Description
This Berry Croissant Bake is a delightful and comforting breakfast or brunch dish featuring buttery croissants soaked in a rich custard and bursting with mixed berries. Baked to golden perfection, this dish combines the flakiness of croissants with a creamy, sweet custard and tender berries, making it an irresistible treat for family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 large croissants (preferably a day or two old, cut into chunks)
- 1 ½ cups mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or any milk of choice)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
- Prepare the Croissants: Tear the croissants into large chunks and evenly arrange them in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the mixed berries over the croissant pieces to evenly distribute the fruit.
- Make the Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon (if using), and salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, creating a rich custard base.
- Assemble the Bake: Pour the custard mixture over the croissant chunks, ensuring they are thoroughly soaked. Gently press the croissants down with a spoon so all pieces absorb the custard evenly.
- Add Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the croissant and custard mixture to enrich the flavor and promote a golden crust during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard has set. Check doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean when fully cooked.
- Serve: Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes. Optionally dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch before serving warm to enjoy the creamy, fruity goodness.
Notes
- Using day-old croissants helps the bread absorb the custard better without becoming overly soggy.
- You can use any combination of fresh or frozen berries; just thaw frozen berries before using.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with your preferred plant-based alternatives.
- If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the sugar quantity by a quarter.
- This bake can be prepared the night before: assemble it, cover, and refrigerate, then bake in the morning.
- To add a crunchy topping, sprinkle chopped nuts or streusel on top before baking.
