Decadent Croissant Bread Pudding

Name: Decadent Croissant Bread Pudding
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 large croissants, cut into pieces; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 large eggs; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Highlighted under: Tasty Treat Recipes

I’m a huge fan of desserts that are both indulgent and comforting, and this Decadent Croissant Bread Pudding strikes that perfect balance. The buttery croissants soak up a rich custard mixture, creating an incredibly moist and flavorful dish that’s simply irresistible. I love how easy it is to prepare, and how it transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to serve at gatherings or whenever you need a sweet treat that feels special without the fuss.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-25T17:30:27.661Z

Making this Decadent Croissant Bread Pudding has become one of my favorite baking adventures. The first time I tried it, I was amazed at how the layers of croissant melded beautifully with the creamy custard. The secret is letting the croissants soak long enough in the mixture, so they become fluffy and packed with flavor. I found that a touch of vanilla extract really elevates the taste, enhancing the overall richness.

Every time I serve this bread pudding, I’m met with delight. I love dusting it with powdered sugar for presentation, and sometimes I even add a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of textures, with a crisp top and soft, gooey interior, makes it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to use up leftover croissants!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich custard enveloping buttery croissant layers
Perfect balance of crisp and soft textures
Easily customizable with various toppings or flavors

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of this Decadent Croissant Bread Pudding lies in the choice of croissants. Opt for slightly stale, high-quality buttery croissants that will soak up the custard mixture effectively. Fresh croissants can become too soggy, while slightly dried-out ones will provide that ideal balance of richness and texture. Additionally, using whole milk and heavy cream contributes to a luxurious custard, ensuring every bite is creamy and satisfying.

The eggs in this recipe are not just a binding agent; they also provide structure and richness to the custard. For best results, always use large eggs as stated in the recipe, as this size yields the ideal balance for the liquid-to-solid ratio. If you need a dairy-free version, consider substituting almond or coconut milk for the liquids and using a flax egg to maintain the texture.

Baking to Perfection

When baking the bread pudding, monitor the time closely during the last 10 minutes. Look for a golden brown top with a slightly puffed appearance; this indicates the custard has set properly. If you notice that the top is browning faster than the custard is cooking, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while allowing the center to firm up.

Allow the bread pudding to cool for about 10–15 minutes after baking. This resting time helps the custard to finish setting up, which makes it easier to slice and serve. If you plan to serve it later, you can refrigerate the pudding after it has fully cooled, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to bring it back to the right temperature.

Serving Suggestions and Customizations

For a delightful contrast in flavors and textures, serve warm bread pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. Adding seasonal fruit like berries or poached pears can elevate the dish further, adding freshness and a pop of color. A drizzle of salted caramel or chocolate sauce can also transform this simple dessert into a showstopper.

Feel free to customize your bread pudding with add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits. Just remember to keep the overall volume similar to maintain the custard's balance. For a spiced twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of orange zest to the custard mixture to enhance the flavor profile.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a delightful bread pudding.

Bread Pudding Ingredients

4 large croissants, cut into pieces
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious bread pudding.

Prepare the Croissants

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until well blended.

Combine Ingredients

Add the croissant pieces to the custard mixture, gently folding until all pieces are coated. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the croissants to absorb the liquid.

Bake the Pudding

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Serve and Enjoy

Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm, possibly with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Enjoy the delightful flavors of this decadent dish!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, try adding chocolate chips or dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries to the croissant mixture before baking.

Make-Ahead Tips

This bread pudding can be prepared in advance, making it ideal for entertaining. After combining the croissants and custard, cover the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This allows the croissants to absorb the custard fully, which can enhance the flavor and texture during baking. Just ensure to bring it to room temperature before baking for the best results.

If you're looking to serve it on a busy morning, you can prepare the mixture the night before and bake it in the morning. This way, you can enjoy a warm, comforting dessert with minimal effort after a busy night. Just remember to adjust your baking time accordingly if starting from cold.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your bread pudding turns out too dry, it might be due to overbaking. Keep a close eye on the texture as it bakes; a knife inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean. If you notice it browning too quickly, consider lowering the oven temperature slightly and covering it with foil to avoid drying out the top.

On the other hand, if your pudding appears too wet or soupy, it could be undercooked. Every oven is different, and baking times can vary. It’s important to ensure the custard is set and the top is golden before removing it from the oven. If this happens again in the future, consider adding a few extra minutes or checking with a longer skewer or knife to ensure the center is firm.

Storage and Freezing

Leftover bread pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. If you want to enjoy this decadent treat later, it can also be frozen for up to two months. Just wrap the cooled pudding tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for optimal freshness.

To reheat from frozen, place the wrapped pudding in the refrigerator overnight to thaw. Then bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed throughout, which will take longer than reheating from the refrigerator, around 25-30 minutes. This way, you won’t miss the delightful and comforting experience of this delicious dessert!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use stale croissants for this recipe?

Yes, stale croissants work perfectly! They will soak up the custard even better, enhancing the flavor.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the pudding up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a blend of milk and sour cream for a lighter version, although it may affect the richness.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.