Description
This Berry Croissant Breakfast Bake is a delightful and easy-to-make dish combining flaky croissants and fresh mixed berries soaked in a creamy custard. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast, it delivers a balance of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors in a warm, comforting bake that takes just about an hour and ten minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 croissants (Choose slightly stale or day-old for optimal flakiness)
- 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries)
- 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
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (use pure for best flavor)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting before serving)
Instructions
- Preparation Steps: Gather all ingredients and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the bake does not stick after cooking.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) allowing it to heat up while you prepare the dish.
- Slice Croissants: Cut croissants into halves or quarters, depending on size, and layer them evenly into the greased baking dish to form the base of your bake.
- Add Berries: Evenly sprinkle the mixed berries over the croissant layers to incorporate bursts of fruit throughout.
- Prepare Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and optional lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour Custard: Slowly pour the custard mixture over the croissants and berries, gently pressing down to help the croissants absorb the liquid. Allow the dish to soak for 15-20 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
Notes
- For best texture, use croissants that are a day old or slightly stale so they absorb the custard well without becoming soggy.
- The lemon zest is optional but adds a bright, fresh flavor that balances the sweetness.
- You can substitute whole milk and heavy cream with non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk, and coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- The bake can be prepared the night before and refrigerated overnight, making it convenient for mornings.
- Use fresh or frozen mixed berries; if using frozen, consider thawing and draining excess liquid to prevent sogginess.
- Serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup can elevate the dish further.
