Description
This Berry Croissant Breakfast Bake is a delightful and easy-to-make morning treat that layers flaky croissants with fresh mixed berries and a rich custard. Ready in just over an hour, this baked dish offers a perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and sweet flavors, making it an ideal brunch or breakfast centerpiece.
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
- 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, but brightens the dish)
Finishing
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting before serving)
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.
- Slice Croissants: Slice the croissants into halves or quarters to create manageable pieces and layer them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Berries: Sprinkle the mixed berries evenly over the croissant layers to distribute the fruit throughout the dish.
- Make Custard: 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 well combined.
- Combine Custard and Bread: Pour the custard over the croissants and berries, gently pressing down on the croissants to help them absorb the custard. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate overnight for deeper soaking.
- Bake: Place the baking 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.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bake to cool for 10-15 minutes to set further, then dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use croissants that are slightly stale or day-old so they absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.
- The custard mixture can be prepared the night before and refrigerated to save time and enhance flavor absorption.
- Feel free to use any combination of berries you prefer or have on hand.
- Substitute dairy milk and cream with plant-based alternatives to make the dish dairy-free.
- Serve warm for a comforting breakfast or brunch experience.
