Sweet Croissant Breakfast Bake: A Deliciously Easy Morning Treat

Sweet croissant breakfast bake is your ticket to a decadent, stress-free morning meal that’s equal parts indulgent and practical. Think flaky, buttery croissants paired with the tang of mixed berries, all brought together by a creamy, dreamy custard. This casserole is perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or even as a make-ahead dessert. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!

I first made this recipe after staring down a few day-old croissants on my counter. Waste not, want not, right? I wanted something easy to throw together but still brunch-worthy. The creaminess of the custard mixed with those fruity bursts from the berries had everyone asking for seconds. Plus, since you prep it the night before, your morning workload boils down to preheating the oven and pouring yourself a coffee. Let’s get baking!

How to Make Sweet Croissant Breakfast Bake

What You’ll Need

This easy croissant berry casserole comes together with just a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 large croissants (preferably from the bakery) sliced into 1-inch cubes
• 1 1/2 cups mixed berries (raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries work great)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%—your choice!)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 Tbsp heavy cream (or swap in half-and-half or milk)
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional, but pretty!)

You’ll also need an 8×8-inch baking dish and a hand mixer to make this overnight croissant breakfast recipe super smooth and easy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s bring this mixed berry croissant casserole to life! Follow these simple steps:

1. Prep your baking dish: Grease an 8×8-inch dish and fill it with the cubed croissants and mixed berries. This step sets the stage for all that sweet, gooey goodness to come. Set it aside for now.
2. Make the custard mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using a hand mixer. Add the milk, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, and continue mixing until everything is well combined.
3. Combine and chill: Pour the custard mixture over the croissants and berries in your baking dish. Gently press the croissants down to help them soak up the custard. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. (If you’re short on time, 30 minutes of soaking will do the trick.)
4. Bake your casserole: When you’re ready to bake, take the dish out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes. The top should be golden and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
5. Make the glaze: While the casserole bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla bean paste in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. This glaze is the perfect finishing touch!
6. Finish and serve: Once the casserole is out of the oven, drizzle the glaze over the top. Serve warm and, if you’re feeling fancy, dust with a bit of powdered sugar. Enjoy!

Jake’s Tips for the Perfect Sweet Croissant Breakfast Bake

Here are a few tips to make your baked croissant and cream cheese dessert the absolute best:

• Use slightly stale croissants: Day-old croissants soak up the custard much better than fresh ones, so don’t shy away from older pastries.
• Switch up the berries: While I love a mixed berry combo, feel free to use any fruit you have on hand. Strawberries, cherries, or even sliced bananas work great.
• Add a crunch factor: Sprinkle some chopped nuts—like walnuts or pecans—on top for a little texture.
• Reheat like a pro: Leftovers? Pop a slice in the microwave for 20–30 seconds. It heats up beautifully!

Sweet Croissant Breakfast Bake FAQs

Let’s tackle a few common questions about this recipe:

Can I skip the overnight soak?

Yes! If you’re tight on time, let the dish sit for at least 30 minutes before baking. The croissants won’t be as fully soaked, but it’ll still be delicious.

How do I store leftovers?

Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Warm it in the microwave or oven before serving.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yep! Bake the casserole fully, let it cool, and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F until warmed through.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, mascarpone is a great substitute. It’s just as creamy but slightly milder in flavor.

Can I make this without the glaze?

Totally! The casserole is plenty sweet on its own, but the glaze does add a nice touch. You decide!

Conclusion

There you have it—my go-to sweet croissant breakfast bake for a make-ahead treat that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to impress your family or friends at your next brunch gathering. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Feel free to leave a comment below or tag KitchenShortcuts.net on social media with your sweet creation.

If you love one-dish breakfasts like this, be sure to check out some of my other quick and easy recipes for your air fryer or slow cooker. Happy cooking!