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flaky croissant bread pudding - featured image

Flaky Croissant Bread Pudding: Easy Brunch Dessert

  • Author: Marissa
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings 1x

Description

A rich, custardy, and flaky bread pudding made with stale croissants, featuring a golden caramelized top and a soft, airy interior. This easy, set-it-and-forget-it recipe is perfect for brunch or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6–8 large stale croissants (about 1 pound / 450g), torn into rough chunks
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons extra sugar (for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Tear stale croissants into rough, bite-sized pieces and place them into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
  4. Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly until the mixture is homogeneous.
  5. Pour the custard evenly over the croissants. Gently press the pastry down into the liquid to ensure every piece is soaked.
  6. Let the mixture sit for at least 10-20 minutes to allow the croissants to absorb the custard (or refrigerate overnight).
  7. Sprinkle extra sugar on top and drizzle with melted butter.
  8. Bake for 45-50 minutes. Halfway through, tent with aluminum foil if the top is browning too quickly.
  9. The pudding is done when the center is set and not jiggly, and the top is golden brown.
  10. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the custard to set.

Notes

Stale croissants are essential for the best texture; fresh ones may turn mushy. If using fresh croissants, let them dry out overnight or bake at 300°F for 10 minutes. Do not freeze this recipe as the custard separates upon thawing. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square slice
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 18
  • Sodium: 280
  • Fat: 22
  • Saturated Fat: 12
  • Carbohydrates: 32
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 8

Keywords: croissant bread pudding, brunch dessert, stale croissants recipe, easy bread pudding, custard dessert, zero waste cooking

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Find it online: https://aboutdinnerideas.com/flaky-croissant-bread-pudding-easy-brunch-dessert/