This Parisian Cramique is So Soft, My Friend’s Culinary Snob Son Gave it 10/10

The Softest Parisian Cramique You Can Bake at Home 🥖✨

If you love ultra-soft, buttery sweet breads, this Parisian Cramique will quickly become your new favourite. Enriched with pearl sugar and made using the Tangzhong method, it delivers the kind of cloud-like crumb you normally only find in top French or Belgian bakeries. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make at home, even if you're new to enriched doughs.

What sets this Cramique apart is its pillowy texture paired with crunchy pockets of pearl sugar—a perfect contrast of soft and crisp. Whether you serve it warm for breakfast, enjoy it with your afternoon coffee, or use it for the most luxurious French toast, this bread never disappoints. And yes… it’s so good that even the pickiest eaters (including culinary snobs 😄) have been known to give it a perfect score.

Why This Cramique Works So Well 💡

This recipe uses the Tangzhong technique, a simple cooked flour paste that locks in moisture and creates a softer, longer-lasting loaf. Combined with eggs, butter, and aromatic vanilla, the dough rises into a beautifully tender bread enriched with little bursts of sweetness from French pearl sugar.

It’s a wonderful introduction to enriched dough if you want something manageable yet bakery-worthy. Plus, the method scales well—make one big loaf, or divide it into smaller buns for an elegant breakfast spread.

Flavour & Texture Notes 🍞

• Soft crumb: The Tangzhong creates a plush, cloud-like structure.
• Buttery & lightly sweet: Not overly sugary—perfect with jam or on its own.
• Crunchy sugar pearls: Authentic French or Swedish pearl sugar gives the best texture.
• Gorgeous golden crust: A simple egg wash adds shine and colour.

Tips for the Best Results ✨

• Use high-quality pearl sugar—they hold their shape better during baking.
• If making mini Cramiques, reduce baking time by a few minutes.
• Tent with foil halfway through if your loaf browns too quickly.
• Warm slices briefly the next day to revive that fresh-from-the-oven softness.

A Slice of Paris & Belgium in Your Kitchen 🇫🇷🇧🇪

Cramique is beloved in Belgium and Northern France, often enjoyed with butter, jam, or even chocolate spread. With this version, you get all the charm of the traditional loaf plus the added softness that Tangzhong brings. Bake it once, and it will quickly become part of your regular rotation.

Happy baking—and get ready for some rave reviews! 🥰