Berry Croissant Bake Recipe

There’s something magical about waking up to the sweet aroma of buttery croissants, warm berries, and vanilla custard wafting through the house. This Berry Croissant Bake is the kind of cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast that feels fancy, but comes together with minimal effort.

this Recipe

I first whipped this up on a lazy Sunday when I had leftover croissants and a handful of berries that needed using up. It’s since become our go-to for holidays, brunch gatherings, and those mornings when you just want something a little extra special.

The best part? It’s incredibly simple to prep the night before and bake fresh in the morning. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this deliciously decadent dish.

Why You’ll Love This Berry Croissant Bake

If you’re looking for a breakfast or brunch option that’s easy, beautiful, and guaranteed to impress, this is it. The texture is rich and custardy with crisp, golden croissant tops and juicy, jammy berries in every bite.

First off, it’s quick and easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and no fancy techniques, it’s perfect for beginner bakers or anyone in a time crunch. You can have it in the oven in under 15 minutes.

This dish is budget-friendly and uses pantry staples. Stale croissants, frozen berries, eggs, milk, and a bit of cream come together to create something truly special—without a pricey grocery run.

It’s also family-friendly and great for a crowd. This bake fills a standard casserole dish, serving 6–8 people generously. Whether it’s brunch with friends or a sleepy Sunday with the kids, it hits the spot every time.

And perhaps best of all, it’s make-ahead friendly. Assemble it the night before, pop it in the fridge, and all you have to do in the morning is preheat the oven. Talk about a stress-free breakfast!

Once you’ve tried this once, you’ll be looking for excuses to make it again—and there are endless ways to customize it, which we’ll get into later on.

Ingredients Notes

What makes this Berry Croissant Bake truly shine is the balance of rich, flaky pastry with bright, juicy fruit and a smooth, lightly sweetened custard. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each ingredient matters.

Croissants are the heart of this dish. Their buttery, flaky texture soaks up the custard beautifully without getting soggy. Slightly stale croissants actually work better here, as they hold their shape and absorb more flavor. Fresh ones work too, but try to leave them out overnight if you can.

Berries add a pop of color and tartness that cuts through the richness of the custard. I love using a frozen mixed berry blend—blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries—for ease and variety. Fresh berries work just as well if you have them on hand, and you can easily mix and match based on the season.

The custard is made from eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, and a touch of sugar. It’s simple but creates that luscious, pudding-like texture that holds everything together. I prefer a mix of whole milk and cream for richness, but you can sub in half-and-half or plant-based milk if needed.

Vanilla extract gives the custard a subtle warmth and depth. For a little extra flair, try adding a dash of almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Finally, a dusting of powdered sugar over the baked casserole adds the perfect finishing touch. It’s optional, but makes the dish look bakery-worthy with zero extra effort.

You won’t need much in the way of special equipment—just a medium mixing bowl, a whisk, and a 9x13-inch baking dish. If you’re prepping ahead, plastic wrap or foil will come in handy for storing it overnight in the fridge.

How To Make This Berry Croissant Bake

Making this dish is as easy as layering, whisking, and baking. Here’s how to bring it all together for a brunch centerpiece that looks and tastes amazing.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (if baking right away) and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish. Tear your croissants into large chunks—about 2 inches—and scatter them evenly in the dish. You want them to look slightly rustic, not perfectly arranged.

Next, sprinkle your berries over the croissants. Don’t worry about thawing frozen berries; they’ll soften and release their juices as they bake. Tuck some down between the croissant pieces and leave others on top so you get bursts of flavor in every bite.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well combined, then pour it slowly and evenly over the croissant and berry mixture. Use a spoon to gently press the croissants down so they start soaking up the custard.

At this point, you can either bake it right away or cover it and refrigerate overnight. Letting it rest overnight gives the croissants more time to absorb the custard, resulting in a richer texture, but it’s still delicious baked immediately.

When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven uncovered and let it cook for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s puffed up slightly and no longer jiggles in the middle.

Let it cool for about 10 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar and serving warm. The total time from prep to plate is under an hour if baking right away—or just 45 minutes in the morning if you prepped it the night before.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (and that’s a big if), this dish stores beautifully. Let it cool completely, then cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer individual portions to airtight containers.

In the refrigerator, it’ll keep for up to 4 days. Just be sure to keep it well sealed to maintain its texture and flavor.

You can also freeze this bake. Wrap the entire dish or individual portions in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, simply place a portion in the microwave for 30–60 seconds until warmed through. For a crispier top, use a toaster oven or regular oven set to 350°F for 10–15 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can customize it based on what’s in your fridge or pantry, or tailor it to fit different tastes and dietary needs.

Want a little extra indulgence? Add cream cheese. Dot softened cream cheese or a sweetened cream cheese mixture between the croissants before baking for a berry cheesecake vibe.

Not into berries? Try apples, peaches, or pears. Thinly sliced apples with cinnamon and brown sugar create a fall-inspired twist, while peaches and nectarines bring summer vibes.

If you’re short on croissants, you can swap in brioche or challah bread. Just make sure to dry it out a bit beforehand so it soaks up the custard properly without getting soggy.

For a dairy-free version, use almond milk or oat milk and skip the heavy cream. You can also use a plant-based whipped topping in place of powdered sugar for a fun finish.

Feeling festive? Add a splash of orange liqueur or grated citrus zest to the custard for a subtle brightness that pairs beautifully with the berries.

No matter how you make it, this Berry Croissant Bake is a guaranteed hit. It’s one of those recipes that feels a little fancy but comes together with simple ingredients—and it always disappears fast. Don’t be afraid to play around and make it your own!

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