Irresistible Croissant Bread Pudding Recipe for Sweet Souls

Decadent and creamy, this unique croissant bread pudding recipe blends classic French pastry with comforting dessert magic.

Buttery croissants create a luxurious base that melts in your mouth with every spoonful.

Warm spices and rich custard transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary treat.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of crisp edges and silky smooth interior.

The golden-brown top hints at the delectable layers waiting beneath.

Drizzled with caramel or served with vanilla ice cream, this dessert elevates any meal’s finale.

Prepare to indulge in a sweet masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How To Bake Croissant Bread Pudding The Easy Way

• Croissant Foundation

Rip delicate croissants into rustic chunks, creating a delicious base for this heavenly dessert. Nestle these golden pieces into a welcoming baking dish, allowing them to create a cozy landscape of sweet potential.

• Silky Liquid Magic

Whip together eggs, cream, and milk into a luxurious mixture that will transform ordinary croissants into an extraordinary experience. Sprinkle in sugar, vanilla, and a whisper of cinnamon, blending until the combination becomes smooth and dreamy.

• Soaking Seduction

Gently cascade the creamy concoction over the croissant pieces, encouraging each morsel to drink in the rich flavors. Let the mixture rest and mingle, allowing the bread to become wonderfully saturated with deliciousness.

• Golden Transformation

Slide the baking dish into a warm oven, watching as the pudding gradually turns a beautiful amber color. The edges will crisp up while the center remains tender and luscious, creating a perfect balance of textures.

• Heavenly Presentation

Remove the pudding when it’s gloriously golden and slightly wobbly in the center. Let it cool briefly, then serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an irresistible finale.

Tips To Make Croissant Bread Pudding Rich And Custardy

• Bread Pudding Pro Tips
• Croissant Selection Magic: Choose day-old, slightly stale croissants for maximum custard absorption. Fresh croissants work too, but slightly dried ones create a more decadent texture.
• Flavor Boosting Trick: Add dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped pecans for extra depth and texture. Sprinkle them between croissant layers before pouring the custard.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the pudding the night before and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking for perfect consistency.
• Dietary Flexibility: For a gluten-free version, substitute croissants with gluten-free bread or almond flour-based pastries. Lactose-intolerant friends can use coconut milk and dairy-free cream alternatives.
• Decadent Topping Ideas: Elevate the dessert with bourbon-infused caramel sauce, fresh whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for extra indulgence.

Serving Croissant Bread Pudding Warm And Sweet

• Breakfast Bliss: Top the warm pudding with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and fresh berries for a delightful morning treat.
• Dessert Decadence: Drizzle rich caramel sauce and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent after-dinner dessert experience.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Garnish with toasted almond slivers and a dollop of whipped cream to create an elegant brunch showstopper that will impress guests.
• Sweet Companion: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte to complement the pudding's rich, custardy texture and enhance its warm, comforting flavors.

Storing Croissant Bread Pudding Without Drying Out

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or reheat the entire dish in a 325F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of cream before reheating to restore the pudding's original creamy texture.
• Freezing Friendly Option: Wrap the cooled bread pudding securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the delicate custard consistency.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance by assembling and refrigerating before baking. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes prior to baking to allow the dish to come to room temperature, ensuring even cooking and perfect texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 404 kcal

Servings: 7

All You Need For Croissant Bread Pudding

• Croissants: Select freshly baked, buttery croissants that are slightly stale for optimal texture absorption and rich flavor complexity.

• Eggs, Heavy Cream, Milk: Full-fat dairy creates a luxurious, silky custard base that ensures a decadent, creamy pudding with perfect consistency.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provides balanced sweetness and contributes to deep caramel undertones that complement the croissant's buttery notes.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth that elevates the entire dessert's sensory experience.
• Cinnamon: Optional spice that introduces a subtle, warming complexity to the pudding's overall profile.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the other flavor dimensions in the dish.

Baking Gear For Croissant Bread Pudding

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking custard ingredients together smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending eggs, cream, and other custard components without lumps.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for spreading croissant pieces and baking the pudding evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Sharp Knife: Helpful for tearing croissants into bite-sized pieces.
• Oven Mitts: Necessary for safely handling hot baking dishes.

Silky Croissant Bread Pudding Recipe

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Delightful croissant bread pudding melds French pastry elegance with classic comfort dessert traditions. Rich custard-soaked croissants create a luxurious sweet finale that delights dessert enthusiasts you’ll savor to the last delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 large croissants (day-old preferred), roughly torn
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups (473 ml/16 fl oz) heavy cream
• 1 cup (237 ml/8 fl oz) whole milk
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar
• 1 ½ tsps vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• ¼ tsp salt
• Powdered sugar
• Caramel sauce
• Chocolate sauce
• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and create a smooth release surface.
2. Croissant Layering: Tear croissants into irregular, rustic pieces, dispersing them evenly across the buttered dish to build a textural foundation.
3. Custard Creation: Whisk eggs until pale and frothy, then blend with heavy cream, milk, white and brown sugars, vanilla extract, and a hint of ground cinnamon to form a luxurious, smooth custard mixture.
4. Saturation Process: Pour the silky custard over the croissant pieces, gently pressing to ensure complete absorption, allowing the bread to soak and infuse with flavors for 10-15 minutes.
5. Baking Transformation: Place the dish in an oven preheated to 350°F, baking until the surface turns a deep golden-bronze and the center maintains a gentle jiggle, approximately 35-40 minutes.
6. Resting and Finishing: Let the pudding settle for 5-10 minutes to stabilize its structure and concentrate flavors, then garnish with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar or a lavish caramel sauce drizzle.

Notes

• Prevent Soggy Texture: Ensure croissants are slightly stale or day-old for optimal absorption without turning mushy, creating a perfect balance between crisp edges and custardy interior.
• Customize Flavor Variations: Experiment by adding chocolate chips, dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts to elevate the basic recipe and introduce personal flair.
• Temperature Precision: Allow custard mixture to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking, enabling even heat distribution and preventing potential temperature shock that could lead to uneven cooking.
• Dietary Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup, or replace eggs with a plant-based binding agent for vegan-friendly modifications.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 404
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 173 mg