Description

Indulge in these delightful Whipped Ricotta & Burnt Honey Croissants, a perfect blend of creamy ricotta whipped to a fluffy texture and sweet, caramelized burnt honey drizzled over crisp croissants. Ideal for a luxurious breakfast or an elegant snack, this recipe uses a simple stovetop method to create the burnt honey and a quick blend to whip the ricotta, resulting in a deliciously light treat that balances richness with subtle sweetness and optional herbal notes.

Ingredients

Scale

Croissants

4 large croissants (preferably day-old or slightly stale for the best texture)

Whipped Ricotta

1 ½ cups ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp lemon zest (optional)
Pinch of salt

Burnt Honey

2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp unsalted butter

Optional Garnish

Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (for a savory twist)

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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, which should take about 5 minutes. Be attentive to avoid burning the honey.
Incorporate butter: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the unsalted butter until fully incorporated, creating a smooth, rich burnt honey. Allow it to 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 the mixture until it becomes smooth and fluffy, enhancing the creaminess.
Assemble the croissants: Slice each croissant in half lengthwise. Spoon a generous portion of whipped ricotta onto the bottom half of each croissant.
Add burnt honey: Drizzle the prepared burnt honey evenly over the ricotta layer, then place the top halves of the croissants back on.
Serve: Serve the croissants immediately as is, or optionally toast them lightly to achieve an extra crispy texture. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired for a savory note.

Notes

Using day-old croissants enhances texture by providing a slight firmness that contrasts nicely with the creamy ricotta.
Burnt honey requires careful attention to avoid burning; remove from heat as soon as it reaches a deep amber to prevent bitterness.
Lemon zest adds a bright, fresh flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary add a lovely aromatic touch and balance the sweetness, especially if you prefer a savory twist.
Light toasting the assembled croissants adds crunch but serve immediately to enjoy the best combination of textures and temperatures.