Overnight Mixed Berry Croissant Bake
Buttery croissants layered with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, soaked in a custard of milk, cream, eggs, and lemon curd, then baked until golden. Topped with toasted almonds and a tangy vanilla cream cheese glaze. Make it the night before for an effortless brunch.
Ingredients
- 4 large croissants
- ½ cup strawberries, chopped
- ½ cup blueberries
- ½ cup raspberries
- 1 cup milk, room temperature
- ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- 3 tbsp lemon curd
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds
- ¼ cup whipped cream cheese
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- ½ cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
- ½ tsp vanilla
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange croissants on a large rimmed baking dish about one inch apart.
- 2
Bake at 400°F until toasted and golden brown.
- 3
Remove and cool until handleable.
- 4
Cut each croissant into 1-inch cubes using a serrated knife.
- 5
Spray or grease a 9x9 baking dish.
- 6
Layer half the cubed croissants, then half the berries. Repeat with remaining croissants and berries.
- 7
Whisk milk, cream, eggs, lemon curd, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- 8
Pour custard mixture over croissants and berries.
- 9
Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
- 10
Remove from refrigerator and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, keeping foil on top.
- 11
Preheat oven to 350°F.
- 12
Bake covered for 25 minutes.
- 13
Carefully remove foil and sprinkle sliced almonds over top.
- 14
Bake uncovered until almonds are lightly browned and toasted.
- 15
Remove from oven and let set for five minutes.
- 16
Combine cream cheese, whole milk, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
- 17
Drizzle glaze over bake and serve warm.
Tips
Ensure all custard ingredients are at room temperature for even soaking and texture.
Cut croissants into uniform 1-inch cubes so they absorb custard evenly.
Refrigerate overnight allows the custard to fully soak into the croissants for best texture.
Watch almonds closely during final baking to prevent burning.
Good to Know
Covered, refrigerated up to 2 days. Do not freeze.
Prepare through refrigeration overnight; bake fresh the morning of serving.
Serve warm with additional whipped cream or fresh berries on the side.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip the overnight soak to avoid dry, unevenly textured bake.
Do not bake almonds with the covered dish to avoid soggy toppings.
Do not use cold custard ingredients to avoid uneven absorption into croissants.