Are Cronuts Still a Thing? -

The cronut, a delightful blend of a croissant and a doughnut, captivated the world when it first appeared in 2013. French pastry chef Dominique Ansel introduced this unique pastry in New York City, sparking a global frenzy. The cronut’s combination of flaky croissant layers with the sweet, fried texture of a doughnut quickly made it a worldwide sensation. However, as time passed, many began to wonder: Are cronuts still a thing? In this article, we will explore the cronut’s history, its lasting appeal, and whether it continues to be a beloved treat today.

The Birth of the Cronut

To understand the cronut’s significance, it’s important to look back at its origins. Dominique Ansel, already a well-respected pastry chef, unveiled the cronut at his bakery in SoHo, New York, in May 2013. The pastry became an overnight success, drawing long lines of eager customers every day. Because the cronut’s mix of textures and flavors was so unique, it quickly became a sensation. Moreover, its limited availability created a sense of urgency that fueled its popularity.

As the cronut gained popularity, the name “cronut” soon became a symbol of indulgence. Bakeries around the globe attempted to recreate Ansel’s masterpiece. Despite many imitators, the original cronut remained highly sought after. Each month’s unique flavor added to its allure.

Why the Cronut Became a Sensation

Several factors contributed to the cronut’s rapid rise to fame:

Innovative Fusion: The cronut was a novelty, combining two popular pastries into one. This fusion offered a new and exciting experience for dessert lovers.
Scarcity and Exclusivity: Ansel’s bakery produced only a limited number of cronuts each day. This scarcity, paired with high demand, made cronuts a prized item.
Social Media Buzz: The cronut’s launch coincided with the growing popularity of social media platforms like Instagram. Beautifully photographed cronuts spread quickly online, creating even more buzz.
Celebrity Endorsements: Celebrities and influencers, always on the lookout for new trends, embraced the cronut. Their endorsements helped catapult the cronut into the spotlight.

The Evolution of the Cronut

As with most food trends, the initial cronut craze eventually cooled. However, instead of fading away, the cronut evolved. Dominique Ansel continued to innovate, introducing new flavors each month and expanding his menu to include other creative pastries. Meanwhile, bakeries around the world experimented with their own versions, adding local twists and flavors to the cronut.

In some places, the cronut inspired other hybrid pastries, blending different textures and tastes to create something entirely new. For instance, from “doughssants” to “crogel,” the cronut’s influence is evident in the ongoing fusion of flavors within the pastry world.

Are Cronuts Still Popular?

Though the initial frenzy has subsided, the cronut hasn’t disappeared from the culinary scene. In fact, it has transitioned from a fleeting trend to an established favorite on many bakery menus. Dominique Ansel’s bakery continues to sell out of cronuts daily. Many bakeries still offer their own versions, even if the hype has lessened.

The cronut’s longevity can be attributed to its versatility. By regularly introducing new flavors, bakeries keep the cronut interesting and relevant. Additionally, the cronut’s unique texture—a combination of the crispiness of a croissant and the softness of a doughnut—remains an appealing treat for many.

The Cultural Impact of the Cronut

Beyond its place in the pastry world, the cronut has had a lasting impact on food culture. It represents the height of the “food craze,” where a single dish can capture the public’s imagination and become a symbol of indulgence. Furthermore, the cronut also highlighted the power of social media in shaping food trends, paving the way for future viral sensations like the ramen burger and unicorn frappuccino.

Moreover, the cronut brought attention to the art of pastry-making, showcasing the creativity and skill involved in crafting such a delicacy. It elevated the role of the pastry chef, turning them into celebrities in their own right, and inspired a new generation of bakers to push the boundaries of what a dessert can be.

The Future of the Cronut

So, are cronuts still a thing? The answer is yes. While the initial hype may have faded, the cronut has secured its place in the world of pastries. It remains a beloved treat for those who enjoy a unique and indulgent experience. As long as people appreciate the art of pastry-making and the joy of a well-crafted dessert, the cronut will continue to thrive.

Looking ahead, the cronut’s legacy will likely inspire future pastry innovations. As chefs experiment with new flavors, textures, and techniques, the spirit of the cronut—a celebration of creativity and indulgence—will live on. Whether in its original form or as inspiration for the next big food trend, the cronut remains a testament to the ever-evolving world of culinary arts.

