Name: Berry Croissant Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 4-5 croissants, torn into pieces; – 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, etc.); – 3 large eggs; – 1 cup milk; – 1/2 cup heavy cream; – 1/4 cup sugar; – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; – 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; – Pinch of salt; – Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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If you’re craving a decadent yet easy breakfast or brunch, this Berry Croissant Bake is the answer. Imagine layers of buttery croissants soaked in a sweet custard, bursting with juicy berries, and baked to golden perfection. It’s like a warm hug on a plate that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love Berry Croissant Bake

This dish is the perfect combination of indulgent and comforting, making it a perfect treat for a weekend brunch or even a cozy weekday morning. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this bake:

Versatile: You can use any berries you have on hand—blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries—making it perfect for any season.
Budget-Friendly: Croissants are surprisingly affordable, and you likely already have the other ingredients in your pantry.
Quick and Easy: Once you assemble everything, just pop it in the oven and let the magic happen. It’s a no-fuss dish that looks fancy but is super simple to make.
Customizable: Want a little extra sweetness? Drizzle some honey on top or add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a little extra flair.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this bake is sure to impress with its irresistible flavor and beautiful presentation.

Ingredients in Berry Croissant Bake

Here’s what you’ll need to create this deliciously easy bake:

Croissants: Buttery, flaky, and perfect for soaking up that rich custard. The croissants form the base and give the dish its indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Mixed Berries: A mix of fresh or frozen berries—like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries—add a burst of sweetness and tartness to balance the richness of the croissants.
Eggs: The custard base is made with eggs, which give the dish a creamy, custardy texture when baked.
Milk & Heavy Cream: A perfect blend that makes the custard extra rich and creamy.
Vanilla Extract: For that sweet, aromatic flavor that brings everything together.
Sugar: A little sugar for sweetness, perfectly balancing the tartness of the berries.
Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon adds warmth and spice, elevating the flavors of the croissants and berries.
Butter: A small amount of butter, melted, to help coat the croissants and add richness to the bake.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this decadent bake:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your croissant bake will bake evenly and become golden brown.

Prepare the Croissants: Slice the croissants into halves or quarters and arrange them in a greased baking dish, layering them evenly.

Prepare the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth. Pour the custard mixture over the croissants, ensuring all the pieces are soaked through.

Add the Berries: Gently fold the mixed berries into the custard-covered croissants. You can push a few berries down into the layers and sprinkle the rest on top for a colorful finish.

Let it Soak: Allow the mixture to sit for about 10-15 minutes. This step lets the croissants fully absorb the custard, making the final result extra soft and flavorful.

Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown and the custard is set.

Finishing Touches: Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. You can drizzle some maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy this deliciously comforting breakfast or brunch! It’s perfect with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350

(Note: The full nutrition facts, including measurements, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Berry Croissant Bake

This Berry Croissant Bake is perfect on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of crispy bacon or a light salad to balance the richness. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Additional Tips

If you want to make this ahead of time, you can assemble it the night before and let it soak in the fridge overnight. Just pop it in the oven the next morning!
For an extra special touch, sprinkle some slivered almonds or toasted coconut on top before baking.
If you’re using frozen berries, there’s no need to thaw them; just toss them in frozen, and they’ll bake perfectly.

FAQ’s

Can I use day-old croissants?
Yes! Day-old croissants work great because they’ll absorb the custard more effectively.
Can I substitute other types of bread?
Yes! You can use brioche, challah, or even regular white bread if you don’t have croissants.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the bake the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it the next morning.
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Yes, you can use other fruits like peaches, apples, or even bananas. Just make sure to adjust the sugar if needed.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the milk and cream with almond milk or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, adding some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can give the dish a nice crunch and additional flavor.
How do I make the custard more flavorful?
Add a dash of nutmeg, almond extract, or a little lemon zest to enhance the flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free croissants or bread for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Can I freeze this Berry Croissant Bake?
Yes, you can freeze the bake before or after baking. Just make sure it’s tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil, and bake it directly from frozen, adding a little extra time in the oven.

Conclusion

This Berry Croissant Bake is an indulgent, comforting dish that’s sure to become a staple in your brunch rotation. With its perfect combination of flaky croissants, rich custard, and sweet berries, it’s guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!