Description
Creamy French-inspired berry croissant bake melts sweet croissant layers with luscious berries and rich custard. Elegant breakfast magic comes together in one simple, irresistible dish that delights your morning palate.
Ingredients
Scale
Croissants and Berries:
- 6 croissants
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Custard Base:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Tear croissants into rustic, bite-sized chunks, ensuring varied textures and uneven pieces for visual appeal.
- Scatter mixed berries throughout the torn croissant pieces, distributing them evenly across the baking dish.
- Whisk eggs in a large mixing bowl until smooth and slightly frothy, creating a light custard base.
- Incorporate whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt into the egg mixture, blending until completely uniform.
- Gently pour the custard over the croissant and berry mixture, allowing the liquid to seep into the bread’s crevices and create a saturated foundation.
- Let the baking dish rest for 10 minutes, enabling the croissants to absorb the custard and develop a rich, custardy texture.
- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the center is set with a slight wobble.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes, letting the dessert stabilize and intensify its flavors.
- Dust the top generously with powdered sugar, creating a delicate, sweet finish that complements the baked berries and croissants.
- Serve warm, optionally accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Customize berry selection by mixing seasonal favorites like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries for vibrant flavor profiles and color variations.
- Select day-old croissants for superior texture absorption, preventing soggy or overly dense results during baking.
- Enhance dairy-free options by substituting whole milk and heavy cream with almond or oat milk alternatives, maintaining creamy consistency.
- Elevate presentation by garnishing with fresh mint leaves or toasted almond slivers, adding visual appeal and complementary texture to the dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg