There’s something magical about brunch dishes that bring everyone to the table with excitement. And when it comes to a baked dish like Berry Croissant recipes, you’re not only inviting the sweet allure of fresh berries, but also the buttery flakiness of croissants and a custard that brings it all together. This dish is a delightful balance between breakfast and dessert, perfect for a special weekend brunch or a holiday morning treat. In my family, this recipe has become a tradition—every time we serve it, it disappears within minutes. It’s the kind of dish that looks like you spent hours crafting it, but in reality, it’s super simple to whip up. The combination of soft, pillowy croissants, bursting berries, and creamy custard is truly irresistible!

I first discovered this recipe when looking for an easy brunch dish that still felt indulgent and special. With a busy schedule, I wanted something that didn’t require a lot of hands-on work but still made a statement. When I made this Berry Croissant for the first time, it became an instant family favorite. The crispy edges of the croissant mixed with the juicy, sweet berries and the rich custard made it a comfort food classic that we now make for every occasion—whether it’s a Sunday morning or a special gathering. And the best part? You can easily prep it the night before, making it the ultimate make-ahead brunch dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make: With minimal prep time, this dish comes together quickly and can even be made ahead for a stress-free brunch.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a casual Sunday brunch or a holiday breakfast, Berry Croissant is sure to impress.
Rich in flavor: The buttery croissants soak up the creamy custard, while the berries add a burst of tart sweetness.
Customizable: You can use a mix of your favorite berries or even swap in other fruits like peaches or apples.
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love this dish. It’s a great way to get everyone to the table in the morning.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes (including 20 minutes of prep and 50 minutes of baking)
Servings: Serves 8

Ingredients

6 large croissants, torn into bite-sized pieces
1 ½ cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries)
4 large eggs
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for a hint of freshness)
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Maple syrup, for serving (optional)

Why These Ingredients Work:

Croissants: The star of this dish, croissants bring a buttery, flaky texture that soaks up the custard perfectly.
Mixed Berries: Berries add a pop of color and flavor, balancing the richness of the croissants and custard.
Heavy Cream and Milk: A combination of heavy cream and milk creates a rich, creamy custard.
Vanilla and Almond Extract: These extracts elevate the flavor with warm, sweet notes.
Lemon Zest: This optional ingredient adds a refreshing brightness that complements the berries.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a step by step guide doing this recipes:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Tear the croissants: Tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces and place them evenly in the prepared baking dish. You want the croissant pieces to overlap slightly but not be too tightly packed.
Add the berries: Sprinkle the mixed berries evenly over the top of the croissants. You can mix and match berries depending on your preferences. I love a combination of blueberries and raspberries for a perfect sweet and tart balance.
Make the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and lemon zest. The almond extract adds a lovely subtle flavor, but it’s optional if you prefer a more straightforward taste.
Pour the custard: Slowly pour the custard mixture over the croissants and berries, making sure everything is evenly coated. The croissants will soak up the custard as it bakes, creating a soft, pudding-like texture in the center and crispy edges on top.
Let it soak: If you have time, let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the croissants to absorb the custard. You can also prepare this dish the night before and refrigerate it, which is perfect for a stress-free morning!
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set, and the top is golden brown. The edges of the croissants should be crispy, and the center should be soft but not runny.
Cool and Serve: Once the Berry Croissant is out of the oven, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 portion (1/8 of the bake)
Calories: 380
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 18g

How to Serve

Serve warm, fresh out of the oven, with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Drizzle maple syrup on top for extra sweetness.
Pair it with fresh fruit on the side for a complete brunch spread.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Offer it with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast.

Additional Tips

Use day-old croissants: Slightly stale croissants work best in this recipe as they soak up the custard without becoming too soggy.
Prep ahead: This dish can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning, making it a great option for a no-fuss brunch.
Switch up the berries: Use whatever berries are in season. Frozen berries work well, too—just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding.
Don’t skip the soak: Letting the croissants sit in the custard mixture for 10-15 minutes ensures they absorb all the flavor and become wonderfully soft.
Watch the baking time: Check the bake around the 40-minute mark to ensure the edges don’t brown too much. You want the top to be golden but not overly crisp.

Recipe Variations

Tropical Twist: Swap out the berries for chopped mango, pineapple, and coconut flakes for a tropical-inspired version.
Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of slivered almonds or chopped pecans on top before baking for extra texture and a nutty flavor.
Chocolate Lover’s Version: Mix in a handful of chocolate chips along with the berries for a chocolate croissant bake.
Citrus Delight: Use orange zest instead of lemon zest and add a few segments of fresh orange to the dish.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk for a dairy-free version. It adds a delicious subtle coconut flavor, too!

Serving Suggestions

Serve as the centerpiece of a brunch buffet, alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and a selection of pastries.
Pair with coffee, tea, or mimosas for a festive morning gathering.
Make it a holiday breakfast by serving it with a side of scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage.
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert version of the dish.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Freezing: You can freeze this Berry Croissant before baking! Assemble the dish as instructed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This will help maintain the crispy edges of the croissants.

Special Equipment

9×13-inch baking dish: This size dish is perfect for ensuring even baking and enough space for all those croissant layers.
Whisk: For making the custard mixture smooth and lump-free.
Microplane zester: A great tool for zesting the lemon to get that fresh citrus flavor.
Pastry brush (optional): If you want to brush the croissants with a bit of melted butter before baking for extra crispiness.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought croissants?
- Yes! Store-bought croissants work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure they’re slightly stale for the best texture.
Can I use frozen berries?
- Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using to prevent too much moisture from being added to the dish.
Can I make this dairy-free?
- Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream and milk with full-fat coconut milk for a delicious dairy-free version.
How do I know when the bake is done?
- The bake is ready when the custard is set, and the top is.

Berry Croissant Bake