How to Make a Cronut at Home

If you’ve never tasted a cronut and feel adventurous, why not try making one at home? While the process is time-consuming and requires some pastry skills, the reward is worth the effort.

Preparing the Dough: Start with croissant dough, which involves creating multiple layers of butter and dough through lamination. This process is crucial for achieving the cronut’s signature flaky layers.
Shaping and Proofing: After preparing the dough, shape it into rings, similar to a doughnut. Allow the rings to proof, giving them time to rise and develop a light, airy texture.
Frying: Fry the proofed dough rings until they are golden brown. This step creates the crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft, buttery layers inside.
Filling and Glazing: After frying, fill the cronuts with flavored cream or custard and then glaze them. You can customize the filling and glaze to suit your taste, with popular flavors including vanilla, chocolate, and fruit.
Serving: Cronuts are best enjoyed fresh, ideally on the same day they are made. The combination of textures and flavors makes them a truly decadent treat.

Tips for Making the Perfect Cronut

Making cronuts at home can be challenging, but these tips can help you achieve success:

Use High-Quality Ingredients: The cronut’s layers depend on high-quality butter. European-style butter, with its higher fat content, will yield the best results.
Pay Attention to Temperature: Keep both the dough and the butter cool during lamination to prevent the butter from melting and seeping out. Work in a cool environment and chill the dough as needed.
Be Patient: The cronut-making process takes time, especially during proofing. Rushing this step can result in a dense, heavy pastry.
Experiment with Flavors: One of the joys of making cronuts at home is the ability to customize them. Try different fillings, glazes, and toppings to create your unique version of the cronut.

Cronut Variations Around the World

The cronut’s popularity has inspired bakers globally to create their own versions, often incorporating local flavors and ingredients. Here are a few notable variations:

The “Dossant”: In Australia, a bakery called Adriano Zumbo created the “Dossant,” which combines the cronut with the classic Australian lamington, featuring chocolate and coconut.
The “Croffle”: In South Korea, the cronut inspired the “Croffle,” a fusion of a croissant and a waffle. Croissant dough is pressed in a waffle iron, creating a crispy, golden pastry that’s often served with toppings like fruit, cream, or syrup.
The “Cronut Ice Cream Sandwich”: In Los Angeles, a popular variation is the cronut ice cream sandwich, where a cronut is sliced in half and filled with gourmet ice cream.
The “Cronut Pretzel”: Some bakeries have experimented with savory versions of the cronut, like the cronut pretzel, which combines the sweetness of a cronut with the salty, chewy texture of a pretzel.

Pairing Cronuts with Beverages

While cronuts are a decadent treat on their own, they can be even more enjoyable when paired with the right beverage. Here are a few suggestions:

Coffee: A strong, black coffee or espresso pairs perfectly with a cronut. It cuts through the richness and enhances the buttery layers.
Tea: For a lighter option, try pairing a cronut with a cup of Earl Grey or green tea. The floral and citrus notes complement the sweetness of the pastry.
Champagne: For a truly indulgent experience, enjoy a cronut with a glass of champagne. The bubbles and acidity of the champagne balance the cronut’s richness, making it an ideal pairing for a special occasion.

Storing and Reheating Cronuts

If you find yourself with leftover cronuts (a rare occurrence!), it’s important to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Here are some tips:

Storing: Cronuts are best eaten fresh, but if you must store them, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can cause the layers to become soggy.
Reheating: To enjoy a leftover cronut, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore its crispiness. Avoid using a microwave, as this can make the pastry rubbery.

The Final Word on Cronuts

The cronut may no longer be the viral sensation it once was, but it remains a beloved pastry that has earned its place in the pantheon of modern desserts. Its creation marked a turning point in food culture, highlighting the power of innovation and the role of social media in shaping culinary trends. While other food fads have come and gone, the cronut has endured, a testament to its unique appeal and the joy it brings to those who indulge in its flaky, sweet goodness.

Whether you’re reminiscing about the cronut craze of the early 2010s or discovering it for the first time, one thing is certain: the cronut is here to stay.