Description
This Berry Croissant Breakfast Bake is a delightful and easy-to-make dish combining flaky croissants, vibrant mixed berries, and a rich vanilla custard. Perfect for a weekend brunch or special breakfast, it offers a comforting blend of textures and flavors in just about an hour.
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 tablespoon vanilla extract (use pure extract for best flavor)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (sweetens the custard)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, brightens the dish)
Finishing
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting before serving)
Instructions
- Preparation Steps: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer Croissants: Slice the croissants into halves or quarters, and layer them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Berries: Sprinkle the mixed berries evenly over the croissant layers to distribute the fruit throughout.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and optional lemon zest until smooth and fully combined.
- Combine: Pour the custard mixture over the layered croissants and berries, gently pressing down to ensure the croissants absorb the custard. Let the dish sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate overnight for a more infused flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is fully set around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bake to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Dust the top with powdered sugar for a sweet and elegant finish.
Notes
- Using slightly stale croissants helps them absorb the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- The berry mix can be adjusted to your preference or seasonal availability.
- Refrigerating overnight improves flavor fusion and texture but is optional.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk and non-dairy cream.
- Ensure the custard is fully set before removing from the oven to avoid a runny center.
