What are the ingredients in La Boulangerie croissant toast?

La Boulangerie’s croissant toast is a delicious pastry made by layering sliced croissants with sweet fillings like custard or fruit jam. It makes for a perfect breakfast or brunch item. As croissant toast features croissants as the base, the main ingredients include typical croissant dough ingredients like butter, flour, yeast, milk, and sugar.

Table of Contents

Croissant Dough Ingredients

The basic ingredients found in La Boulangerie croissant dough are:

Flour – The flour provides structure and gluten development for the pastry dough. La Boulangerie likely uses a combination of bread flour and all-purpose flour.
Butter – Butter is essential for the flaky layers in croissants. High fat European-style butter is used.
Water – Water hydrates the dough and allows the gluten to develop.

Yeast – Yeast ferments the dough and provides rise. Active dry yeast or instant yeast is commonly used.
Salt – Salt provides flavor and controls the yeast fermentation rate.
Sugar – A small amount of sugar feeds the yeast.

Milk – Milk adds tenderness, flavor, and browning to the dough.

The basic croissant dough ingredients are quite simple, but the lamination process gives croissants their signature flaky layers. This is done by spreading chilled butter between folded layers of dough, then rolling and folding the dough to create thin sheets of butter and dough over several turns.

Fillings

In addition to the basic croissant dough, La Boulangerie’s croissant toast features sweet fillings sandwiched between the sliced pieces of croissant. Common fillings include:

Custard – A rich and creamy vanilla custard made with eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla.
Fruit jam – Sweet jams made from berries, stone fruits, or citrus fruits spread a layer of fruity flavor.
Chocolate – Melted chocolate or chocolate-hazelnut spread gives a classic combination of chocolate and croissant.

Cheese – Soft cheeses like ricotta or mascarpone add a mild creamy element.
Nutella – The popular chocolate-hazelnut spread makes for a beloved filling option.
Caramel – Buttery dulce de leche caramel sauce can be used between croissant layers.

The custard and fruit jam fillings are likely the most common, as they pair classically with croissants. However, La Boulangerie may mix up the offerings depending on the season, availability of ingredients, or limited time offerings.

Custard Filling

If La Boulangerie uses a rich custard filling, it likely contains:

Milk – Provides the base and flavor for custard.

Cream – Adds extra richness and a silky texture.
Sugar – Sweetens the custard.
Eggs – Whole eggs or sometimes just yolks provide thickness.

Corn starch – Can help thicken the custard.
Vanilla – Vanilla extract adds flavoring.
Butter – Small amounts of butter enhance richness.

The ingredients are gently heated together on the stovetop to thicken the custard before it is allowed to cool and used for the croissant filling. This creates a rich, decadent filling that perfectly accompanies the flaky, buttery croissant layers.

Fruit Jam Filling

If fruit jam is used as a filling, La Boulangerie likely uses high quality jams made with the following ingredients:

Fruit – Berries, stone fruits, citrus, and more can be used to make jam. Fruit provides sweetness and characteristic flavor.

Sugar – Sugar is added to sweeten and thicken up jams.
Lemon juice – Small amounts of lemon juice help balance sweetness and brighten fruit flavors.
Pectin – Pectin from fruit or added powdered pectin helps jams set up with a spreadable texture.

The fruits, sugar, and lemon juice are cooked down to make a thick, sweet jam that contains fruit flavor and color. When using high quality seasonal fruit, minimal added sugar is needed. The jam’s sweet-tart flavor contrasts nicely with flaky croissant dough.

Allergens

When considering the ingredients in La Boulangerie’s croissant toast, it is important to note common food allergens that may be present:

Wheat – The croissant dough contains wheat from the all-purpose and bread flours.

Milk – Milk is used to make the croissant dough and custard filling.
Eggs – Eggs are used in the custard filling and potentially for egg washes on the croissants.
Tree nuts – Some fillings may contain tree nuts like almonds or hazelnuts.

Soy – Potential presence if using soy-based butter.

Those with food allergies or intolerances, especially to wheat, dairy, or eggs, should exercise caution when consuming La Boulangerie’s croissant toast. Ingredients can be confirmed with the cafe ahead of time if food allergy information is needed.

Ingredients to Avoid

Some ingredients you would not expect to find in La Boulangerie’s croissant toast include:

Preservatives – Croissant dough and fillings are made fresh in house. No preservatives are needed.
Artificial colors or flavors – The cafe focuses on using natural, high quality ingredients. No artificial additives are used.
Corn syrup or high fructose corn syrup – Jams and fillings are sweetened with natural sugars like cane sugar or fruit juice concentrates.

Trans fats – Trans fat-containing partially hydrogenated oils are not used for frying or in croissant dough.
Artificial sweeteners – Only natural sugars are used for sweetening fillings.

