Description
Berry Croissant Breakfast Bake is a delightful and easy-to-make morning treat combining flaky croissants, fresh mixed berries, and a rich custard baked to golden perfection. Perfect for brunch or a cozy breakfast, this recipe requires minimal prep and yields a comforting, berry-infused custard bake that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Croissant and Berry Layer
- 6 croissants (Choose slightly stale or day-old for optimal flakiness)
- 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries)
Custard Mixture
- 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)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (sweetens the custard)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (use pure extract for best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, brightens the dish)
Topping
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting before serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Croissants: Slice the croissants into halves or quarters and layer them evenly in the greased baking dish, creating a base for the bake.
- Add Berries: Sprinkle the mixed berries evenly over the layered croissants to distribute the fruity flavor 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 smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Soak: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant and berry layers. Gently press down to ensure the custard is absorbed. Let the dish sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature to soak in, or refrigerate overnight for a more infused flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The top should turn golden brown and the custard set, especially around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the bake to cool for 10-15 minutes. Before serving, dust the top generously with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Using day-old croissants helps them absorb the custard better without getting too soggy.
- You can substitute heavy cream with extra milk or non-dairy cream alternatives for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- Refrigerating overnight allows the custard to soak deeper, enhancing the texture and flavor.
- Feel free to mix different types of berries depending on what’s fresh and in season.
- Serve warm for the best comfort experience, optionally with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream.
