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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6 of the dish)
Calories: 380 kcal
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 220 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 8 g
Cholesterol: 160 mg

Keywords: Berry Croissant Bake, brunch recipe, croissant casserole, baked French toast, berry breakfast bake, easy brunch ideas