Croissant Bread Pudding Recipe
Crispy on the outside and oh-so-soft on the inside, Croissant Bread Pudding is a wonder that dances on your palate from the very first bite. The buttery croissants soaked in a creamy custard create a dessert that fills your heart with warmth and nostalgia. Every forkful is a symphony of sweetness, a comforting reminder of lazy weekend brunches or cozy family gatherings. What makes this recipe truly special is how effortlessly it comes together, making it an ideal choice for busy parents or anyone craving a moment of indulgence without the fuss.
The delightful aroma of vanilla and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen will be an invitation for everyone to come and join in the deliciousness of this easy, kid-friendly dessert. Just imagine slicing into your warm Croissant Bread Pudding, revealing pockets of melted chocolate or plump raisins, all waiting to be savored.
Have You Ever Craved Something Elegant Yet Comforting?
Have you ever found yourself longing for a dessert that perfectly balances elegance and comfort? Picture this: you come home after a long day, and the thought of dessert fills you with anticipation. Wouldn’t it be perfect if you could have that rich, decadent delight ready in just a moment’s notice? Croissant Bread Pudding is that magical solution.
It evokes memories of family get-togethers while promising the indulgence of a sophisticated treat. Plus, it offers a unique twist to traditional bread pudding, making it an irresistible creation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Easy Preparation: With minimal effort and a short list of ingredients, you can whip up this delectable dessert in no time.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone from kids to adults will adore this comforting treat, ensuring it’s perfect for gatherings.
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Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins—chocolate chips, nuts, or even fresh fruit—to make it uniquely yours.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the night before and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve!
Ingredients
To make this indulgent Croissant Bread Pudding, gather the following sumptuous ingredients:
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6 large croissants (preferably a day or two old): Their flaky layers are the foundation of this delightful dessert, providing a rich mouthfeel and scent.
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4 large eggs: The eggs bring the custard to life, offering a velvety texture that binds everything together.
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2 cups whole milk: Creamy and rich, whole milk enhances the flavor and gives a luxurious mouthfeel.
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1 cup heavy cream: An extra touch of decadence, heavy cream transforms your pudding into a luscious experience.
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1 cup granulated sugar: This sweet ingredient is key to balancing the flavors and creating that caramelized top.
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For that warm, inviting aroma and rich flavor that’s reminiscent of homemade goodness.
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1 teaspoon almond extract (optional): This adds a hint of nuttiness, elevating your dessert to divine levels.
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A sprinkle of spice unleashes the cozy aroma and enhances the overall flavor.
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1/4 teaspoon salt: It perfectly balances the sweetness, adding depth to your pudding.
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Drizzling melted butter on top adds richness and creates a golden crust.
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1/2 cup raisins (optional): For a touch of chewy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the bread.
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1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional): Because why not add chocolate to make it even more irresistible?
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Powdered sugar for serving: A light dusting adds a touch of elegance to your warm dessert.
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Fresh berries for garnish (optional): A pop of color and freshness makes for an appealing presentation.
Timing
If you’re looking for something quick and indulgent, Croissant Bread Pudding can be prepped in under an hour. But if you yearn for a luxurious experience, consider letting it soak overnight in the fridge. This way, every croissant piece absorbs the magical custard mixture, leading to a show-stopping pudding that promises rich flavors with every bite.
Step-by-Step
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Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)—the warm-up that anticipates the cozy delight to come.
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Step 2: Tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces and scatter them lovingly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle the raisins and/or chocolate chips evenly over the croissant pieces.
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Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract (if you’re using it), ground cinnamon, and salt. Let the ingredients mingle until they become a beautifully blended custard.
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Step 4: Pour this luxurious custard mixture evenly over the croissants, ensuring each piece is soaked in creamy goodness. Gently press down on the croissant pieces to help them absorb the custard fully.
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Step 5: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the pudding mixture. This buttery bath adds to the rich flavor.
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Step 6: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is perfectly golden brown, and the custard is set.
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Step 7: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the bread pudding cool for about 10-15 minutes. This is the hardest part, but your patience will pay off!
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Step 8: Dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm, garnished with fresh berries if desired.
Embrace each indulgent slice as the ultimate comfort dessert, enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information
A typical serving of Croissant Bread Pudding contains around 350-450 calories, depending on the mix-ins and portion size. While it may not be the lightest option, occasionally indulging in this heavenly dessert is a pure pleasure worth savoring.
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re aiming to make this delightful dessert a bit lighter, consider these substitutions:
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Use low-fat milk instead of whole milk and heavy cream to cut down on calories.
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Swap granulated sugar for a natural sweetener or monk fruit sugar for a lower glycemic index.
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For a dairy-free version, substitute with almond milk or coconut cream—both are deliciously creamy and flavorful options.
Serving Suggestions
Croissant Bread Pudding shines as a perfectly sweet ending to a meal. Whether you serve it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or alongside a hot cup of coffee, it captures the essence of comfort. If it’s a special occasion or holiday gathering, dress it up with seasonal fruits like pomegranates in winter or berries in summer.
Common Mistakes
To ensure your Croissant Bread Pudding turns out perfectly every time, avoid these common pitfalls:
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Overbaking can dry out your pudding, leading to a textural loss; keep an eye on that golden-brown top!
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Not allowing the croissant pieces to soak sufficiently—yielding a dry or uneven texture. Make sure each piece absorbs that creamy custard.
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Skipping the resting time after baking may lead to a soupy pudding; patience is key!
Storing Tips
Storing leftover Croissant Bread Pudding is easy! Here’s how:
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Freezing portions: Cut into squares and wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you want to enjoy them again.
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Reheating instructions: For best results, reheat in a toaster oven or bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Tempted to Bake it ASAP?
How can you resist the siren call of homemade Croissant Bread Pudding? With its creamy custard, flaky layers, and customizable mix-ins, it’s no wonder this indulgent dessert is a favorite among many. Whether for a special occasion or just a well-deserved treat, get those croissants out of the pantry and into the oven today!
FAQs
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Can I use stale croissants?
Absolutely! Stale croissants provide the best texture for bread pudding by soaking up the custard without becoming mushy. -
Is it okay to make the custard mixture the night before?
Yes, make ahead and refrigerate before pouring it over the croissants for a more intense flavor. -
Do I have to add the raisins or chocolate chips?
Not at all! You can enjoy it plain or skip to your preference—it’s delicious in every form. -
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, simply use a larger baking dish to accommodate the extra volume. -
How long does it last refrigerated?
It can last for about 3-4 days in the fridge when stored properly.
Now that you have all the information and inspiration, get ready to create a sensational Croissant Bread Pudding that will surely wow your family and friends!
Print
Croissant Bread Pudding
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting dessert with buttery croissants soaked in creamy custard, perfect for lazy weekends or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 large croissants (preferably a day or two old)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
- Powdered sugar for serving
- Fresh berries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces and scatter them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Optionally, sprinkle the raisins and/or chocolate chips over the croissant pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants, pressing down gently to ensure each piece is soaked.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the custard mixture.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown and set.
- Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with fresh berries if desired.
Notes
For a more intense flavor, consider letting the pudding soak overnight in the fridge. Customize with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or fruit.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
