Name: Croissant Berry Bread Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large croissants, cut into pieces (about 6 full cups); ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries; ½ cup fresh or frozen raspberries; 8 oz. cream cheese, softened; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¾ cup whole milk; Powdered sugar; Maple syrup

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 5 reviews

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines buttery decadence with vibrant fruity goodness, this Croissant Berry Bread Pudding Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender, flaky croissants soaking up a creamy, sweet custard enriched with cream cheese, studded with juicy blueberries and raspberries that burst with freshness in every bite. It’s a delightful twist on traditional bread pudding that brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegance to your table. Whether it’s for a cozy weekend brunch or a show-stopping dessert, this recipe will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass baking dish filled with roughly cut bread pieces. The bread pieces are irregular cubes with a golden brown crust and soft white inside, filling the dish fully. The dish handles are visible on both sides, and the background is a white marbled surface. The lighting is soft, highlighting the texture of the bread pieces in the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, straightforward ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture in this Croissant Berry Bread Pudding Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role—from the rich croissants providing a buttery base to the fresh berries adding bright pops of color and taste.

4 large croissants (about 6 cups, cut into pieces): These flaky pastries soak up the custard beautifully, giving the pudding a tender yet luscious texture.
½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries: Bursting with sweetness and a hint of tartness, blueberries lend lovely color and fruity freshness.
½ cup fresh or frozen raspberries: Their vibrant hue and tangy flavor perfectly balance the creaminess of the custard.
8 oz. cream cheese (softened): Adds a subtle richness and a velvety texture to the custard base, elevating the pudding to another level.
2/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard just right, enhancing all the flavors without overpowering.
2 large eggs: The eggs bind everything together and create that classic custard consistency.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic depth to the dish, complementing the berries perfectly.
¾ cup whole milk: Ensures the custard is creamy but not too heavy, soaking the croissants just enough.
Powdered sugar (optional, for serving): A delicate dusting adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal when serving.
Maple syrup (optional, for serving): Drizzling maple syrup gives each serving an extra cozy, sweet finish.

How to Make Croissant Berry Bread Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9-inch square pan with cooking spray to keep your pudding from sticking while baking. This simple step assures easy cleanup and a perfect finish.

Step 2: Assemble the Croissant and Berries

Place the roughly torn croissant pieces into your prepared pan. Scatter the blueberries and raspberries evenly over the top. This layering helps ensure that every bite has a delightful burst of berry flavor surrounded by buttery croissant goodness.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Custard

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until it’s all perfectly blended. Gradually pour in the milk, beating well after each addition to create a silky custard that will soak into the croissants beautifully.

Step 4: Combine and Rest

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants and berries in the pan. Using a wooden spoon, gently press down so that all pieces are soaked and coated well. Let the pudding rest for about 10 to 15 minutes; this soaking time allows the bread to absorb the custard and berry juices fully, promising a rich, tender center.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your bread pudding in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until it is set in the center and beautifully golden brown. If you notice the top browning too quickly, lightly cover with foil to prevent burning while the custard finishes cooking. The aroma filling your kitchen will be positively irresistible!

Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, serve your Croissant Berry Bread Pudding warm. Optionally dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup for that extra touch of sweetness and charm that makes this dessert truly shine.

How to Serve Croissant Berry Bread Pudding Recipe

A slice of baked berry dessert sits on a white plate with soft edges, showing three main layers. The bottom layer is a light golden brown crust, firm and slightly thick. The middle layer is a creamy, pale yellow custard that looks smooth and rich. The top layer is a mix of baked berries including blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries, with deep purples, blues, and reds, some berries whole and others slightly crushed, creating a textured and juicy top. There are some small bits of white cream visible in the berry layer. A silver fork rests beside the dessert on the plate, and the plate is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant snowy effect, while a drizzle of pure maple syrup amplifies the flavors and adds a sticky, luscious finish. Fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream can further enhance presentation and taste if you want to impress your guests.

Side Dishes

This bread pudding pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt for contrast. A simple fruit salad or a cup of black coffee also make great companions to balance the sweetness and make the meal feel complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving your Croissant Berry Bread Pudding Recipe directly from individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. Alternatively, add a few fresh berries and edible flowers around the plate for an Instagram-worthy dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the pudding moist and fresh, ready for a quick reheated treat that tastes almost as good as freshly made.

Freezing

To keep your Croissant Berry Bread Pudding Recipe longer, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftover bread pudding in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you can, since reheating slowly in the oven helps maintain that delightful crust and creamy interior.

FAQs

Can I use other types of berries in this recipe?

Absolutely! While blueberries and raspberries work beautifully, feel free to swap in blackberries, strawberries, or even a mix of your favorite berries depending on what’s fresh and available.

Do I have to use cream cheese?

Cream cheese adds a lovely richness and tangy depth, but if you prefer a lighter pudding, you can omit it or substitute with mascarpone or ricotta for a different creamy twist.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can! Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. The texture might vary slightly, but the pudding will still be delicious.

Is it better to use fresh or frozen berries?

Both fresh and frozen berries work well. Frozen berries can release extra moisture, so just gently pat dry any frozen berries before adding to avoid sogginess.

Can I prepare this recipe the night before?

Definitely! Prepare the pudding and let it soak in the custard overnight in the fridge. Bake it fresh the next day for an even more flavorful and tender dessert.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about this Croissant Berry Bread Pudding Recipe, and I can’t recommend it enough. It turns simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish filled with warmth and bursts of berry delight. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just treating yourself on a slow afternoon, this recipe delivers comfort, flavor, and smiles all around. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!