Charcoal Croissant With Blackberry Jam

I’m thrilled to guide you through a charcoal croissant with blackberry jam, a modern twist on a 17th-century Austrian kipferl refined in French baking. Start with 250 grams of flour, 50 grams sugar, salt, yeast, and 10 grams activated charcoal for that striking black dough. For the jam, simmer 200 grams blackberries with 100 grams sugar and lemon juice for 10-15 minutes until glossy. If you stick around, I’ll uncover more variations to perfect your bake.

History

The charcoal croissant with blackberry jam is a contemporary innovation on the classic croissant, which traces its origins to 17th-century Austria as the kipferl before evolving in France during the 19th century, symbolizing French baking excellence and cultural refinement.

Regional variations, such as those in modern bakeries across Europe and North America, often incorporate unique elements like activated charcoal for a striking black hue and health benefits, signifying creativity and adaptation to local tastes or trends in wellness-focused cuisine.

Traditionally, this pastry is served during breakfast, brunch, or casual café gatherings, where its flaky texture and sweet-tart jam pairing enhance everyday rituals of enjoyment and social connection.

Ingredients

– 250 grams of all-purpose flour: You know, this stuff is the quiet hero of any dough.

It holds everything together with its reliable, soft texture.

Think of it as the foundation that keeps your croissant from turning into a sad, flat mess.

Which, let’s face it, happens to the best of us on a tricky baking day.

– 50 grams of sugar: A little sweetness to wake up those taste buds.

Because who doesn’t love that gentle kick that makes the dough just a tad irresistible.

Ever wonder how something so simple can turn ordinary into oh-so-tempting?

– 1 teaspoon of salt: Don’t overlook this guy.

It’s the sneaky flavor booster that balances everything out.

Making sure your croissant isn’t bland as a rainy afternoon.

Salt, the unsung sidekick that keeps things real.

– 10 grams of active dry yeast: This is where the magic starts bubbling.

Turning warm liquids into a lively dough that rises like it’s got somewhere important to be.

Picture it as the energetic friend who gets the party going, even on a lazy morning.

– 120 ml of warm water: Not too hot, not too cold, just right to coax that yeast into action.

It’s like giving the dough a gentle hug.

You might say, without overwhelming the poor thing.

– 120 ml of warm milk: Adds a creamy richness that makes the croissant extra tender.

Almost like wrapping it in a cozy blanket.

Ever think about how milk turns a basic bake into something you’d want to savor slowly?

– 200 grams of unsalted butter, chilled: Oh, butter, the star of the show, cold and ready to create those flaky layers we all dream about.

It’s a bit fussy to work with.

But hey, who isn’t, when you’re aiming for that perfect, buttery bliss?

– 10 grams of activated charcoal powder: Here’s the fun twist that gives your croissant that dramatic black color.

Not just for looks but for a health boost too.

It’s like adding a mysterious edge, making you pause and think, why not make baking an adventure?

– 200 grams of blackberries: Fresh and juicy, these berries bring the tart-sweet jam to life.

Bursting with flavor that pairs oh-so-nicely with the croissant.

Imagine them as the bold storytellers in your jam, adding that pop of color and taste without any fuss.

– 100 grams of sugar (just for the jam): This sweetens up those blackberries perfectly.

Turning them into a jam that’s not too overpowering.

It’s the thoughtful balancer, you know, like that friend who knows exactly when to chime in.

– 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (from about half a lemon): A bright zing that cuts through the sweetness in the jam.

Keeping things fresh and lively.

Ever notice how a little citrus can make everything feel a bit more alive, without stealing the spotlight?

Cooking Steps

For the blackberry jam, grab 200 grams of blackberries, 100 grams of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to balance the sweetness with a zesty kick.

Simmer them in a saucepan over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring now and then so nothing sticks and burns—it’s like watching flavors dance and mingle, tart berries turning into a glossy jam that pairs perfectly with your croissants.

Spread it on warm and enjoy that burst of fruitiness; who knew a few ingredients could create such a tasty sidekick to your baked goods?

Tips and Variations

If you’re tweaking that blackberry jam for your charcoal croissants, why not mix in a handful of raspberries or strawberries for a fresher twist that keeps the tartness lively without losing that glossy finish—it’s like giving your jam a fun makeover.

For variations, play around with the sugar amount, dialing it down for a puckery bite or up for something sweeter, but don’t forget that lemon juice is your secret weapon against overly sweet vibes, adding just enough zing to make flavors pop; oh, and if blackberries are scarce, frozen ones work in a pinch, though fresh ones might yield a jam so vibrant it’ll have you questioning why you ever settled for store-bought.

As for the croissants themselves, consider brushing on a bit more charcoal for that dramatic dark look, but ease up if you worry about it stealing the show—after all, nobody wants their breakfast to feel like a shadowy mystery when a light touch keeps things buttery and approachable.

Tools

Kitchen Tool	Purpose
Saucepan or pot	For cooking the blackberry jam
Wooden spoon	For stirring the jam mixture
Measuring cups	For measuring ingredients like sugar and blackberries
Measuring spoons	For precise measurements of smaller items like lemon juice
Lemon juicer or reamer	For extracting juice from the lemon
Knife	For preparing and chopping fruits if needed
Cutting board	For safely preparing ingredients
Fine mesh strainer	For straining the jam if a smooth texture is desired
Mixing bowls	For combining ingredients for the jam or croissant dough
Rolling pin	For rolling out croissant dough
Baking sheet	For baking the croissants
Pastry brush	For applying charcoal mixture or egg wash on croissants
Oven	For baking the croissants