Sweet Breakfast Casserole with Berries, Cream Cheese, and Lemon Recipe
A delightful and indulgent Sweet Breakfast Casserole featuring buttery croissants, mixed berries, and a creamy custard base. This make-ahead casserole combines soft cream cheese, fresh lemon accents, and a sweet vanilla custard baked to golden perfection, making it an ideal breakfast or brunch centerpiece that’s both comforting and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 8 large croissants, sliced into 1-inch cubes (about 10 packed cups)
- 4 cups mixed berries (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries)
Custard Mixture
- 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
Additional
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened (for dolloping or additional creaminess)
Instructions
- Prepare Croissants and Berries: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice croissants into 1-inch cubes and place them into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle mixed berries evenly over the croissant cubes for a burst of fruity flavor.
- Make the Cream Cheese Custard: In a large mixing bowl, beat 14 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add granulated sugar and continue mixing until well combined and creamy. Incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully mixed before adding the next.
- Add Liquids and Flavorings: Gently whisk in half and half, vanilla extract, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. Mix until the custard base is smooth and homogeneous without lumps, balancing sweetness with a subtle zest.
- Combine and Let Sit: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant and berry layer. Allow the casserole to soak for about 10–15 minutes so the croissants absorb the custard thoroughly, ensuring a rich, custardy texture after baking.
- Add Cream Cheese Dollops: Dot the top with the remaining 2 ounces of softened cream cheese. These dollops will melt slightly during baking, adding pockets of creamy richness throughout the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving. This waiting period improves slicing and lets flavors meld beautifully. Serve warm as a comforting sweet breakfast or brunch treat.
Notes
- For best texture, ensure eggs and half and half are at room temperature before mixing.
- You can substitute half and half with whole milk or heavy cream for richer or lighter variations.
- Feel free to swap berries with other fruits like sliced peaches or apples for seasonal changes.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
- If desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup before serving for extra sweetness.
Keywords: Sweet Breakfast Casserole, croissant casserole, berry breakfast bake, cream cheese custard, brunch recipe, baked breakfast
