A decadent and easy-to-make croissant bake filled with berries and creamy custard—perfect for a special breakfast or brunch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Berry Croissant Bake is a delightful breakfast or brunch dish that combines the flakiness of croissants with the richness of custard and the freshness of mixed berries. It’s simple to prepare but looks and tastes like a show-stopping dish! The soft, buttery croissants absorb the creamy custard mixture, and the berries add a burst of sweetness and tartness, making every bite irresistible. It’s perfect for lazy weekends, family brunches, or any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 4 croissants, sliced
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Croissants: Slice the croissants and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
- Add the Berries: Layer the mixed berries evenly on top of the sliced croissants.
- Make the Custard Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants and berries. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Variations
- Nuts and Seeds: Add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Other Fruits: You can swap the berries for other fruits, like sliced apples, pears, or peaches, depending on the season.
- Make It Richer: Use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer custard filling.
- Add a Drizzle: Top with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave individual servings for about 30 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use day-old croissants for this recipe?
Yes! Day-old croissants work perfectly for this dish, as they’ll absorb the custard mixture more effectively and result in a softer texture.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Then, just pop it in the oven in the morning!
3. Can I make this recipe with other types of bread?
Yes! You can use brioche or even leftover bread slices in place of croissants. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
4. What kind of berries can I use in this recipe?
You can use a mix of fresh or frozen berries. Other berries like blackberries or even a berry medley would work great!
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the croissants with gluten-free bread or croissants, and the recipe will still be delicious.
6. How can I make this dish more decadent?
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.
7. Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, you can use an egg replacer or flax egg to make this dish vegan-friendly.
8. Can I add more spice to the custard mixture?
Absolutely! A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can add a warm, aromatic flavor to the custard.
9. Can I use sweetened condensed milk instead of regular milk?
Yes, but sweetened condensed milk will make the dish much sweeter, so you may want to reduce the amount of sugar.
10. Can I freeze this bake?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked croissant bake. Just assemble it, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, just add 10-15 extra minutes of baking time.
Conclusion
This Berry Croissant Bake is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, offering a creamy custard filling with bursts of fresh berries and buttery croissants. It’s a crowd-pleaser for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and it’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying it solo, this indulgent treat is sure to impress!
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Berry Croissant Bake Extravaganza
Berry Croissant Bake is a delicious, easy-to-make breakfast or brunch dish that combines the flakiness of croissants with creamy custard and a burst of fresh mixed berries. This decadent yet simple recipe is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a special brunch, a lazy weekend, or a family gathering. With its rich custard filling, buttery croissants, and sweet-tart berries, it’s sure to become a favorite!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 croissants, sliced
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Croissants: Slice the croissants and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
- Add the Berries: Layer the mixed berries evenly on top of the sliced croissants.
- Make the Custard Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants and berries. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Nuts and Seeds: Add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
- Other Fruits: Swap berries for seasonal fruits like sliced apples, pears, or peaches.
- Make It Richer: For a richer custard, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Extra Indulgence: Top with chocolate or caramel drizzle for an indulgent finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
