Description
This Berry Croissant Breakfast Bake is a deliciously easy and indulgent morning treat featuring flaky croissants soaked in a rich vanilla custard with mixed berries. Perfect for a cozy brunch, it combines the buttery texture of croissants with the fresh sweetness of berries and a creamy custard, baked to golden perfection in just over an hour.
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 Mixture
- 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 (sweetens the custard)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (use pure extract for best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, but brightens the dish)
For Serving
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting before serving)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Slice croissants: Cut the croissants into halves or quarters depending on their size, then evenly layer them in the prepared baking dish to create the base of the bake.
- Add berries: Sprinkle the mixed berries evenly over the croissant pieces, distributing fruit to ensure every bite has some berry goodness.
- Make custard mixture: 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 cohesive.
- Combine custard and croissants: Pour the custard evenly over the croissants and berries in the baking dish. Gently press down on the croissants so they absorb the custard fully. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes or refrigerate overnight for a deeper soak.
- Bake: Place the 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, indicating it is cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the bake cool for 10-15 minutes to allow the custard to firm up slightly. Dust with powdered sugar before serving to add a touch of sweetness and attractive finish.
Notes
- For best texture, use slightly stale or day-old croissants as they soak up the custard better without becoming too mushy.
- If you prefer a dairy-free or vegan option, substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives and use an egg replacer or flax eggs for binding.
- Allowing the bake to soak overnight enhances flavor penetration and custard consistency.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by reducing or increasing sugar to taste.
- Serve warm for the best experience, possibly with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup.
