Berry Croissant Bake (Easy Brunch & Make-Ahead Breakfast)

If you’re looking for a breakfast or brunch recipe that feels indulgent yet effortless, this Berry Croissant Bake is exactly what you need. Made with flaky croissants, a rich vanilla custard, and juicy mixed berries, this baked breakfast casserole is soft in the center, lightly crisp on top, and filled with comforting, bakery-style flavor.

This Berry Croissant Bake is perfect for slow weekends, holiday mornings, brunch gatherings, or anytime you want a make-ahead breakfast that looks impressive but requires minimal work. The croissants soak up the custard beautifully, creating a texture that’s somewhere between French toast and bread pudding, while the berries add brightness and balance.

Whether you’re hosting guests or simply treating your family to something special, this Berry Croissant Bake is guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Berry Croissant Bake

There are countless reasons this Berry Croissant Bake deserves a permanent spot in your breakfast rotation.

First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. There’s no complicated technique involved, no special equipment, and no advanced baking skills required. If you can tear croissants and whisk eggs, you can make this recipe.

Second, it’s a make-ahead dream. You can assemble the entire dish the night before, refrigerate it overnight, and simply bake it fresh in the morning. That means no early-morning stress and no juggling multiple dishes when you have guests.

Third, this Berry Croissant Bake is beautifully balanced. The buttery croissants provide richness, the custard adds creaminess, and the berries bring a pop of freshness and gentle acidity that keeps the dish from feeling too heavy.

Finally, it’s versatile. You can change up the berries, adjust the sweetness, add citrus zest, or finish it with your favorite toppings. This recipe adapts effortlessly to your preferences and what you have on hand.

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What Is a Berry Croissant Bake?

A Berry Croissant Bake is a baked breakfast casserole made by layering croissant pieces with berries and soaking them in a lightly sweetened egg custard before baking. As it bakes, the croissants absorb the custard, puff up, and turn golden on top while staying soft and tender inside.

Unlike traditional French toast casseroles that often use dense bread, croissants bring a flaky, buttery texture that elevates the entire dish. The berries melt slightly as they bake, releasing juices that swirl into the custard and create pockets of sweet-tart flavor throughout.

The result is a warm, comforting breakfast that feels like something you’d order at a café but can easily make at home.

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Berry Croissant Bake Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: 55–60 minutes
Course: Breakfast / Brunch
Servings: 8

This Berry Croissant Bake is ideal for feeding a crowd, but leftovers reheat beautifully, making it great for smaller households too.

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Ingredients for Berry Croissant Bake

Croissant Base

• 6 large croissants, torn into large pieces

Berry Layer

• 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

Custard

• 6 large eggs

• 1½ cups milk (whole milk preferred)

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

For the Baking Dish

• 2 tablespoons butter, for greasing

Optional Toppings

• Powdered sugar

• Maple syrup or honey

• Whipped cream

• Sliced almonds

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Ingredient Tips for the Best Berry Croissant Bake

Croissants

Day-old or slightly stale croissants are ideal for this Berry Croissant Bake. They absorb the custard more efficiently without becoming soggy. Fresh croissants work too, but letting them sit out for a few hours improves texture.

Berries

You can use any combination of berries you love. Strawberries add sweetness, blueberries provide juiciness, and raspberries bring a tart contrast. Frozen berries work just as well — add them straight from frozen without thawing to avoid excess moisture.

Dairy

Whole milk and heavy cream create the richest custard. If you want a lighter version, you can use all milk, but the texture will be slightly less luxurious.

Sweetness

This recipe is lightly sweetened. If you prefer a sweeter Berry Croissant Bake, you can increase the sugar by 2–3 tablespoons or rely on sweet toppings like maple syrup.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.

2. Assemble the Bake

Spread the torn croissant pieces evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. Sprinkle the mixed berries evenly over the croissants, making sure they’re distributed throughout for balanced flavor.

3. Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and fully combined.

4. Pour & Rest

Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants and berries. Gently press down on the croissants so they soak up the custard.

Let the dish rest for 15–30 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate overnight for a make-ahead Berry Croissant Bake.

5. Bake

Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the top is puffed and golden and the center is set. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 10 minutes.

6. Serve

Allow the Berry Croissant Bake to cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup or honey, or add whipped cream and sliced almonds for extra indulgence.

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Make-Ahead Instructions

One of the best features of this Berry Croissant Bake is how well it works as a make-ahead breakfast.

• Assemble the entire dish the night before.

• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.

• Refrigerate overnight.

• Bake fresh in the morning, adding 5–10 minutes to the baking time if starting cold.

This makes it perfect for holidays, brunch parties, and busy mornings.

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Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator

Store leftover Berry Croissant Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

• Microwave individual portions for 30–60 seconds.

• Reheat larger portions in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through.

The texture remains soft and flavorful even after reheating.

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Variations on Berry Croissant Bake

Lemon Berry Croissant Bake

Add the zest of one lemon to the custard for a bright, citrusy twist that pairs beautifully with berries.

Cream Cheese Berry Croissant Bake

Dot small cubes of cream cheese throughout the dish before baking for pockets of creamy richness.

Almond Berry Croissant Bake

Add sliced almonds on top before baking and replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a bakery-style flavor.

Chocolate Berry Croissant Bake

Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the croissants for a dessert-inspired version.

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Serving Suggestions

This Berry Croissant Bake pairs wonderfully with:

• Fresh fruit salad

• Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage

• Yogurt with honey

• Hot coffee or tea

It works equally well as the centerpiece of a brunch spread or as a standalone breakfast.

Print

Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 390 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 44 g

• Protein: 10 g

• Fat: 20 g

• Saturated Fat: 11 g

• Sugar: 22 g

• Sodium: 280 mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen berries?

Yes. Add them straight from frozen without thawing to prevent excess moisture.

Can I freeze Berry Croissant Bake?

While it’s best fresh, you can freeze baked portions for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Absolutely. The berries provide natural sweetness, so you can reduce the sugar by up to ¼ cup if desired.

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Final Thoughts on Berry Croissant Bake

This Berry Croissant Bake is everything a great breakfast recipe should be: comforting, elegant, easy, and endlessly adaptable. It transforms simple ingredients into something that feels special without demanding hours in the kitchen. The flaky croissants, creamy vanilla custard, and bursts of juicy berries come together in a way that’s both nostalgic and impressive.

What makes this recipe truly shine is its flexibility. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday morning, a casual weekend brunch, or a make-ahead weekday treat, it fits seamlessly into any schedule. You can dress it up with whipped cream and almonds, keep it simple with powdered sugar, or customize it with citrus, chocolate, or cream cheese.