Blueberry Croissant Bread Pudding: A Decadent Breakfast or Dessert

This Blueberry Croissant Bread Pudding recipe elevates a classic comfort food to a whole new level. Imagine flaky, buttery croissants soaked in a creamy custard, bursting with juicy blueberries, and baked to golden perfection. It’s an indulgent breakfast, a show-stopping dessert, or a brunch centerpiece that’s sure to impress. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even though it seems elegant. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a truly memorable dish that everyone will rave about. Get ready to transform day-old croissants into something extraordinary!

Why Croissants Make the Perfect Bread Pudding

While many bread pudding recipes call for stale bread, croissants offer a unique and delightful texture. Their inherent buttery flavor and flaky layers add richness and a melt-in-your-mouth quality that regular bread simply can’t match. The porous nature of croissants also allows them to soak up the custard beautifully, resulting in a pudding that’s both incredibly moist and wonderfully decadent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Croissants:** Aim for day-old croissants. They absorb the custard better than fresh ones. Plain croissants work best, but almond croissants (without the frangipane filling) can add a subtle nutty flavor. You’ll need about 6-8 croissants, depending on their size.
* **Blueberries:** Fresh or frozen blueberries both work well. If using frozen, do not thaw them before adding them to the mixture. This will prevent them from bleeding too much color into the custard.
* **Eggs:** Large eggs provide structure and richness to the custard.
* **Milk:** Whole milk is recommended for the creamiest texture, but you can substitute with 2% milk if preferred.
* **Heavy Cream:** Adds richness and depth of flavor to the custard. You can substitute with half-and-half for a slightly lighter version.
* **Sugar:** Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps to create a caramelized crust.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and adds a warm, comforting aroma.
* **Cinnamon:** A touch of cinnamon complements the blueberries and adds a warm spice note.
* **Salt:** A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* **Butter (Optional):** For greasing the baking dish.
* **Powdered Sugar (Optional):** For dusting the finished bread pudding.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** A standard baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
* **Large Bowl:** For whisking together the custard ingredients.
* **Whisk:** For thoroughly combining the custard ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurement.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For cutting the croissants.
* **Aluminum Foil (Optional):** To prevent the top from browning too quickly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making the perfect Blueberry Croissant Bread Pudding:

**1. Prepare the Croissants:**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. If you don’t have either of these, you can also line the baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift the bread pudding out once baked.
* Cut the croissants into 1-inch cubes. You can tear them into pieces if you prefer a more rustic look. Try to make them approximately the same size, so they bake evenly. Place the croissant cubes in the prepared baking dish.

**2. Make the Custard:**

* In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved.
* Taste the custard and adjust the sweetness if desired. You can add a tablespoon or two more of sugar if you prefer a sweeter bread pudding.

**3. Assemble the Bread Pudding:**

* Pour the custard evenly over the croissant cubes in the baking dish. Gently press down on the croissants to ensure they are submerged in the custard. This will help them soak up the liquid and create a moist bread pudding.
* Sprinkle the blueberries evenly over the top of the croissant mixture. If using frozen blueberries, distribute them quickly to prevent them from thawing and bleeding too much.
* Gently press the blueberries into the croissant mixture so that they are partially submerged in the custard.

**4. Bake the Bread Pudding:**

* Let the bread pudding sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This allows the croissants to fully absorb the custard. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the bread pudding will be slightly less moist.
* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will prevent the top from browning too quickly. If you want a more browned top, remove the foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
* Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the bread pudding is set and golden brown on top. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean (with some slight moisture acceptable).
* If the top is browning too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly or cover with foil.

**5. Cool and Serve:**

* Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to set further and makes it easier to slice.
* Dust with powdered sugar, if desired. You can also drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
* Serve warm, plain, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup also make delicious accompaniments.

Tips for Success

* **Use day-old croissants:** This is crucial for achieving the right texture. Fresh croissants will become too soggy.
* **Don’t overbake:** Overbaking will result in a dry bread pudding. The center should be set but still slightly moist.
* **Adjust the sweetness to your liking:** Taste the custard before baking and adjust the sugar accordingly.
* **Add a streusel topping:** For extra crunch and sweetness, sprinkle a streusel topping over the bread pudding before baking. Combine flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon for a simple streusel.
* **Get creative with add-ins:** Feel free to add other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or peaches. You can also add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a splash of liquor like bourbon or rum.
* **Soaking Time:** Allowing the bread pudding to soak for 30 minutes (or even longer, up to a couple of hours in the refrigerator) helps the croissants fully absorb the custard, resulting in a richer, more flavorful pudding. If refrigerating, make sure to cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap.
* **Don’t be Afraid to Experiment:** This recipe is a great base for experimentation. Try adding different spices like nutmeg or cardamom, or using different types of milk like almond milk or coconut milk.

Variations to Try

* **Chocolate Chip Blueberry Croissant Bread Pudding:** Add ½ cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white) to the croissant mixture along with the blueberries.
* **Lemon Blueberry Croissant Bread Pudding:** Add the zest of one lemon to the custard mixture. This will add a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Nutty Blueberry Croissant Bread Pudding:** Add ½ cup of chopped nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds) to the croissant mixture along with the blueberries.
* **Bourbon Blueberry Croissant Bread Pudding:** Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the custard mixture for a warm, boozy flavor.
* **Cinnamon Roll Croissant Bread Pudding:** Use cinnamon croissants instead of plain croissants for an extra layer of cinnamon flavor. You can also add a cream cheese glaze after baking.

Serving Suggestions

This Blueberry Croissant Bread Pudding is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

* **Breakfast or Brunch:** Serve it warm with a side of fresh fruit and a cup of coffee or tea.
* **Dessert:** Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
* **Holiday Gathering:** It makes a stunning addition to any holiday brunch or dessert table.
* **Special Occasion:** Treat yourself or a loved one to this decadent bread pudding for a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Leftover bread pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the bread pudding to an airtight container.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the bread pudding in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** While not ideal, bread pudding can be frozen. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 400-500
* Fat: 20-30g
* Saturated Fat: 12-18g
* Cholesterol: 150-200mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Sugar: 25-35g
* Protein: 8-10g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

Recipe Card

**Yields:** 8-10 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 45-50 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 6-8 day-old croissants, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
* 6 large eggs
* 1 ½ cups whole milk
* 1 cup heavy cream
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* Butter or cooking spray for greasing the baking dish
* Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Place the croissant cubes in the prepared baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
4. Pour the custard evenly over the croissant cubes. Gently press down to ensure they are submerged.
5. Sprinkle the blueberries evenly over the top.
6. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until set and golden brown.
8. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Blueberry Croissant Bread Pudding!

This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. The combination of flaky croissants, creamy custard, and juicy blueberries is simply irresistible. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to bake a truly unforgettable treat!