Cronut turns 10 and the food phenomena continues to delight pastry lovers

When Dominique Ansel created the Cronut for Mother’s Day 2013, few people would have predicted the pastry phenomena that it became. What started in that Soho shop, the iconic sweet, flaky dessert has been enjoyed around the globe. While others might have tried their hand at creating similar sweet offerings, there is and will always be only one Cronut.

Although Ansel has admitted that he will always be on the quest to perfect a croissant, the Cronut, as a pastry, has not changed much over the years. But, the monthly flavors have had fans coming back to get that new taste. Whether it is culinary creativity or marking genius, those new offerings are something unique to the Ansel’s iconic pastry.

Over the years, there have been 121 monthly flavors at the New York City pastry shop. Combining this shop with other world wide locations, there have been more than 250 flavors in total. When someone complains that they food creativity has gone stale, they need to look to Ansel’s depth of flavor options. In the words from Ansel, himself, “Don’t let the creation kill the creativity.”

The stories of food fans who have gone to great lengths to enjoy the flaky, sweet pastry are many. From love matches made in line to going to great lengths to get that monthly flavor to even traveling the world to visit store openings, the Cronut’s fans are legendary.

Considered a type of hybrid pastry, the croissant, doughnut filled offering is being celebrated at the Dominique Ansel Bakery at Caesars Las Vegas. It featured the first every Special Collection Box of Cronut Holes. The box featured some of Ansel’s favorite flavors, including Ube & Coconut (NYC, March 2022), Popcorn & Caramel (London, October 2018), Hibiscus & Raspberry (Las Vegas, February 2023), Honey Yogurt & Lime (Tokyo, January 2017), Blackberry & Poppyseed (Los Angeles, April 2020).

While this special offering was for a limited time, many pastry fans can wish, beg, and maybe plead for Ansel to offer the “holes” again. Although he does not repeat flavors, just the option of a hole in the monthly signature flavor would be a great idea. Hopefully someone can make this sweet dream become a reality.

And, do not miss the May 2023 flavor of the month at Dominique Ansel Las Vegas. The Strawberry Rhubarb & Pistachio is a taste of spring. Filled with homemade strawberry rhubarb jam and creamy pistachio ganache, it bright, zesty, and a touch nostalgic. Grandma might not make this dessert, but some people might wish that she did.

Have you enjoyed a Cronut? Which flavor has left a lasting food memory?