Description

This Berry Croissant Breakfast Bake is a delightful and easy-to-make breakfast casserole that combines flaky croissants with a luscious berry custard. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a special morning treat, it features layers of croissants and mixed berries soaked in a rich vanilla-scented custard, baked until golden and set. The dish is then finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and elegance.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

6 croissants (Choose slightly stale or day-old for optimal flakiness)
2 cups mixed berries (a mix of 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 the best flavor)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (sweetens the custard)
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, but brightens the dish)

Finishing Touch

1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting before serving)

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Instructions

Preparation Steps: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Assemble Croissants: Slice the croissants into halves or quarters depending on size, and layer them evenly in the prepared baking dish as the base of your casserole.
Add Berries: Evenly sprinkle the mixed berries over the layered croissants to distribute fruit throughout the dish.
Prepare Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and optional lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine: Pour the custard mixture over the croissants and berries in the baking dish. Gently press down on the croissants to ensure they soak up the custard well. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bake to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Just before serving, dust the top generously with powdered sugar for a sweet, beautiful finish.

Notes

Using day-old or slightly stale croissants helps absorb the custard better, resulting in a moister bake.
The berry mix can be customized with your preferred fresh or frozen berries.
For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk and non-dairy cream.
If refrigerating overnight, cover the dish tightly and bring to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
Optional lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the sweetness of the berries and custard.