Lemon Rolls with Lemon Icing and Poppy Seeds Recipe
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4.8 from 31 reviews
This Berry Croissant Breakfast Bake is an easy and indulgent breakfast recipe featuring slightly stale croissants soaked in a creamy custard with mixed berries. Perfect for brunch or a weekend treat, it combines flaky pastry, luscious berries, and a rich custard baked to golden perfection and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Total Time:1 hour
Yield:6 servings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
6 croissants, slightly stale or a day old
2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries)
1 ½ cups whole milk
1 ½ cups heavy cream
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅓ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for garnish)
Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon zest for a citrusy boost
Optional Add-Ins / Substitutions
Gluten-free option: use gluten-free croissants
Dairy-free option: almond or coconut milk
Healthier version: reduce sugar and use whole milk only
Extra flavor: almond extract, orange zest, maple syrup
Richer custard: replace ½ cup milk with extra cream
Berry alternatives: cherries, peaches, or mixed fruit
Instructions
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Cut and Arrange the Croissants: Slice the croissants into halves or quarters and arrange them in the baking dish with some pieces higher than others to allow for texture variation and custard flow.
Add the Berries: Scatter the mixed berries evenly over the croissant pieces, mixing berry types for an appealing color and uniform distribution.
Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Pour and Soak: Slowly pour the custard over the croissants and berries, pressing gently to help the croissant pieces absorb the liquid. Let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor and texture.
Bake Until Golden: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Garnish and Serve: Allow the bake to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar. Optionally, add maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh berries for extra indulgence before serving.
Notes
Use slightly stale croissants as they absorb the custard better and prevent sogginess.
Press gently after pouring the custard to ensure deep absorption without crushing the flaky texture.
Add lemon zest for a fresh, bakery-style flavor.
Frozen berries can be used directly from the freezer to prevent excess moisture.
Do not overbake; leaving the center slightly jiggly keeps the custard creamy, not dry.
Heavy cream enriches the custard, making it smooth and luscious.
Mix different berries for a colorful and festive appearance suitable for holidays or brunch.
Layer croissants irregularly to create texture contrasts between crisp peaks and soft valleys.
Chilling overnight intensifies flavors and enhances the custard-like texture.
Broil for the last minute if a caramelized, crisp top is desired.
Use a glass baking dish for even heat distribution and attractive presentation.
Add a layer of cream cheese for a cheesecake-like variation.
