There’s nothing quite like waking up to a cozy, flavorful breakfast that feels both indulgent and fresh at the same time! The Sweet Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Lemon Berries and Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe is exactly that—a heavenly blend of buttery croissants soaked in a luscious lemony custard, studded with vibrant berries, and topped with a creamy, tangy glaze. It’s the perfect breakfast treat for weekend brunches, special occasions, or whenever your heart desires a delicious start to the day.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Here’s why this Sweet Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Lemon Berries and Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe will quickly become a staple in your morning repertoire:
Irresistibly flaky and tender croissants: Using authentic bakery croissants means every bite has a buttery, flaky texture that soaks up the custard beautifully without turning mushy.
Bright, fresh lemon and berry flavors: The lemon zest and juice, paired with mixed berries, add a refreshing tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Make-ahead convenience: Assemble the casserole the night before to let the custard soak into the croissants—morning magic with minimal effort.
Decadent cream cheese glaze: A luscious finishing touch that drizzles over the casserole, adding creaminess and a hint of vanilla-lemon goodness that takes it to the next level.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This recipe is a celebration of simple yet essential ingredients, each bringing its own magic: tender croissants provide texture, berries lend vibrant color and juicy tartness, while cream cheese and lemon brighten and enrich every bite. Together, they create a symphony of taste and texture that feels both fancy and totally approachable.
- Croissants: Opt for fresh, bakery-style croissants for flaky layers that soak up custard without turning to mush.
- Mixed berries: Use fresh or frozen raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries for a burst of tart and sweet flavors in every mouthful.
- Cream cheese: Softened to a smooth texture, it adds richness to both the custard and the glaze.
- Eggs and half & half: These create a creamy custard that holds the casserole together tenderly.
- Lemon juice & zest: These tiny additions explode with bright citrus notes, cutting through sweetness for balance.
- Powdered sugar: Used in the glaze and as a dusting to add sweetness and a pretty finish.
How to Make Sweet Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Lemon Berries and Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Croissants
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Spread your cubed croissants in a single layer on a large baking sheet—this step is key to achieving that irresistible golden, toasty exterior. Bake them for 7 to 10 minutes until perfectly toasted, then set aside to cool. This extra toasting step ensures the croissants maintain texture and soak up the custard just right.
Step 2: Whip Up the Custard
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating until well combined. Slowly pour in the half and half, then fold in the lemon juice, zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This custard is the luscious base that binds the croissants and berries together while infusing bright, tangy flavors.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the toasted croissants evenly on the bottom, then scatter half of the berries over them. Pour half of the custard over the layers, making sure everything is evenly soaked. Repeat with the remaining croissants and custard, pressing down gently so the croissants absorb as much custard as possible. Top with the remaining berries. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight to let those flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the casserole from the fridge and bake covered with foil for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes uncovered, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden. That’s when you know you’ve hit breakfast casserole gold!
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Lemon Glaze
While the casserole bakes, whip up the glaze. Combine softened cream cheese, sifted powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Beat until silky and smooth. Taste your glaze and adjust sweetness or tanginess to your liking. Drizzle this luscious glaze generously over the warm casserole right before serving for a show-stopping finish.
How to Serve Sweet Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Lemon Berries and Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple and elegant with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top just before serving, adding a delicate sweetness and a pretty wintery look. Fresh lemon zest or a few extra berries can add a pop of color and zestiness, turning your casserole into a visual and flavorful centerpiece.
Side Dishes
This breakfast casserole shines on its own but pairs beautifully with light and fresh sides like crisp bacon, sausage links, or even a fresh green salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness. A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or hot coffee rounds out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole family-style straight from the baking dish for a cozy vibe, or scoop individual portions onto pretty plates garnished with edible flowers or mint sprigs for a touch of elegance. For a festive brunch, offer small ramekins or jars layered with extra berries and glaze so guests can customize their indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Sweet Croissant Breakfast Casserole snugly with foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays delicious for up to four days, making it a wonderful option for breakfasts on the go or a quick snack any time.
