Imagine a cozy Sunday morning, the air filled with the warm aroma of buttery croissants. The golden layers beckon you to indulge, and just when you think it can’t get any better, they transform into croissant bread pudding. This delightful dish combines the flaky texture of croissants with a creamy custard that dances on your tongue. It’s like brunch and dessert had a baby, and trust me, it’s an explosion of flavors you’ll want to experience over and over.
Picture gathering around the table with loved ones, laughter and stories flowing as you dig into this delicious creation. Croissant bread pudding is perfect for holiday breakfasts or lazy weekends that call for something a little extra special. You might even find yourself dreaming about those sweet bites long after the last forkful is gone. So grab your apron and get ready for a flavor adventure that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Croissant bread pudding is incredibly easy to prepare, making breakfast feel like a special occasion without stress
- The rich custard melds perfectly with buttery croissants for an irresistible flavor combination
- Its beautiful golden-brown top will impress guests while being simple enough for anyone to recreate at home
- Versatile enough to enjoy anytime, this dish can be served warm or chilled for different occasions
I remember the first time I made croissant bread pudding; my friends devoured it in minutes and begged for the recipe. It felt like a culinary victory!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Stale Croissants: Use day-old croissants for ideal texture; fresh ones may turn too mushy during baking.
Eggs: Large eggs are best; they provide structure and richness to the custard.
Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess, but feel free to use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
Heavy Cream: For maximum richness, don’t skimp on this ingredient; it elevates the overall flavor.
Sugar: Granulated sugar balances out the richness; brown sugar can add an extra hint of caramel flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances sweetness and aroma; skip imitation for best results.
Cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon brings warmth; consider adding nutmeg for an extra layer of spice.
Optional Mix-ins: Chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts can elevate your pudding to new heights of deliciousness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab a large baking dish—a 9×13 inch works perfectly to hold all that deliciousness.
Prepare the croissants: Tear stale croissants into bite-sized pieces and scatter them in the baking dish. The irregular shapes will create delightful textures once baked.
Mix the custard: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth. The mixture should look creamy and dreamy—like liquid sunshine.
Combine: Pour the custard evenly over the croissant pieces while gently pressing them down to soak up all that goodness. Don’t rush this step; let them soak happily!
Add mix-ins: If using chocolate chips or nuts, sprinkle them generously on top before placing everything in the oven. This adds surprise flavors throughout each bite.
Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown on top and set in the center. You know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean—no one likes soggy pudding!
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving so no one burns their tongue off! Top with whipped cream or fresh fruit if desired—everyone loves a bit of flair!
Croissant bread pudding is not just food—it’s an experience that brings people together. Whether you’re indulging solo or sharing with loved ones, each forkful tells a story of comfort and joy. Enjoy!
You Must Know
- Mastering croissant bread pudding is easier than you’d think
- The flaky texture combined with a creamy custard creates a breakfast dish that feels decadent yet approachable
- Trust me, your friends will rave about it, and you might just become their new brunch hero
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create the best croissant bread pudding, start by tearing the croissants into pieces, then whisk together eggs, milk, and sugar. Let the mixture soak for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor absorption.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in chocolate chips or fresh berries for a fruity twist. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor further.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use day-old croissants for better texture; they soak up custard beautifully without becoming mushy
- Make sure your custard is well-mixed and evenly distributed for consistent flavor
- Don’t skip letting it rest; this step ensures every bite is perfectly moist
The first time I made croissant bread pudding, my friends devoured it in seconds! Their delighted faces as they took the first bite made all the effort worthwhile. It’s now a staple at our brunches.
FAQ
Can I use other types of bread?
Yes, day-old brioche or challah works great as alternatives to croissants.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
Bake until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day before and refrigerate overnight before baking.
Croissant Bread Pudding
Transform your Sunday mornings with this irresistible croissant bread pudding. Combining the buttery flakiness of stale croissants with a rich, creamy custard, this dish is perfect for brunch or dessert. Easy to prepare and delightful to share, every bite promises an explosion of flavors that will keep your loved ones coming back for more.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- 6 stale croissants, torn into pieces
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips or dried fruit
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Tear stale croissants into bite-sized pieces and scatter them in the baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Pour custard over croissant pieces and gently press to soak.
- Add optional mix-ins like chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before serving; top with whipped cream or fresh fruit if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
