Croissant Bread Pudding Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning buttery, flaky croissants into the ultimate cozy dessert or brunch centerpiece, then this Croissant Bread Pudding is absolutely your new best friend. Imagine those delicate layers soaking up a rich, vanilla-infused custard, baked until perfectly set with a tender, luscious middle that’s just begging to be spooned up. It’s comfort food elevated, blending crisp edges with a creamy, sweet heart you’ll want to savor again and again. Whether you’re serving it for a casual breakfast treat or a special occasion dessert, the Croissant Bread Pudding brings a touch of indulgence and nostalgia that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward crafting this dreamy Croissant Bread Pudding. Each item plays a crucial role, from providing richness and tenderness to adding just the right hint of sweetness and scent that fills your kitchen with warmth.

• 9 croissants (preferably stale): Using day-old croissants helps them soak up the custard without turning mushy, giving you the perfect texture.
• 1/4 cup golden raisins (optional): These add little bursts of sweetness and chewiness that contrast beautifully with the soft pudding.
• 2 cups milk: Any kind of milk will work here to create a silky custard base; whole milk adds extra creaminess.
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream: This boosts the richness and makes the custard luxuriously velvety.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: The right amount of sweetness that ties all the flavors together perfectly.
• 3 large eggs: Eggs are the backbone of this custard, providing structure and a creamy texture.
• 2 large egg yolks: Extra yolks add decadence and deepen the custard’s richness.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds softness and enhances the buttery notes already present in the croissants.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Vanilla lifts the entire dish with its sweet, aromatic warmth.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Powdered sugar (optional garnish): A dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty, delicate touch when serving.

How to Make Croissant Bread Pudding

Step 1: Prepare Your Croissants and Baking Dish

Start by tearing or roughly cutting your croissants into chunks and layering them in a 3-quart baking dish. If you love a fruity surprise bursting through your pudding, sprinkle the golden raisins evenly between the croissant pieces. This sets the stage for a well-distributed flavor balance.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

In a large bowl, combine milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, eggs, egg yolks, melted butter, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Whisk everything until smooth and thoroughly mixed. This custard is the magic elixir that brings the Croissant Bread Pudding to life with richness and flavor.

Step 3: Soak the Croissant Mixture

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants in your baking dish. Let them soak up all that goodness for at least one hour at room temperature, though preferably overnight in the fridge. This soaking time is key because it ensures that every bite is tender and custardy, not dry or bread-like.

Step 4: Bake the Croissant Bread Pudding

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil, then bake the pudding for about one hour. You want the edges to be set and slightly golden, while the center remains just a little wobbly to guarantee moistness and creaminess. It’s like the sweetest hug from your oven.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

Once your Croissant Bread Pudding has cooled just enough to handle, sprinkle powdered sugar on top if you like a pretty, snowy finish. This optional touch adds an elegant contrast to the browned custard top, making your presentation match its delicious flavor.

How to Serve Croissant Bread Pudding

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel or maple syrup elevate the Croissant Bread Pudding without overpowering it. A few fresh berries or a sprig of mint can add a pop of color and a refreshing bite that perfectly balances the pudding’s indulgence.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for dessert. For a brunch spread, consider fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad to introduce brightness and texture, cutting through the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, serve your Croissant Bread Pudding in individual ramekins or muffin tins for personal portions. You can also throw in some chopped nuts before baking for crunch or swirl in chocolate chips for an extra layer of bliss. Let your creativity shine in how you present this classic comfort food!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Croissant Bread Pudding keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Each reheated bite remains surprisingly moist and flavorful because of those buttery croissants soaking up custard.

Freezing

You can freeze baked Croissant Bread Pudding for up to one month. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, then thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a 325-degree Fahrenheit oven to warm the pudding through without drying it out. Cover with foil to keep moisture locked in, or heat single portions in the microwave for about 60 seconds if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I use fresh croissants or do they need to be stale?

Using slightly stale croissants is ideal because they soak up the custard better without falling apart. Fresh croissants will still work but may result in a softer, less structured pudding.

Is it necessary to soak the croissants overnight?

While at least one hour of soaking is enough, allowing the mixture to rest overnight deepens the custard’s flavor and ensures every bite is utterly luscious.

Can I substitute the dairy products to make it lactose-free?

Absolutely! Use lactose-free milk and cream or plant-based alternatives like oat or almond milk, keeping in mind that texture and richness might vary slightly.

What is the best way to warm up leftover Croissant Bread Pudding?

The oven method preserves the pudding’s texture best. Heat at 325 degrees Fahrenheit with foil for about 15 minutes, or microwave for quick reheating if pressed for time.

Can I add other mix-ins besides raisins?

Definitely! Fresh or dried berries, nuts, chocolate chips, or even diced apples make fantastic additions to customize your Croissant Bread Pudding to your taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the creamy, buttery comfort of Croissant Bread Pudding that makes it a standout in any kitchen. Once you try this recipe, you’ll find it’s a perfect way to rescue those day-old croissants and transform them into a dish that feels both nostalgic and exciting. Whether it’s a lazy weekend breakfast or a crowd-pleasing dessert, I promise this recipe will become a beloved classic in your collection, bringing smiles and full hearts every time.