Croissant Bread Pudding

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Croissant Bread Pudding is a luxurious twist on a classic dessert, made with buttery croissants that soak up a rich custard for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. This indulgent treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert and can be customized with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips, berries, or nuts. The flaky croissants give it a light, airy texture while the custard adds creamy decadence.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

croissants (preferably day-old)eggsheavy creamwhole milksugarvanilla extractground cinnamunsaltoptional add-ins (chocolate chips, raisins, fresh berries, chopped nuts)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Slice the croissants into pieces and arrange them in the prepared dish.

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

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant pieces, pressing down slightly to ensure all pieces are soaked.

Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to fully absorb the custard.

Sprinkle any desired add-ins on top.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set but still slightly soft in the center.

Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesResting time: 15 minutesBaking time: 35-40 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Add a swirl of Nutella or caramel before baking for extra richness.

Replace vanilla extract with almond or maple extract for a different flavor.

Top with fresh fruit and whipped cream for a brunch-ready dish.

Add orange or lemon zest to brighten up the custard.

Make it savory by omitting the sugar and adding cheese, herbs, and cooked bacon or sausage.

storage/reheating

Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through.For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh croissants?

Yes, but day-old croissants absorb the custard better and yield a more cohesive texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the dish the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it the next day.

What kind of milk works best?

Whole milk is ideal, but you can use 2% or a mix of cream and milk for richness.

Do I need to cover the pudding while baking?

No, unless the top is browning too quickly. In that case, loosely cover with foil.

Can I use store-bought mini croissants?

Yes, just adjust the quantity to match the total volume of croissants needed.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the milk and cream with non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk and use plant-based butter for greasing.

Can I use less sugar?

Yes, you can adjust the sugar to your taste or use sweeteners like maple syrup or honey.

What should the texture be like?

Soft and custardy on the inside with a slightly crisp, golden top.

Is this recipe good for brunch?

It’s perfect for brunch, especially when served with fresh fruit or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger baking dish and increase baking time as needed.

Conclusion

Croissant Bread Pudding is the ultimate comfort food that transforms humble ingredients into a decadent and satisfying dish. Its soft, creamy center and golden top make every bite irresistible. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this crowd-pleaser is sure to impress and become a staple in your recipe collection.

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