Berry Croissant Bake

This Berry Croissant Bake is the perfect dish for your next brunch gathering. A delicious fusion of buttery croissants, mixed berries, and a rich custard, this recipe combines comfort and elegance in a single bite. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or just want to treat your family to something delightful, this recipe is quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Let’s dive in to see why you’ll love this recipe and how you can make it your own!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Berry Croissant Bake is a game-changer for breakfast or brunch. The flaky, buttery croissants soak up the creamy custard and bake to a golden perfection. With juicy berries scattered throughout, each bite offers a satisfying balance of sweet, tangy, and rich flavors. It’s an easy yet impressive dish that you can make ahead, making it perfect for busy mornings or hosting friends and family. The beauty of this bake lies in its simplicity—no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s just pure, delicious comfort food.

Ingredients

• 6 croissants, slightly stale or a day old

• 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries)

• 1 ½ cups whole milk

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream

• 4 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for garnish)

• Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon zest for a citrusy flavor boost

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Prepare the croissants by cutting them into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Layer them in the greased baking dish.

3. Scatter the mixed berries evenly over the croissant pieces, ensuring each bite will have a burst of fruit flavor.

4. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, vanilla extract, and sugar until fully combined and smooth.

5. Slowly pour the custard mixture over the croissants and berries, making sure all the croissants are soaked. Lightly press the croissants down to help them absorb the custard.

6. Let the dish sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the croissants to soak up the custard. Alternatively, you can refrigerate the dish overnight and bake it the next morning.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

8. Let the dish cool for a few minutes, then dust with powdered sugar before serving. Optional: Add a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 6 servings and typically takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. If you decide to refrigerate the dish overnight, the prep time in the morning is reduced to just 35-40 minutes for baking.

Variations

• Fruit Options: Feel free to swap out the mixed berries for other fruits. Sliced peaches, apples, or bananas work wonderfully in this recipe.

• Citrus Twist: Add lemon zest or orange zest to the custard for a fresh citrusy flavor.

• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts on top of the bake for an added texture and flavor contrast.

• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk and choose a dairy-free croissant.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This Berry Croissant Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh croissants instead of stale ones?

Yes! If you’re using fresh croissants, you can lightly toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes before assembling the bake to help them absorb the custard better.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Then, simply bake it in the morning for a quick and easy brunch.

3. What fruits can I use besides berries?

You can easily swap berries for other fruits like sliced peaches, apples, or bananas, depending on what you have on hand.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free croissants or a similar bread substitute. Be sure to check the other ingredients for gluten if you have a sensitivity.

5. Can I freeze the Berry Croissant Bake?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as instructed.

6. How do I make sure the custard sets properly?

Make sure to press the croissants down gently after pouring the custard mixture over them. This will help ensure that the custard soaks evenly and sets correctly when baked.

7. Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, you can substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

8. Can I add a streusel topping?

Yes, a streusel topping would add a delightful crunch to the dish! Simply mix flour, butter, and sugar to form crumbs and sprinkle over the top before baking.

9. How do I know when the bake is done?

The bake is done when the top is golden brown, and the custard is set but slightly jiggly in the center. You can also insert a toothpick to check if the custard has set.

10. Can I use frozen berries?

Frozen berries work great in this recipe! Just be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the croissants.

Conclusion

This Berry Croissant Bake is a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make dish that will elevate any brunch or breakfast spread. With a delicious custard base, buttery croissants, and juicy berries, it offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you make it the night before or prepare it fresh in the morning, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your brunch rotation. Try it today and enjoy a delectable treat that’s both simple and impressive!