La Boulangerie prepares their pastries fresh daily using traditional techniques. This allows them to avoid using shortcuts like artificial ingredients or sugars. The result is a authentic, high quality croissant toast made with real ingredients.

Nutrition Information

As a pastry featuring rich ingredients like butter, cream, and custard, La Boulangerie’s croissant toast is an indulgent, high calorie food. An average serving may contain:

Calories: 500-700kcal
Carbohydrates: 50-80g

Protein: 8-12g
Fat: 25-40g
Saturated Fat: 15-25g

Sodium: 300-500mg

Exact nutrition information can vary depending on the size of the croissant toast and fillings used. Those looking for a lighter option may consider sharing a piece of the croissant toast. It can easily be split between 2-3 people for a smaller indulgence.

Cost

Pricing for La Boulangerie’s croissant toast may vary by location, but typically ranges from $4-$6 per serving. This positions it as an affordable luxury or special breakfast treat. Factors impacting the price include:

Ingredient quality – Higher cost for European style butter, seasonal fruit, and premium cheeses and chocolate.
Preparation – Labor intensive lamination process for the croissant dough and hand assembly require skilled bakers.
Cafe location – Prices may be a dollar or two higher in areas with very high real estate costs.

While more expensive than an average pastry, La Boulangerie’s croissant toast remains competitively priced. The quality of ingredients and flavors makes the price point fair and reasonable for this gourmet treat.

Availability

La Boulangerie’s croissant toast is available seasonally, with the greatest availability in the spring through early fall months. Reasons for seasonal availability include:

Fruit seasons – Use of fresh berries and stone fruits in fillings means greater availability during these crops’ peak season.

Holidays – Croissant toast sees heavy ordering around Mother’s Day and Easter brunches.
Warmer months – Sales are higher in spring and summer vs. cooler fall and winter months.
Stock rotation – Croissants have a shorter shelf life than items like baguettes, so excess inventory is limited.

Check with your local La Boulangerie cafe for current availability. Some locations may offer croissant toast year-round, but a greater variety of fresh fruit fillings is found when fruits are in season.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Here are some ideas for enjoying La Boulangerie’s croissant toast:

As part of a breakfast or brunch spread – Serve slices along with fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, fried eggs, or breakfast meats for a savory-sweet balanced meal.

As a coffee break snack – Grab a mid-morning or afternoon slice to enjoy with your coffee or tea.
For dessert – The sweet custard and jam fillings make it perfect to satisfy dessert cravings.
Split with a partner – Cut the toast in half to share with a friend for a lighter indulgence.

Morning gift or care package – Surprise someone with a thoughtful croissant toast gift.

Croissant toast requires no preparation and is easy to enjoy on-the-go. The layered slices showcase the flaky, buttery croissant texture. Warming it for 10-15 seconds can draw out more aroma if desired. Simply slice and serve this delicious pastry as is or accompany it with morning coffee or tea.

Storing Croissant Toast

To maintain the best texture and flavor, freshness is key for croissant toast. Follow these storage tips:

Store at room temperature up to 2 days – Keep the croissant toast in its packaging or loosely cover with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate 3-4 days – Place in an airtight container and refrigerate. Refresh in a 325°F oven for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Freeze 2-3 months – Wrap tightly in plastic wrap then foil. Thaw overnight in fridge before serving.

The layered dough becomes more dense and less flaky with extended storage times. For the best experience, enjoy croissant toast within 24-48 hours of purchasing.

How to Make at Home

While La Boulangerie’s croissant toast requires professional bakery skills, you can make a version at home using store-bought ingredients:

Ingredients

Croissants – Use pre-made puff pastry or croissants from the bakery section.

Fillings – Use store-bought or homemade jam, Nutella, custard, etc.
Egg wash – 1 egg beaten with 1 Tbsp water and pinch of salt.

Steps

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.

Slice croissants horizontally. Spread fillings on bottom halves.
Top with other croissant halves, bottom side down.
Brush tops with egg wash. Sprinkle with sugars or streusel if desired.

Bake 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Let cool 5 minutes, then slice and serve.

While not exactly the same, this easy croissant toast is still a delicious treat! Get creative with fillings like nut butters, sautéed apples, or whipped cream.

Conclusion

La Boulangerie’s croissant toast features the perfect marriage of flaky, buttery croissant dough and sweet cream or fruit fillings sandwiched between sliced layers. Classic croissant dough ingredients like butter, milk, and flour bake up into tender yet crisp layers surrounding decadent fillings. Both homemade and seasonal ingredients are used to create an authentic French pastry experience. Though best enjoyed fresh the day it is baked, croissant toast can store for 2-3 days at room temperature or refrigerated. This delicious treat is perfect for a special breakfast or anytime you crave that irresistible combination of fruit, cream, chocolate, or caramel with croissant.