Heavenly Croissant Bread Pudding Recipe: Golden Buttery Bliss

Sinking your fork into a luscious croissant bread pudding that marries buttery French pastry with classic comfort dessert magic.

Flaky layers of golden croissants create an irresistible texture that whispers decadence in every bite.

Sweet custard seeps through delicate pastry curves, promising a dessert more sophisticated than traditional bread pudding.

Rich cream and eggs embrace those delicate croissant pieces, transforming humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

European bakeries might envy this clever reinvention of two beloved treats.

Warm spices like cinnamon and vanilla dance across each spoonful, inviting memories of cozy kitchen moments.

Grab a spoon and experience pure culinary delight that will make you the star of any gathering.

Fun Twists On Croissant Bread Pudding To Try

• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Sprinkle chocolate chips and chunks between croissant layers, creating a rich chocolatey version that melts perfectly in the custard.
• Fruity Fresh Fusion: Add fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries before pouring custard, introducing bright, tangy notes to the classic dessert.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Scatter chopped pecans or almonds on top and drizzle with homemade caramel sauce, adding complex texture and deep sweetness.
• Tropical Paradise Blend: Mix diced mangoes and shredded coconut into the croissant pieces, transforming the pudding into a vibrant island-inspired treat.

Croissant Bread Pudding FAQs You’ll Appreciate

• What makes croissant bread pudding different from traditional bread pudding?

Croissant bread pudding uses buttery, flaky croissants instead of regular bread, creating a richer, more decadent dessert with a luxurious texture and deeper flavor profile.

• Can I use stale croissants for this recipe?

Absolutely! Stale croissants actually work perfectly for bread pudding. They absorb the custard better and help prevent food waste while creating an amazing dessert.

• Is this dessert considered a breakfast or dessert item?

It’s wonderfully versatile! Croissant bread pudding can be enjoyed as a delightful breakfast treat or an indulgent dessert, depending on when you’re craving something sweet and comforting.

• How do I know when the bread pudding is perfectly cooked?

Look for a golden brown top and a slightly jiggly center. The custard should be set but not completely firm, which indicates it’s done and will have a creamy, soft texture when served.

Why Croissant Bread Pudding Feels Extra Fancy

• Luxurious Transformation: Turns ordinary croissants into a decadent dessert that elevates simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy treat.
• Effortless Elegance: Requires minimal cooking skills with maximum delicious results, perfect for home bakers wanting to impress without complex techniques.
• Customizable Comfort: Allows endless variations with different toppings like caramel sauce, fresh berries, or whipped cream, making it adaptable to personal taste preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepares in under an hour from start to finish, providing a fast and comforting dessert solution for busy families or unexpected guests.

What You Need For Croissant Bread Pudding

• Croissants: Soft, slightly stale bakery croissants with rich buttery flavor work best for maximum texture.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the custard base.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, silky custard with deep flavor.
• Milk: Helps balance the custard's consistency and lightens the texture.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Add sweetness and depth of caramel-like flavor to the dessert.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall dessert flavor with warm, aromatic notes.

• Cinnamon: Optional warm spice that adds depth and classic dessert warmth.
• Salt: Balances and brightens the sweet flavors in the pudding.

• Powdered Sugar: Light dusting for visual appeal and extra sweetness.
• Caramel Sauce: Rich topping that complements the bread pudding's creamy texture.

How To Bake Croissant Bread Pudding Easily

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick swipe of butter or a spritz of cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Croissant Breakdown

Tear those flaky croissants into bite-sized chunks. Scatter them across the prepared baking dish like you’re creating a delicious landscape.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Magic

• Eggs
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they transform into a silky smooth custard that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Luxurious Soak

Gently pour the custard over the croissant pieces. Use a spatula to press down softly, helping those pastry pieces drink up all the creamy goodness. Let everything mingle and get acquainted for 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Let it bake for 35-40 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. The center should have just a tiny wobble when you give the dish a gentle shake.

