Description
This Berry Croissant Bake Extravaganza is a decadent and delightful breakfast casserole featuring buttery croissants soaked in a rich custard with a medley of fresh berries. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this dish is ideal for brunch gatherings or special mornings, served warm with optional maple syrup or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 6 large croissants (preferably day-old, torn into pieces)
Fruit
- 1 1/2 cups mixed fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Custard Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Finishing Touches
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Maple syrup or whipped cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Arrange croissants and berries: Tear the croissants into pieces and spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish. Scatter the mixed berries over the croissant pieces for an even distribution.
- Prepare custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon if using until smooth and combined.
- Soak croissants in custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants and berries in the dish. Gently press down to ensure the croissant pieces soak up the custard fully.
- Rest before baking: Allow the mixture to sit for 10–15 minutes to let the croissants absorb the custard, which helps achieve a custardy texture inside.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set and no longer jiggly.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the bake cool slightly. Dust the top with powdered sugar and serve warm with optional maple syrup or whipped cream for added sweetness.
Notes
- Frozen berries can be used if fresh are unavailable; no need to thaw before adding.
- For a citrusy twist, add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the custard mixture.
- This bake is perfect for brunch or special occasions and can be assembled ahead of time and baked the next morning.