Freezing
Feel free to freeze leftover portions (wrap tightly in plastic wrap then foil). When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. Freezing is a great way to enjoy the casserole days or weeks later without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Reheating
The oven is your best friend when reheating! Cover the casserole with foil and warm at 325°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. For quick bites, microwave individual slices in 30-second bursts until warmed but not rubbery. This way, you keep that cozy, fresh-baked feel every time.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen berries in this breakfast casserole?
Absolutely! Frozen mixed berries work wonderfully and can be added directly without thawing. They provide that juicy burst of flavor and vibrant color, making this recipe convenient even when fresh berries are out of season.
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Do I have to let the casserole sit overnight?
While overnight refrigeration helps the croissants absorb the custard fully for the best texture and flavor, you can bake it immediately after assembling. Just let it sit for about 30-60 minutes at room temperature before baking, understanding it won’t be as fluffy but will still be delicious.
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Can I halve this recipe?
Yes! This recipe scales down beautifully. Use an 8×8 baking dish and simply halve all the ingredients. The baking time stays roughly the same, so keep an eye on it and test doneness with a knife or toothpick at the center.
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What if I don’t have cream cheese for the glaze?
The cream cheese glaze is a lovely finishing touch, but if you’re in a pinch, a simple lemon glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice works well too. It keeps the bright citrus flavor and adds just enough sweetness to complement the berries and custard.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something delightfully tender, tangy, and sweetly satisfying to start your day, the Sweet Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Lemon Berries and Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe is here to brighten your mornings. It’s a dish that feels special yet incredibly easy, sharing it with loved ones will surely become one of your favorite breakfast traditions. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this mouthwatering feast—you deserve it!
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Sweet Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Lemon Berries and Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 12 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sweet Breakfast Casserole with Croissants is a delightful blend of flaky toasted croissants, mixed berries, and a creamy lemon-infused custard. Perfect for a make-ahead breakfast or brunch, the casserole is soaked overnight for maximum flavor and topped with a tangy cream cheese lemon glaze that adds a luscious finishing touch. Serve warm for a comforting and indulgent start to your day.
Ingredients
Casserole
- 8 large croissants (from the bakery), sliced into 1-inch cubes (about 10 packed cups)
- 4 cups mixed berries (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries)
Custard
- 14 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 6 eggs, at room temperature
- 2 cups half and half, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Lemon Glaze
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Toast croissants: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread the cubed croissants evenly on a large baking sheet (15×21 inches). Bake for 7-10 minutes until golden and very toasted, watching carefully to prevent burning. Remove from oven and let cool.
- Prepare custard: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar with a hand mixer until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating until incorporated. Gradually blend in the half and half, then mix in the lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.
- Assemble casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the toasted croissants evenly in the dish, then spread half of the mixed berries over them. Pour half of the custard mixture evenly over this layer. Repeat with remaining croissants, custard, and top with the remaining berries. Press gently to submerge most croissants in the custard. Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake the casserole: Remove casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while preheating the oven to 350°F. Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make the lemon glaze: While the casserole bakes, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth. Adjust sweetness or tanginess by adding more powdered sugar or lemon juice, as desired.
- Serve: Drizzle the lemon glaze over the warm casserole. Optionally, dust individual servings with powdered sugar for added sweetness. Serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe can be halved using an 8×8 inch baking dish, yielding 6 servings without changing baking times.
- Use quality bakery croissants with flaky layers for best texture.
- Cool toasted croissants before soaking in custard to maintain structure.
- Ensure all custard ingredients are at room temperature to blend smoothly.
- Soften cream cheese well; gently microwave if necessary without scorching.
- Fresh or frozen mixed berries can be used; if frozen, no need to thaw.
- Powdered sugar dusting is optional and mostly for appearance; serve with or without.
- To skip overnight soaking, assemble and let sit at room temperature 30-60 minutes before baking; expect a less fluffy texture and possibly add 5-10 minutes baking time.
- Store leftovers covered in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in microwave for 1 minute per slice, adding 30-second increments as needed.
- For best reheating results, cover with foil and bake at 325°F for 20 minutes until warm.
