Blueberry Cream Cheese Croissant Casserole: A Sweet, Fluffy Breakfast Treat

Nothing says indulgent breakfast or brunch quite like a Blueberry Cream Cheese Croissant Casserole. Imagine layers of buttery, flaky croissants soaked in a rich custard, dotted with creamy, sweetened cream cheese and bursting with juicy blueberries. This casserole feels like a perfect cross between a blueberry croissant bake and a blueberry bread pudding—crispy on the edges, soft and custardy in the middle, and delightfully sweet with every bite.

Whether you’re preparing a special holiday brunch, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself to a decadent breakfast, this recipe is easy to assemble, can be made ahead, and delivers show-stopping results every time.

In this guide, we’ll cover the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for the best results, variations, storage, and frequently asked questions, so you can confidently make this dish from start to finish.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 6 large croissants, preferably day-old, cut into large chunks
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Custard:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Extra blueberries or a drizzle of maple syrup

These ingredients combine to create a balance of buttery croissant layers, rich custard, sweet cream cheese, and tart blueberries—a truly harmonious flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prepare the Croissants

Start by cutting or tearing the croissants into large bite-sized chunks. This ensures the custard will soak evenly into the layers without creating mushy bits. Place the croissant pieces evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Tip: If using fresh croissants, toast them in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes to slightly dry them. Day-old croissants work best because they absorb the custard perfectly.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer or spoon to beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and lump-free. The mixture should be creamy and easily dollop-able.

3. Dollop and Scatter

Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the croissant pieces in the baking dish. Using a butter knife, gently swirl the cream cheese into the croissants. Then, scatter the blueberries evenly over the top. This layering ensures that each bite will have a combination of croissant, cream cheese, and blueberry.

4. Whisk the Custard

In a separate large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt until fully combined. Make sure the mixture is smooth, with no streaks of egg white remaining.

Pro Tip: Whisk thoroughly to create a silky custard that will coat the croissants evenly.

5. Pour and Press

Slowly pour the custard over the croissant mixture, ensuring that every piece is moistened. Use a spatula or clean hands to gently press the croissants down so they absorb the custard mixture evenly. This step is crucial for a custardy, bread pudding-like texture.

6. Chill or Bake

Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, you can chill it overnight—this allows the custard to soak deeply into the croissant layers for a more cohesive, flavorful casserole.

7. Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover and bake the casserole for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. The edges should be lightly crisp, while the center remains soft and custardy.

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to firm up slightly for easier slicing and serving.

8. Optional Toppings

Before serving, you can dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or sprinkle with extra fresh blueberries. These toppings elevate both the flavor and presentation, making the dish perfect for brunch tables or holiday spreads.

Tips for Perfect Blueberry Croissant Casserole

• Use day-old croissants: They absorb the custard better than fresh croissants, resulting in a fluffy yet custardy texture.
• Blueberries: Fresh or frozen work; no need to thaw frozen blueberries beforehand.
• Custard soaking time: Longer chilling results in a more cohesive, bread-pudding-style casserole.
• Cream cheese dollops: Swirling slightly ensures each bite has a balance of creamy sweetness.
• Avoid sogginess: Don’t over-soak the croissants; gently pressing them is enough.

Variations

1. Fruit Swap: Use raspberries, strawberries, or peaches instead of blueberries.
2. Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips with the cream cheese dollops.
3. Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top before baking for added crunch.
4. Spiced Custard: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice to the custard for a warming flavor.
5. Maple Cream Cheese: Mix a tablespoon of maple syrup into the cream cheese for an autumn twist.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunches, or special occasions, but also works for a cozy weekend treat. Serve it with:

• Fresh fruit salad for a light complement
• Warm coffee, tea, or freshly squeezed juice
• A drizzle of yogurt or flavored syrup

For brunch gatherings, plate slices on individual plates and add a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone for extra decadence.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10 minutes to maintain crisp edges.
• Freeze: Assemble the casserole but don’t bake. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Advance Prep: You can prep the croissants, cream cheese mixture, and custard the night before, then assemble in the morning and bake fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use fresh croissants instead of day-old ones?
Yes, but lightly toast them at 300°F for 5–10 minutes to prevent the casserole from becoming too soggy.

2. Can I use frozen blueberries?
Absolutely. No need to thaw; just scatter them frozen over the casserole.

3. How long can I refrigerate leftovers?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore the crisp edges.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free croissants, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble the casserole, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning. Custard will soak nicely into the croissants.

6. Can I add other fruits?
Yes, blueberries are traditional, but raspberries, strawberries, or peaches work wonderfully.

Conclusion

The Blueberry Cream Cheese Croissant Casserole is the perfect balance of buttery croissants, creamy custard, sweet cream cheese, and tart blueberries. It’s easy to assemble, can be made ahead, and produces a visually stunning, flavorful dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re preparing a weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a comforting treat for yourself, this casserole delivers incredible flavor and texture in every bite.

With options for toppings, variations, and make-ahead convenience, this recipe is a versatile and impressive dish that earns a permanent spot in your breakfast and brunch rotation.

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