Decadent Croissant Bread Pudding

Name: Decadent Croissant Bread Pudding
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients: 6 large croissants, torn into pieces; 3 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 large eggs; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Highlighted under: Everyday Dessert Recipes

I absolutely love creating unique desserts, and this Decadent Croissant Bread Pudding has become a favorite in my kitchen. The buttery, flaky croissants transform into a rich, custardy treat that feels indulgent yet comforting. With just a few ingredients and a bit of time, you can turn leftovers into a show-stopping dessert. This dish is perfect for brunch gatherings or enjoying after dinner with family, and I promise it will impress everyone at the table!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-25T20:29:27.438Z

When I first tried making bread pudding, I was skeptical about using croissants instead of regular bread. However, the results were utterly delightful! The croissants absorb the custard mixture beautifully, providing a unique texture and flavor that's simply unforgettable. It’s all about using high-quality croissants, which truly makes this dessert shine.

This recipe became my go-to for gatherings. Everyone raves about the silky custard and the hint of nutmeg, which ties everything together so nicely. I recommend serving it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an irresistible finish!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Buttery, flaky croissant base creates a luxurious texture
Rich vanilla and nutmeg flavors add warmth and comfort
Perfect for brunch gatherings or as a special dessert

      

Understanding Custard Texture

The key to achieving the perfect custard for your Decadent Croissant Bread Pudding lies in the balance of your wet ingredients. You'll want a mixture that is not too thick yet still rich enough to hold all the croissant pieces together. When whisking together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, and sugar, ensure it's thoroughly blended until you achieve a smooth texture. This will prevent any clumps in your custard and allow for even soaking of the croissants.

Be mindful of the temperature of your ingredients as well. Using room-temperature eggs allows for a more seamless combination with the other components. If your milk and cream come straight from the fridge, consider warming them slightly before mixing. This helps integrate the ingredients more evenly, leading to a fluffier and tender pudding after baking.

The Role of Croissants

Using buttery, flaky croissants is essential for the indulgent nature of this dish. The croissants absorb the custard mixture while still retaining little pockets of air, which results in a light yet rich dessert. Opting for day-old croissants can be beneficial, as they will be less moist and more capable of holding the custard without becoming too soggy. If you're short on croissants, consider using a mix of brioche or another sweet bread for a unique twist.

You can also experiment with flavors by choosing croissants that have been filled with chocolate or almond paste. This adds another layer of richness to the bread pudding, making it even more decadent. Just ensure that, regardless of the type, the croissants are fresh but slightly stale to allow for optimum custard absorption during soaking.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious bread pudding:

Ingredients

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

Have all your ingredients ready to make the process smoother!

Instructions

Here’s how to make this decadent dessert:

Prepare the Croissants

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the torn croissant pieces and set aside.

Make the Custard Mixture

In another mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt until well blended.

Combine and Soak

Pour the custard mixture over the croissant pieces, making sure all pieces are well soaked. Let it sit for about 15 minutes so the croissants can absorb the liquid.

Bake the Pudding

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Serve

Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving warm.

Enjoy your delicious creation!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in chocolate chips or dried fruits! Also, this dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.

Serving Suggestions

This Decadent Croissant Bread Pudding is best served warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature. To elevate the dish, consider topping it with homemade caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which will complement the warm custard perfectly. Fresh berries can add a burst of acidity that balances the richness, making each bite feel lighter yet satisfying.

If you plan to serve it at a brunch gathering, consider accompanying the pudding with a sprinkling of toasted nuts or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to enhance the flavors without overshadowing the star of the show. For a festive touch, a few fresh mint leaves or a dusting of cinnamon can elevate both the look and flavor.

Make-Ahead Tips

This recipe can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy mornings or special occasions. Once you've combined the croissants with the custard mixture, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the croissants to soak fully, enriching the flavors even more. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you take the pudding straight from the fridge.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This ensures the custard remains creamy and the top regains some of its golden brown texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use stale croissants for this recipe?

Absolutely! Stale croissants work wonderfully as they absorb the custard mixture better.

→ Can I make this bread pudding the night before?

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

→ What should I serve with this bread pudding?

Serving with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a rich chocolate sauce enhances the experience!

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.