This croissant bread pudding is a luxurious, decadent dessert that combines buttery croissants with a rich, creamy custard. It’s baked to perfection, delivering a golden, crispy top and a soft, custard-soaked interior. Perfect for brunch, holiday gatherings, or a sweet indulgence any time of the year!
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Uses leftover croissants: A delicious way to repurpose day-old croissants.
- Easy to customize: Add chocolate chips, fruits, or nuts to suit your taste.
- Rich and comforting: The perfect dessert for cozy family dinners or special occasions.
- Quick assembly: Minimal prep time makes this an effortless yet impressive treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Croissants
- Eggs
- Heavy cream
- Milk
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar, chocolate chips, fresh fruit
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease a baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Prepare the croissants: Tear croissants into large pieces and layer them in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the custard: Evenly pour the custard mixture over the croissant pieces, pressing down lightly to ensure they soak up the liquid.
- Let it rest: Allow the dish to sit for about 10 minutes so the croissants absorb the custard.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Cool slightly and serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate syrup.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe typically serves 6-8 people, depending on portion size.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30-40 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 50-55 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate croissant bread pudding: Add chocolate chips or use chocolate croissants for an extra indulgent twist.
- Fruit-filled: Incorporate berries, diced apples, or raisins for added texture and flavor.
- Savory version: Skip the sugar and vanilla, add cheese, herbs, and cooked sausage or ham for a savory spin.
- Nutty goodness: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the top before baking for a crunchy topping.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the pudding to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-40 seconds, or cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 325ยฐF oven for 10-15 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh croissants for this recipe?
Yes, but slightly stale croissants work better as they absorb the custard more effectively.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh the next day.
3. Can I freeze croissant bread pudding?
Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
4. How do I know when the pudding is done?
The top should be golden, and the custard should be set but slightly jiggly in the center.
5. Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes, you can substitute almond, oat, or soy milk, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
6. What can I serve with croissant bread pudding?
Pair it with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
7. Can I add alcohol to the custard?
Yes, a splash of rum, bourbon, or Grand Marnier adds a lovely depth of flavor.
8. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free croissants if available. The process remains the same.
9. Why is my bread pudding too dry?
This happens if there isnโt enough custard or the pudding is overbaked. Ensure the croissants are well-soaked before baking.
10. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, brown sugar adds a richer, caramel-like flavor to the dish.
Conclusion
Croissant bread pudding is a versatile, indulgent dessert thatโs easy to prepare and customize. Whether you enjoy it with a classic vanilla custard or experiment with exciting variations, itโs bound to impress. Serve it warm, and let this comforting treat become a staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Croissant Bread Pudding
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Croissant Bread Pudding is a rich, decadent dessert made with buttery croissants soaked in a creamy custard and baked to perfection. Topped with a luscious vanilla sauce, this dish is perfect for dessert or even an indulgent brunch treat. The flaky texture of the croissants adds a unique twist to classic bread pudding.
Ingredients
For the Pudding:
- 6–8 large day-old croissants, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Vanilla Sauce:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Croissants:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- If your croissants are fresh, toast the cubed pieces on a baking sheet for 5โ10 minutes to dry them out slightly. This helps them absorb the custard better.
- Make the Custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Assemble the Pudding:
- Lightly grease a 9ร13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Place the croissant cubes into the prepared dish.
- Pour the custard mixture over the croissants, pressing down gently to ensure all pieces are soaked.
- Let the mixture sit for 20โ30 minutes to allow the croissants to absorb the custard. For a more custardy texture, you can refrigerate it for several hours or overnight.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15โ20 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
- Prepare the Vanilla Sauce:
- While the pudding is baking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly.
- Serve:
- Allow the bread pudding to cool for about 15 minutes.
- Serve warm, drizzled with the vanilla sauce.
Notes
- Variations:ย Feel free to add raisins, chocolate chips, or berries between the layers of croissants for added flavor.
- Storage:ย Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and warm in a 350ยฐF oven until heated through.
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