Description
This Berry Croissant Breakfast Bake is a deliciously indulgent yet easy-to-make dish perfect for a weekend brunch or special breakfast. Featuring flaky croissants soaked in a rich custard and topped with a colorful medley of fresh mixed berries, this bake combines creamy, fruity, and buttery flavors in every bite. With a simple prep and a bake time under 45 minutes, it’s an effortless way to impress your family or guests with a comforting and elegant breakfast casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Croissant and Fruit
- 6 croissants (slightly stale or day-old for optimal flakiness)
- 2 cups mixed berries (a mix of blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or 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 tablespoon vanilla extract (use pure extract for the best flavor)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (sweetens the custard)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, brightens the dish)
Finishing Touch
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting before serving)
Instructions
- Preparation Steps: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Croissants: Slice the croissants into halves or quarters. Layer them evenly in the prepared baking dish to create the base of the bake.
- Add Berries: Evenly sprinkle the mixed berries over the layered croissants to distribute fruit flavor throughout the dish.
- Make Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and optional lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Soak: Pour the custard mixture slowly over the croissants and berries. Gently press down to help the croissants absorb the custard. Let the dish sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the top turns golden and the custard is set, particularly around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bake to cool for 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven, then dust with powdered sugar before serving to add a light sweetness and attractive finish.
Notes
- Using day-old croissants improves texture as they absorb the custard better.
- The lemon zest is optional but adds a refreshing brightness that complements the berries.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and heavy cream with almond or oat milk and a suitable non-dairy cream alternative.
- You can prepare the bake the night before and let it soak overnight in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors.
- Serve warm for best texture and taste; leftovers can be gently reheated.
