Blueberry Lemon Croissant Bake

Name: Blueberry Lemon Croissant Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4-6 croissants, stale or day-old, torn into pieces; 1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen; 3 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; Zest of 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Highlighted under: Home-Style Dessert Bakes

I absolutely adore this Blueberry Lemon Croissant Bake, as it combines my favorite flavors into a luscious breakfast treat! The buttery croissants soak up the custard, while the burst of fresh blueberries and zingy lemon zest creates a heavenly balance. I often make this for special occasions or weekend brunches, and it never fails to impress. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also perfect for sharing with friends and family, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy this delightful twist on a classic breakfast.

Created by

Tina

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:29:28.043Z

When I first made this Blueberry Lemon Croissant Bake, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could yield such a delightful dish. The croissants absorb the sweet and tangy custard beautifully, creating a soft texture while the blueberries burst with flavor. I particularly love using fresh lemons for zest, as it really brightens up the overall taste and complements the blueberries perfectly.

To enhance the flavor even more, I suggest sprinkling a little sugar on top before baking. This creates a lovely caramelized crust that adds a slight crunch, making each bite even more enjoyable. You can also experiment with adding some fresh herbs like mint or basil for a unique twist!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Delicious combination of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries
Perfect for brunch gatherings or family breakfasts
Easy to prepare using store-bought croissants

The Importance of Stale Croissants

Using stale or day-old croissants is key to achieving the perfect texture in your Blueberry Lemon Croissant Bake. Fresh croissants have too much moisture and can turn soggy, preventing an ideal custard absorption. Stale croissants, on the other hand, have dried out slightly, allowing them to soak up the custard mixture effectively while retaining some structure. If you only have fresh croissants, you can let them sit out for a few hours to dry out before tearing them into pieces.

When tearing the croissants, aim for roughly 1 to 2-inch pieces to ensure even soaking and baking. This helps each piece absorb the custard, while allowing for a beautiful golden crust once baked. If you prefer a more rustic look, don’t stress too much about getting uniform pieces—just focus on keeping the overall size consistent.

Balancing Flavors and Textures

The combination of blueberries and lemon in this bake creates a wonderful balance of flavors. Blueberries add sweetness and juiciness, while lemon zest and juice provide a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the custard. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the custard mixture. This subtle nutty flavor complements the lemon beautifully and enhances the overall taste profile without overpowering it.

Texture is equally important in this dish. The croissants should offer a slight crispness on top while remaining soft and custardy inside. Keeping an eye on the baking process is essential; you want to remove the bake from the oven once the top is golden brown and set. If you notice the edges browning too quickly, you can tent the dish with aluminum foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning while allowing the center to set.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to begin your baking adventure:

Ingredients

4-6 croissants, stale or day-old, torn into pieces
1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
3 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Make sure to have everything ready before you start assembling the bake!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Blueberry Lemon Croissant Bake:

Prepare the Croissants

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer the torn croissant pieces evenly and sprinkle the blueberries on top.

Make the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt until well combined.

Combine and Bake

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants and blueberries. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes to soak in. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and set.

Serve

Let it cool for a few minutes before dusting with powdered sugar. Slice and serve warm!

Enjoy this delightful dish with your favorite morning beverage!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding some chopped pecans or almonds to the mix. They will add a nice crunch to the bake.

Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best features of this Blueberry Lemon Croissant Bake is its make-ahead capability. You can assemble the dish the night before your brunch and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the croissants to soak up the custard more thoroughly, which intensifies the flavors and makes for a creamier texture in the morning. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to avoid any refrigerator odors.

If you're short on time, you can also prepare the custard mixture in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. When you're ready to bake, simply tear the croissants, combine everything, and bake as directed. This tip can save you precious time on busy mornings!

Storage and Reheating

After enjoying your Blueberry Lemon Croissant Bake, you might have leftovers, and that's perfectly fine! To store, let it cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and the top is slightly crisp.

For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions. Wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or place them in freezer-safe containers. To reheat from frozen, allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as mentioned above. This method ensures that even reheated, the dish retains its delicious flavors and satisfying texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different fruits?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or even peaches.

→ Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Simply bake it in the morning!

→ How long can leftovers be stored?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven for best results.

→ Can I freeze this bake?

Yes, it can be frozen before baking. Just wrap it tightly and bake directly from the freezer, adding extra time if needed.