Croissant Bread Pudding Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that brings warmth and joy to any gathering, this Croissant Bread Pudding Recipe is the answer! This delightful dish combines the flaky goodness of day-old croissants with a creamy custard, creating a comforting dessert that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy weekends. It’s a wonderful way to use up those leftover pastries while treating your loved ones to something truly special.

This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet night at home, this croissant bread pudding is sure to impress. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this decadent dessert in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the sweet, creamy flavors of this comforting treat—it’s perfect for all ages!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare it ahead of time, pop it in the oven when you’re ready, and enjoy fresh-baked goodness without the fuss.
• Deliciously Versatile: Customize it with your favorite add-ins like fruits or nuts for an extra twist!
• Impressive Presentation: Serve it warm with whipped cream or caramel sauce for an elegant finish that looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Croissant Bread Pudding Recipe is easy and fun! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items that come together beautifully to create a rich and satisfying dessert.

For the Pudding

• 6 day-old croissants, torn or cut into pieces (about 8 cups)
• 4 eggs, beaten
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup raisins

For Greasing

• 1 Tablespoon butter

Variations

This Croissant Bread Pudding Recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add Some Fruit: Toss in fresh berries or sliced bananas for a fruity twist that adds freshness.
• Experiment with Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• Spice It Up: Try adding some nutmeg or pumpkin spice for seasonal flair.
• Chocolate Delight: Mix in chocolate chips or chunks for an indulgent treat that chocolate lovers will adore.

How to Make Croissant Bread Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that your pudding bakes evenly from the start, giving you that perfect golden top.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Next, grease a 9×9” baking pan with butter. This step is essential as it prevents the pudding from sticking, making serving much easier later on. Once greased, arrange the croissant pieces in the pan so they form an even layer.

Step 3: Whisk Together Eggs and Sugars

In a large bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs along with both sugars until well combined. This mixture forms the base of your custard—a sweet foundation that binds everything together.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Now, whisk in the melted butter, whole milk, heavy whipping cream, pure vanilla extract, sea salt, and cinnamon until everything is smooth. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich custard that will soak into the croissants.

Step 5: Combine Custard with Croissants

Pour the custard mixture over the arranged croissants in your baking dish. Gently press down with a spatula so every piece absorbs some liquid—this step is key! The more custard each croissant soaks up, the creamier your final dish will be.

Step 6: Bake

Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top springs back lightly when pressed and a cake tester comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly!

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked to perfection, let your bread pudding cool for at least 30-60 minutes. Enjoy it warm on its own or dress it up with whipped cream or caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence!

With its comforting flavors and inviting texture, this Croissant Bread Pudding Recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your home. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Croissant Bread Pudding Recipe

Making croissant bread pudding is a delightful experience, and with these handy tips, you’ll ensure it turns out perfectly every time!

• Use stale croissants: Day-old croissants absorb the custard better, resulting in a creamier texture. Fresh croissants tend to become mushy and won’t hold their shape as well.
• Let it soak: After pouring your custard mixture over the croissants, give them some time to soak. Allowing at least 15-20 minutes of soaking time helps each piece absorb the flavors fully.
• Don’t skip the cooling time: Letting the bread pudding cool for 30 to 60 minutes after baking allows it to set properly. This step makes serving easier and enhances the overall texture.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add other ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or different dried fruits. They can elevate the dish and make it even more special!
• Serve warm: Croissant bread pudding is best enjoyed warm! The gooey custard combined with crispy edges creates a comforting dessert experience that’s hard to resist.

How to Serve Croissant Bread Pudding Recipe

Presenting your croissant bread pudding can be just as fun as making it! Here are some delightful ways to serve this scrumptious dessert.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch that complements the richness of the pudding.
• Fresh berries: Adding mixed berries such as strawberries or blueberries not only enhances the presentation but also provides a refreshing contrast in flavor.
• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top gives a beautiful finishing touch and adds a hint of sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pair! The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over warm bread pudding.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits brings a refreshing balance to the rich dessert.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of your favorite brew pairs wonderfully with this sweet treat, enhancing its flavors while providing a cozy feel.
• Caramel sauce drizzles: Serve with caramel sauce on the side for drizzling. It adds an extra layer of sweetness and decadence that will delight everyone at the table.

Enjoy making this delicious croissant bread pudding recipe, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This croissant bread pudding recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can easily prepare it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment, making it a fantastic option for busy days or special occasions.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bread pudding to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the bread pudding cool completely.
• Cut into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings on medium power for about 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious dessert!

Can I use fresh croissants for the Croissant Bread Pudding Recipe?

While day-old croissants work best due to their ability to absorb custard without becoming mushy, you can use fresh croissants if you let them sit out for a few hours to dry out slightly.

How do I store leftovers from the Croissant Bread Pudding Recipe?

Store any leftover croissant bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it.

Can I make this Croissant Bread Pudding Recipe without raisins?

Absolutely! You can omit raisins or substitute them with your favorite dried fruit, such as cranberries or chopped apricots, based on your preference.

What should I serve with my Croissant Bread Pudding Recipe?

This delightful dessert pairs wonderfully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Feel free to get creative with your toppings!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this croissant bread pudding recipe as much as I do! It’s a comforting dessert that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this dish is sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to make it your own and have fun with variations! Happy baking!