Name: Berry Croissant Bake Recipe – Easy Brunch Dish Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 croissants, slightly stale or a day old; 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries); Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon zest for a citrusy flavor boost; 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)

Jump to Recipe

If you have a craving for something both comforting and dazzling for your next brunch, this Berry Croissant Bake Recipe – Easy Brunch Dish is exactly what you need. It’s a heavenly layering of buttery, slightly crisp croissants nestled beneath a luscious custard and dotted with vibrant, juicy berries that burst with sweetness in every bite. This dish effortlessly balances rich creaminess with fresh fruity brightness, making it ideal for cozy gatherings or a special weekend treat. Once you try it, this bake is bound to become your favorite brunch centerpiece, combining elegance and simplicity in one glorious dish.

Berry Croissant Bake Recipe – Easy Brunch Dish Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Berry Croissant Bake Recipe – Easy Brunch Dish comes from a handful of simple yet powerful ingredients. Each component plays a key role: croissants bring the flaky, buttery base, berries add color and juicy freshness, and the custard ties it all together with creamy richness. Let’s break down what you’ll need to create this delightful bake.

6 croissants, slightly stale or a day old: Stale croissants soak up the custard beautifully without turning mushy.
2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries): A colorful, sweet-tart mix that livens up each bite.
1 ½ cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture to the custard blend.
1 ½ cups heavy cream: Provides richness and helps create a silky custard texture.
4 large eggs: The custard’s backbone, binding all elements into a tender bake.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and a subtle sweetness that elevates the flavors.
⅓ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard just enough to balance the tart berries.
2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for garnish): A finishing touch that adds visual appeal and a slight sweetness.
Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Offers a refreshing citrus boost that brightens the entire dish.

How to Make Berry Croissant Bake Recipe – Easy Brunch Dish

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Croissants

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Then, slice your slightly stale croissants into halves or quarters depending on their size. Layer these buttery pieces evenly in the prepared dish—creating that perfect base for soaking up all the delicious custard ahead.

Step 2: Add the Berries

Scatter your vibrant mixed berries all over the croissant pieces. Aim for an even distribution so every forkful gets a nice pop of juicy flavor. Mixing different berries not only looks stunning but also brings a harmonious blend of sweet and tart notes.

Step 3: Whisk the Custard

In a large bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar. Whisk everything together until the mixture is silky smooth and fully blended. This custard is what will transform the croissants and berries into a creamy, indulgent bake.

Step 4: Pour the Custard and Soak

Pour the custard gently over the croissants and berries, making sure each croissant piece is soaked. Press down lightly to help the liquid absorb evenly into the flaky layers. Patience is key here — let the dish sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the custard to fully permeate the croissants. For an extra set-and-go option, refrigerate overnight and bake fresh in the morning.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown top with a custard that’s set but still slightly jiggly in the center. That gentle wobble means it’ll be creamy without being overdone—just absolutely dreamy to eat.

Step 6: Cool and Garnish

Let the bake cool for a few minutes after coming out of the oven. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar for a delicate sweetness and a pretty finish. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for that next-level brunch experience.

How to Serve Berry Croissant Bake Recipe – Easy Brunch Dish

Garnishes

Powdered sugar is a classic choice that adds a subtle sweetness and a light, snowy look. Fresh mint leaves also make a lovely garnish, adding a pop of green and a refreshing aroma. Don’t hesitate to add a spoonful of whipped cream or a drizzle of warm maple syrup for an extra cozy touch.

Side Dishes

This bake pairs beautifully with crisp bacon or sausage links to add a savory contrast. A fresh fruit salad or simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can balance the richness of the custard. If you want to keep it light, a glass of sparkling water with a twist of lemon complements the berries nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish straight from the baking pan family-style for a warm, sharing vibe. Alternatively, cut it into individual squares and plate with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent brunch dessert twist. For parties, mini ramekins of individual bakes can make each guest feel special and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the leftover Berry Croissant Bake Recipe – Easy Brunch Dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days and makes for an easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack.

Freezing

You can freeze individual portions by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen leftovers last about 1 month without losing much flavor or texture—perfect for prepping brunches in advance.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated or thawed portions in a preheated oven at 325°F for around 15 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on top. Microwaving works for convenience but can soften the crust, so oven reheating is best for preserving that perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh croissants?

Fresh croissants can work, but slightly stale or day-old croissants absorb the custard better without becoming overly soggy. If using fresh ones, gently toast them beforehand to firm them up a bit.

What fruits can I substitute for the berries?

This recipe is quite versatile—try sliced peaches, apples, or even bananas as tasty alternatives if berries aren’t available or if you want to mix flavors.

Is it possible to make this bake vegan or dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like oat milk and coconut cream. Replace eggs with a vegan custard alternative or a blend of flax eggs plus cornstarch, though the texture might be slightly different.

How long can I let the bake soak before baking?

The dish needs at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature to soak, but you can refrigerate it overnight. Longer soaking helps the croissants absorb even more custard, enhancing flavor and creaminess.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Simply double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two standard ones. Keep an eye on the baking time—cooking a bigger volume might require a few extra minutes.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the irresistible aroma of a warm Berry Croissant Bake Recipe – Easy Brunch Dish filling your kitchen. Its combination of buttery croissants, juicy berries, and silky custard makes it a sure-fire feel-good dish that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. Whether for a special occasion or a leisurely weekend brunch, this recipe is a winner you’ll keep coming back to. Give it a try—you’ll be sharing this favorite with friends and family in no time!

Berry Croissant Bake Recipe – Easy Brunch Dish Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 55 minutes (or overnight soaking plus 40 minutes baking)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Berry Croissant Bake is a delightful and easy-to-make brunch dish that combines buttery croissants with a medley of juicy berries soaked in a rich and creamy custard. Perfect for weekend breakfasts or entertaining guests, this bake delivers a comforting and impressive meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Croissant and Fruits

6 croissants, slightly stale or a day old
2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries)
Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon zest for a citrusy flavor boost

Custard

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)

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Cut and Layer Croissants: Slice the croissants into halves or quarters based on their size. Arrange them evenly in the greased baking dish as the base of your bake.
Add Berries: Distribute the mixed berries evenly over the croissant pieces, ensuring each bite will include bursts of fresh fruit flavor.
Whisk Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
Pour Custard Over Croissants: Slowly pour the custard mixture over the croissants and berries, making sure every piece soaks up the custard. Lightly press the croissants down to ensure they absorb the liquid evenly.
Let Soak: Allow the dish to sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature to let the croissants soak up the custard. For best results, you can refrigerate it overnight and bake it the next morning.
Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the custard is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
Cool and Garnish: Let the bake cool for a few minutes before dusting with powdered sugar. Optionally, serve with maple syrup or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

Day-old croissants are best for this recipe as they absorb the custard better; if using fresh croissants, lightly toast them for 5-7 minutes before assembling.
Feel free to substitute mixed berries with other fruits like sliced peaches, apples, or bananas according to your preference.
Press down the croissants gently after pouring custard to ensure even soaking and a creamy, rich texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American