If you feel confused by the latest trend where croissants are being smushed into a two-dimensional version of the typically perfectly puffy, layered pastry -- which bakers spend hours achieving by the way -- then you're not alone.
Earlier this year social media feeds started filling up with photos and videos of a fresh culinary conundrum: flattened croissants. The term "flat croissant" has amassed more than 13.5M views on TikTok alone.
@eatsbyrachel The magic ✨ behind these viral flat croissants 🥐 is NOT day old croissants (at least at @Marvel Cake)! I’ve been seeing some comments here and there with people assuming that bakeries are repurposing day old croissants to create these flattened croissants and just wanted to pop in and say that’s not always the case! Marvel Cake proofs their freshly laminated croissant dough before baking them and flattening them with baking sheets. They’re also offering three different flavors: chocolate, pistachio, and strawberry! #flatcroissant #pressedcroissant #croissant #croissanthack #croissantlover #marvelcake #bayareafoodie #bayareafood #bakery #bayarea #southbayarea #eatsbyrachel ♬ origineel geluid - hanna
The beautifully laminated layers of butter and dough served flattened instead of puffy, was popularized in Korea and eventually the trend took off in the U.S.
The now-viral offerings range from simple, flat and coated in a crispy caramelized sugar exterior, to breakfast sandwiches flattened like a panini to achieve a buttery, toasted crispy bite.
@eatsbyrachel If you’re on the hunt for the viral flat croissant but not wanting to break the bank 💸, did you know you can grab it for $3.25 at Basquia Bakery? I found this to be a super tasty budget friendly option that tasted just like a palmier! #flatcroissant #viralflatcroissant #pressedcroissant #croissant #croissants #croissantlover #megamart #basquiabakery #sunnyvale #bayareafoodie #bayareafood #bayareaeats #eatsbyrachel @sionjulien Croissant flat the new trend #croissant #trend #fyp #pastry #patisserie #flatcroissant #croissantplat #flat ♬ Me gustas tú - Annie⭐️🤍
Sheet Tray Method
By sandwiching the uncooked dough that's been coated in sugar and pressing it between two parchment lined quarter sheet trays, the croissant emerges from the oven flat and crispy like the ones seen at bakeries.
@eatingfineonadime If you try one viral recipe from TikTok make it this #3ingredient crispy, carmelized #croissant hack 🥐 it’s beyond delicious and so easy to make! #foodtok #croissanttok #croissanthack ♬ Luxury fashion (no vocals) - TimTaj
Rolling Pin Method
Some users are taking pre-made croissants and rolling them thin on a cutting board using a rolling pin. From there, add butter to a skillet to melt, add the croissant and top with a drizzle of honey. Place a sheet of parchment paper on top and using a glass mixing bowl or heavy bottomed surface, let the croissant cook while flattened. Once caramelized, flip and repeat.
The at-home versions can be dipped in chocolate, topped with whipped cream or even chocolate candies.
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