Description
This Berry Croissant Bake is a delightful and easy breakfast casserole featuring flaky croissants, mixed fresh berries, and a creamy custard-like topping. Perfect for a weekend brunch or special occasion, this bake combines the buttery richness of croissants with the natural sweetness and tartness of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, all enveloped in a luscious cream cheese custard. It’s a make-ahead recipe that can be refrigerated before baking, making mornings simpler yet delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Croissant and Berry Base
- 4 large croissants, broken into small pieces (use already baked croissants, not dough)
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- ½ cup blueberries
- ½ cup raspberries
Cream Cheese Custard
- 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange croissants and berries: Spread the broken croissant pieces evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Scatter the sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries evenly over the croissants to create a colorful, delicious fruit layer.
- Make cream cheese mixture: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy and smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing continuously until the custard is well blended and creamy.
- Combine and chill: Pour the cream cheese custard mixture evenly over the croissants and berries in the baking dish. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 14 hours, allowing the croissants to soak up the custard.
- Bake the casserole: Remove the cover and bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the custard is fully set. The surface should be lightly browned and firm to the touch.
- Serve warm: Allow the bake to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with syrup for added sweetness. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting berry croissant bake.
Notes
- Use day-old or fully baked croissants for best texture; fresh croissants may become too soggy.
- This dish can be prepared the night before and refrigerated to save time in the morning.
- Add a variety of berries based on preference or season for different flavors.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard mixture.
- Serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, or powdered sugar as garnish.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
