Description
This Berry Croissant Breakfast Bake is a delightful, easy-to-make dish combining flaky croissants with a creamy berry custard. Perfect for a cozy brunch or special breakfast, it layers sweet mixed berries and buttery croissants soaked in a rich vanilla custard, then baked to golden perfection in just about 25 minutes of active prep time.
Ingredients
Scale
Croissant and Fruit
- 6 croissants (preferably slightly stale or day-old for optimal flakiness)
- 2 cups mixed berries (a mix of blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries)
Custard
- 2 cups whole milk (can substitute with almond or oat milk)
- 1 cup heavy cream (can replace with additional milk or non-dairy cream)
- 4 large eggs (essential for binding the mixture)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (to sweeten the custard)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (use pure extract for best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, brightens the dish)
Topping
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting before serving)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer Croissants: Slice the croissants into halves or quarters, then layer them evenly in the greased baking dish.
- Add Berries: Evenly sprinkle the mixed berries over the croissant layers, distributing the fruit for balanced sweetness and tartness.
- Make Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and optional lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak Croissants: Pour the custard evenly over the layered croissants and berries, gently pressing down to ensure the croissants absorb the custard. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature to soak in, or refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bake to cool for 10-15 minutes. Before serving, dust generously with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Using slightly stale croissants helps them absorb the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- You can substitute whole milk and heavy cream with non-dairy alternatives for a dairy-free version.
- Letting the custard soak overnight improves texture and flavor but is optional if pressed for time.
- Fresh or frozen berries can be used; if frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
- Serve with a side of yogurt or honey for added flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