Step 6: Rest and Indulge

Give your bread pudding a short breather – 5-10 minutes of cooling time. Then dive in and top with a snowfall of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or whatever sweet dream you’re craving. Serve warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Pro Tip: This dessert is even more magical the next day. If you have leftovers (though that’s rare), store them in the refrigerator and gently reheat before serving.

Pro Tips For Croissant Bread Pudding That’s Rich

• Select Quality Croissants: Choose day-old, slightly stale croissants for maximum custard absorption and rich, decadent texture.
• Customize Flavor Variations: Experiment with add-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts to personalize your bread pudding.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Tear croissants into large, uneven pieces to create pockets that help prevent a dense, wet base.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pudding the night before and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making morning preparation easier.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a lighter, lactose-free version that maintains creamy consistency.

How To Store Croissant Bread Pudding Without Drying

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain the pudding's delicious texture.
• Reheat in Oven: Warm individual portions at 325F for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and retain moisture.
• Microwave Option: Zap single servings for 30-45 seconds, checking halfway to ensure even heating. Add a small splash of cream to restore softness.
• Freeze Wisely: Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Best Pairings For Croissant Bread Pudding

• Brew Bold Coffee Companion: Pair this rich, custardy croissant bread pudding with a robust dark roast coffee or a smooth espresso. The coffee's deep, slightly bitter notes will beautifully balance the dessert's sweet, creamy texture.
• Enhance with Sweet Wine Buddy: Serve alongside a luscious dessert wine like Sauternes or a late-harvest Riesling. These wines bring out the pudding's caramelized edges and complement its luxurious custard base with their honeyed undertones.
• Complement with Vanilla Ice Cream Partner: Top the warm bread pudding with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, smooth ice cream creates a delightful temperature contrast and adds an extra layer of decadent sweetness to each bite.
• Drizzle Caramel Sauce Sidekick: Elevate the dessert with a generous drizzle of homemade or high-quality caramel sauce. Its buttery, rich flavor intensifies the croissant's golden layers and enhances the pudding's overall indulgent experience.

Croissant Bread Pudding Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Irresistible Croissant Bread Pudding weaves French bakery magic into a comforting dessert. Creamy custard and buttery croissants meld together, creating a heavenly treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 large croissants (day-old preferred), roughly torn into pieces
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) whole milk

Sweeteners and Spices:

• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 grams) light brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Toppings:

• Powdered sugar
• Caramel sauce
• Chocolate sauce
• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch dish with a thin layer of butter, creating a non-stick surface for the luxurious dessert.
2. Delicately tear croissants into rustic, uneven chunks, creating a textural landscape across the greased baking dish.
3. Craft a silky custard foundation by whisking eggs until they transform into a pale, creamy mixture, incorporating heavy cream, milk, both white and brown sugars, vanilla essence, and a whisper of cinnamon.
4. Cascade the luscious custard over the croissant fragments, gently pressing down to ensure complete saturation, allowing the bread to luxuriate in the liquid for approximately 10-15 minutes.
5. Position the dish in a preheated oven calibrated to 350°F, transforming the raw ingredients into a golden, puffy creation that trembles slightly when nudged.
6. After 35-40 minutes, retrieve the pudding when its surface achieves a rich, caramelized bronze and the center maintains a delicate wobble.
7. Exercise patience by allowing the dessert to rest and settle for 5-10 minutes, concentrating its flavors and structural integrity.
8. Elevate the presentation by dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with caramel sauce, creating a decadent finale to this comforting dessert.

Notes

• Select day-old croissants for maximum flavor absorption and optimal texture, as slightly stale pastries soak up custard more effectively.
• Use full-fat dairy products to create a rich, creamy custard that enhances the decadent nature of this dessert.
• Customize the recipe by adding chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts to introduce exciting flavor variations and personal touch.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use a sugar alternative to reduce overall calories without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg