Easy to prepare, Lemon Blueberry Croissant Bake is perfect for a weekend brunch or a holiday get-together. Buttery, flaky croissants are combined with a luscious and tangy lemon custard and juicy, sweet blueberries to create an over-the-top dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Why stress about brunch? Easy prep will have this croissant bake in the oven in about 15 minutes. Even better - prepare the recipe the night before and pop it in the oven the next morning.
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What is a croissant breakfast bake?
A delicious breakfast casserole, a croissant bake is composed of layers of custard-soaked croissants. Similar to bread pudding, fill it with your favorite sweet or savory ingredients.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- This croissant bake is ideal for feeding a group!
- This recipe tastes like a bakery masterpiece.
- The combination of fruit, custard, and croissants creates a comforting dish.
- This is a convenient make-ahead overnight breakfast idea.
- The classic flavor combo of lemon and blueberries creates a delectable breakfast bake.
Ingredients Overview
- Croissants - Store bought croissants are perfect for this recipe. This is not a recipe that needs fresh and pretty baked goods.
- Pro tip - Stale croissants are preferred - the dry texture helps to prevent sogginess.
- Fresh Blueberries
- Lemons - Both the zest and the juice will be used.
- Sugar
- Large Eggs
- Buttermilk
- Vanilla Extract
Step by Step Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Liberally butter a 7x11 baking dish. This gives the sides of the croissant bake a buttery crisp edge.
Preparing the Croissants
- Stale croissants make a better bake. Cut the croissants laterally so you have a top half and a bottom half. If you have fresh croissants, dry them by laying them cut side up on a flat surface to expose them to the air. Continue to prepare the other ingredients while the croissants dry.
Mix the Custard
- Remove the zest from 2 lemons. A Microplane makes this an easy job. You can use the small holes on a box grater.
- Juice the two lemons.
- Add eggs to a medium bowl. Whisk the eggs and add buttermilk, combining until the mixture is smooth.
- Thoroughly mix the lemon zest, juice, and vanilla extract into the egg mixture.
Assemble the Bake
- Place croissant pieces in the prepared pan. Layer them on a slant, one half on top of another. You may have two rows of croissants.
- Randomly add the blueberries between the layers of croissants and along the side. Be generous. The juicy blueberries will become syrupy in the custard.
- Pour the custard over the croissants, so all surfaces are coated. Press the croissants into the custard so they are wet and allow them to soak for 10-15 minutes.
Baking Instructions
- Coat a piece of aluminum foil with nonstick cooking spray. The foil can stick to the croissants if it hasn't been sprayed.
- Cover the baking dish with the foil, sprayed side down.
- Place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Take the dish out of the oven and remove the foil. Place the croissant bake back in the oven for 10-12 minutes. The top of the casserole will be crispy.
- To check the doneness of the casserole, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the baking is done. The internal temperature should be at least 165 degrees.
Overnight Instructions
This croissant bake can conveniently be prepared the night before serving.
- Assemble the casserole and pour the custard over the croissants.
- Cover with a piece of aluminum foil that is coated with cooking spray.
- Place in the refrigerator until the next day.
- When ready to bake the casserole, take it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking. This will remove some of the chill.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Put the baking dish in the oven when it is hot.
- Bake for 30-32 minutes. Remove the foil and put the casserole back in the oven.
- Once the tops of the croissants are golden brown and crispy, remove the pan from the oven. This takes 8 -10 minutes.
Recipe Variations
Interested in some different flavor profiles? Here are some suggested variations for the croissant bake.
Bread - If croissants are unavailable, challah or brioche are great substitutes. The texture of the enriched bread is similar and will soak up the custard, creating a delicious and substantial breakfast casserole.
Custard - Cream cheese has a comparable tang to buttermilk. The cream cheese should be at room temperature so it incorporates smoothly with the eggs, sugar, and lemon juice. You can use a mixer to thoroughly mix the cream cheese mixture.
Juice - If lemon juice is too tart for you, use orange juice as a substitute. Use the same amount called for in the recipe.
Fruit - Use any fresh berries you prefer, such as raspberries, blackberries or strawberries.
Are you looking for some brunch inspiration for serving a large group? Here are a couple of flavorful recipes -
https://tenpoundcakecompany.com/migas-egg-and-chorizo-breakfast-casserole-recipe/
https://tenpoundcakecompany.com/peaches-cream-oven-baked-french-toast-recipe/
Serving Suggestions
- Add a pat of softened butter and maple syrup to a serving of warm croissant bake.
- A dollop of sweetened whipped cream will add visual interest and a rich garnish to the baked croissants.
- A dusting of powdered sugar will add a fine layer of sweetness.
- Pair with a cup of your favorite coffee or a cold mimosa for a perfect brunch.
Quick and Delicious Brunch Treat
There is no better way to celebrate a special brunch than with Lemon Blueberry Croissant Bake. Made with large buttery croissants, this easy recipe is bursting with fresh blueberries and bright lemon flavor.
This showstopper recipe is great for effortless entertaining and will be a family favorite. Prepare the croissant bake the night before and pop it into a hot oven first thing in the morning.
Be sure to check out the full recipe below.
Recipe
Lemon Blueberry Croissant Bake - Quick and Delicious Brunch Treat
Equipment
- 1 cutting board
- 1 serrated knife
- 1 Microplane or box grater
- 1 whisk
- 1 medium bowl
- 1 11x7 baking dish
- aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 6 large croissants
- 1 pint fresh blueberries
- 6 eggs
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk (12 ounces/355 ml)
- 2 lemons
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (2.5 ounces/69 grams)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Liberally butter the baking dish.
Prepare Croissants
- Cut the croissants in half, laterally, so you have a top half and a bottom half. Lay the croissants open, cut side up. This will help to dry the interior of the croissant. Stale bread soaks up the custard and holds its structure so the croissant bake isn't soggy.
Mix the Custard
- Using a Microplane or a box grater, zest the lemons. You should have approximately 1 tablespoon of zest.
- Juice the lemons. You should have approximately ⅓ cup of juice.
- Crack 6 eggs in a medium bowl. Whisk until the yolks and whites are thoroughly combined. Add the buttermilk.
- Whisk in the lemon zest, juice, and the vanilla extract.
Assemble the Bake
- Lay the croissant halves on a slant in the prepared baking dish.
- Randomly lay the blueberries between the layers of croissants and along the sides. Be generous - the juicy blueberries will become syrupy in the egg mixture.
- Pour the custard over the croissants, making sure to get some in between the layers.
- Press the croissants into the egg mixture and allow them to soak for 15 minutes.
Baking Instructions
- Coat a sheet of aluminum foil with cooking spray. Cover the croissant bake with the foil.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Take the dish out of the oven and remove the foil. Place the croissant bake back in the oven to crisp the top.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- To check the doneness of the casserole, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the baking is done. The internal temperature should be at least 165 degrees.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
- Add a pat of softened butter and maple syrup to a serving of warm croissant bake.
- A dollop of sweetened whipped cream will add visual interest and a rich garnish to the baked croissants.
- A dusting of powdered sugar will add a fine layer of sweetness.
- Pair with a cup of your favorite coffee or a cold mimosa for a perfect brunch.
Nutrition
Julie says
Easy recipe that is great for a special brunch. Prepare it the night before for stress free entertaining.