Berry Croissant Bake is a decadent yet easy breakfast casserole that combines flaky croissants, juicy berries, and a rich custard for the ultimate morning treat. Perfect for brunch, holiday gatherings, or weekend indulgence, this dish is a delicious balance of buttery, fruity, and creamy flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Brunch – A crowd-pleasing dish that looks and tastes impressive.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep it the night before and bake in the morning.
- Flaky and Buttery – The croissants soak up the custard while maintaining a crisp top.
- Naturally Sweet and Fruity – Fresh or frozen berries add bursts of flavor.
- Versatile – Easily customizable with different berries, nuts, or flavors.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Croissants (preferably day-old)
- Mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
- Eggs
- Milk or heavy cream
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon (optional)
- Powdered sugar (for garnish)
- Maple syrup or whipped cream (for serving)
Directions
- Preheat the oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Tear the croissants – Roughly chop or tear croissants into bite-sized pieces and arrange them in the dish.
- Add the berries – Scatter fresh or frozen berries over the croissants.
- Prepare the custard – In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk (or cream), sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Pour over croissants – Evenly pour the custard mixture over the croissants, pressing them down slightly to absorb the liquid.
- Let it sit – Allow the mixture to soak for 10-15 minutes (or overnight if prepping ahead).
- Bake – Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and set.
- Garnish and serve – Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup or whipped cream.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Twist – Add chocolate chips for a dessert-like version.
- Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle almonds, pecans, or walnuts for added texture.
- Citrus Zest – Mix in orange or lemon zest for a fresh twist.
- Dairy-Free – Use almond or coconut milk instead of dairy.
- Savory Option – Swap berries for ham and cheese, reducing sugar.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 30-45 seconds.
- Freezing: Freeze baked portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought croissants?
Yes! Day-old croissants work best as they absorb the custard without getting too soggy.
Can I use frozen berries?
Absolutely! No need to thaw them; just add directly to the dish.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it the night before and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The top should be golden brown, and the custard should be set (not jiggly).
Can I add cream cheese?
Yes! Dot cream cheese cubes throughout the bake for a creamy texture.
Is this dish overly sweet?
It has a balanced sweetness, but you can reduce sugar if preferred.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free croissants or bread.
What’s the best milk to use?
Whole milk or heavy cream makes it rich, but any milk works.
How do I prevent the top from burning?
If it browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil while baking.
Can I serve this cold?
It’s best warm, but some people enjoy it chilled as a pudding-like treat.
Conclusion
Berry Croissant Bake is a deliciously easy breakfast casserole that feels both indulgent and effortless. With buttery croissants, juicy berries, and a creamy custard, this dish is perfect for special occasions or weekend brunch. Whether you make it ahead or bake it fresh, it’s sure to impress!
Print
Berry Croissant Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Berry Croissant Bake is a sweet and creamy breakfast casserole made with buttery croissants, fresh berries, and a rich custard — perfect for brunch or special mornings.
Ingredients
- 4 large croissants, torn into pieces
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange torn croissant pieces evenly in the baking dish. Scatter the mixed berries over the croissants.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants and berries. Gently press down to help the croissants soak in the custard.
- Let sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb or refrigerate overnight for a make-ahead option.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until golden and set in the center.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use frozen berries, just thaw and drain them first.
- Try adding a bit of lemon zest to the custard for extra brightness.
- Serve with maple syrup or whipped cream for an indulgent finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
