3 teaspoon) on both the top and bottom sides of each croissant.
4. Heat a griddle and place the buttered croissants on it. Use a greased steak weight to press them down.
5. Cook the croissants for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they turn slightly brown.
6. Caramelisation: Sprinkle a tablespoon of sugar onto the griddle. Continue cooking the croissants for an additional 1-3 minutes on each side until they caramelise and become crispy. Once done, remove them from the heat and allow them to cool slightly.
7. Finishing Touches: Transfer the cooked croissants onto a serving plate. Pipe about ½ cup (1.3 ounces) of whipped cream onto each croissant.
8. Place 8 fresh raspberries on top of each croissant for a burst of flavour.
9. Finally, garnish each croissant with a tablespoon of chiffonade basil.
10. Serve immediately and savour the delightful flavours of your homemade flat croissants!