Berry Croissant Bake: A Perfectly Sweet, Creamy, and Buttery Treat for Every Occasion
Berry Croissant Bake is a delicious, comforting dish that seamlessly combines the best qualities of buttery croissants, sweet berries, and a creamy filling. Think of it as a cross between a traditional Danish pastry and a rich, custard-filled bread pudding, but with the convenience of using ready-made croissants. The dish is a perfect addition to any brunch table, ideal for breakfast, or even as a sweet treat to enjoy on a lazy afternoon. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this recipe will leave everyone wanting more.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 large croissants (broken into small pieces): Be sure to use already baked croissants, not dough. Croissants add a buttery richness to the dish and a soft texture that absorbs the creamy custard beautifully.
- 1 cup sliced strawberries: Strawberries are a classic choice for this recipe because of their sweet flavor and vibrant color, which pairs well with the other berries and the richness of the custard.
- ½ cup blueberries: Blueberries bring a subtle tartness to balance the sweetness of the other ingredients. They also add a pop of color and juiciness to the bake.
- ½ cup raspberries: Raspberries offer a tangy contrast to the sweet berries and complement the richness of the cream cheese custard. Their delicate texture also adds a touch of sophistication to the dish.
- 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese (softened): The cream cheese creates a smooth, rich base for the custard mixture, adding creaminess and flavor. Be sure to soften the cream cheese before mixing to prevent lumps.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar: This adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance out the tang of the cream cheese and the freshness of the berries.
- ¾ cup milk: Whole milk is recommended for the richest flavor, but you can substitute it with lower-fat milk or even almond milk if you prefer a dairy-free version.
- 2 large eggs: The eggs bind everything together, creating the custard-like texture. They also add richness to the bake.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the flavors in the dish and adds a lovely aromatic quality to the custard.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, prepare a 9 x 9-inch baking dish by spraying it lightly with cooking spray. This ensures that the croissant bake won’t stick and makes cleanup easier. Once your oven is preheated, your dish is ready to go.
2. Layer the Croissants and Berries
The next step is to break the croissants into small, bite-sized pieces. You can tear them by hand or use a knife—either way works just fine. Spread the pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish. You want the croissants to cover the entire base of the dish, providing a solid foundation for the other ingredients.
Once the croissants are arranged, scatter the sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries over the croissant pieces. Distribute the berries as evenly as possible, ensuring that each croissant piece gets a good amount of fruit. The berries will infuse the dish with their natural sweetness and color as it bakes, creating a beautiful contrast with the golden croissants.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Custard Mixture
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s light and fluffy. This step is important because it helps to incorporate air into the cream cheese, making it easier to mix with the other ingredients and resulting in a smoother custard. Gradually add the granulated sugar to the cream cheese, mixing well after each addition to ensure it’s fully incorporated.
Next, add the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The result will be a thick, creamy custard that will soak into the croissants and berries as it bakes, creating a rich and velvety texture.
4. Pour the Custard Over the Croissants and Berries
Once your custard mixture is ready, pour it evenly over the croissant pieces and berries. Use a spoon or spatula to ensure that the croissants are fully covered with the custard mixture. The custard will soak into the croissants, making them soft and creamy while baking. Don’t worry if some of the custard pools around the edges—this will give the dish its golden brown, crispy edges that add to the overall texture and flavor.
5. Refrigerate the Dish
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or up to 14 hours. Refrigerating the dish allows the croissants to absorb the custard and helps the flavors meld together. If you’re making this dish in advance, let it sit overnight in the fridge, so it’s ready to bake the next morning.
6. Bake the Croissant Bake
When you’re ready to bake, remove the cover from the dish and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. The bake should be slightly puffed up, with a golden crust on top and a soft, creamy interior. Keep an eye on it toward the end of the baking time to ensure it doesn’t overbake or burn.
Once it’s done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The bake will continue to set as it cools, but it’s best served warm to get the full experience of its rich, creamy texture.
7. Serve and Enjoy
For an extra touch of sweetness, you can dust the top of the bake with powdered sugar before serving. If you prefer something a little richer, drizzle it with maple syrup or honey for a comforting and indulgent treat. This Berry Croissant Bake is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of whipped cream, vanilla yogurt, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special brunch or dessert.
Notes
- Croissants: If you don’t have croissants, buttery rolls, brioche, or even stale bread could work in their place. The croissants add a unique richness to the dish, but any soft, slightly sweet bread will work.
- Berries: Feel free to swap the berries for other fruits. Blackberries, strawberries, or even diced peaches or apples would work wonderfully. If you want to add a bit of citrus zest, try using orange or lemon zest in the custard mixture to complement the fruit.
- Milk: For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the milk with almond milk or coconut milk. The richness of the cream cheese will still provide plenty of creaminess, even without the whole milk.
- Sugar: If you’re looking for a lower-sugar version, try using a sugar substitute, such as stevia or monk fruit, to sweeten the custard mixture.