Blueberry Cream Cheese Croissant Casserole

This Blueberry Cream Cheese Croissant Casserole is a baked breakfast dish that combines buttery croissants, a rich vanilla custard, and pockets of sweetened cream cheese with bursts of blueberry. Using a soak-and-bake technique, the croissants absorb the custard while maintaining a soft interior and lightly crisp top. The final result is indulgent yet balanced, perfect for relaxed mornings or special gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bakery-Style Comfort – The use of croissants creates a flaky, tender texture that feels luxurious and indulgent.
Balanced Sweetness – Cream cheese and blueberries provide richness and brightness without overwhelming sugar levels.
Make-Ahead Friendly – The casserole can be assembled in advance, making mornings stress-free.
Crowd-Pleasing Format – A single 9×13-inch dish serves multiple people with minimal effort.
Versatile Serving Options – Works equally well for breakfast, brunch, or a light dessert.
Simple Techniques – Straightforward mixing and layering methods yield consistent, reliable results.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Croissant Base

6–8 large croissants (day-old preferred) – Form the structure of the casserole and absorb the custard without becoming mushy.

For the Cream Cheese Layer

8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened – Adds richness and creamy contrast to the custard.
1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, unthawed) – Provide natural sweetness, acidity, and color.

For the Custard

6 large eggs – Act as the primary binding and setting agent.
1 cup whole milk – Lightens the custard while adding moisture.
1 cup heavy cream – Contributes richness and a smooth mouthfeel.
½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens and balances the tang of cream cheese.
1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances overall flavor depth.
1 tsp ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and subtle spice.
¼ tsp salt – Sharpens and balances all flavors.

Optional Topping

Powdered sugar, for dusting – Adds visual appeal and light sweetness.
Maple syrup, for serving – Provides additional moisture and sweetness at the table.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish and Croissants

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Tear or cut the croissants into bite-sized pieces and distribute them evenly in the dish.

Mix the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth and lump-free. Gently fold in the blueberries, taking care not to crush them.

Whisk the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and homogeneous.

Assemble the Casserole

Pour half of the custard evenly over the croissants. Dollop the cream cheese-blueberry mixture across the surface, then pour the remaining custard over the top, ensuring even coverage.

Soak and Rest

Gently press the croissants down so they absorb the liquid. Let the casserole rest for 10–15 minutes to allow proper custard absorption.

Bake Until Set

Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving to help it firm up and slice cleanly.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Day-Old Croissants Work Best – Slightly stale croissants absorb custard more evenly without collapsing.
Prevent Cream Cheese Sinking – Distribute small dollops rather than large chunks for even pockets.
Custard Consistency Matters – Fully whisking the eggs prevents uneven setting or eggy texture.
Avoid Overbaking – Excess baking time can cause curdling and dryness.
Frozen Blueberry Tip – Use frozen berries straight from the freezer to prevent excess bleeding.
Rest Before Cutting – Cooling allows the custard to finish setting for cleaner slices.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8–10 servings (brunch-size portions)
Calories: ~420 calories per serving (estimated, varies by ingredients used)

Perfect Pairings

Fresh Fruit Salad – Adds freshness and acidity to balance richness.
Hot Coffee or Espresso – Cuts through the creamy texture.
Vanilla Greek Yogurt – Provides a lighter, tangy contrast.
Crispy Bacon or Sausage – Introduces savory balance.

Ideal Occasions

Weekend Brunches – Perfect for slow, relaxed mornings.
Holiday Breakfasts – Ideal for Christmas, Easter, or Mother’s Day.
Overnight Guests – Easy to prepare ahead and bake fresh.
Potlucks & Gatherings – Transportable and universally appealing.

Storage & Serving Tips

Refrigeration – Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating – Warm individual portions gently in the microwave or oven at 300°F.
Freezing – Freeze fully baked portions for up to 1 month, well wrapped.
Serving Temperature – Best served warm, but also enjoyable at room temperature.

Creative Variations to Try

Lemon Blueberry Version – Add lemon zest to the custard for brightness.
Almond Croissant Style – Sprinkle sliced almonds and use almond extract.
Berry Medley – Substitute half the blueberries with raspberries or blackberries.
Lower-Sugar Option – Reduce sugar to ⅓ cup and rely more on fruit sweetness.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Casserole Is Too Wet – Increase resting time or use less milk next time.
Dry Texture – Cover loosely with foil during baking if browning too quickly.
Cream Cheese Clumps – Ensure cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
Burning Edges – Check oven calibration and tent edges with foil if needed.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe relies on a classic custard-to-bread ratio that allows the croissants to absorb liquid while retaining structure. The combination of milk and heavy cream balances richness with moisture, while eggs coagulate gently during baking to set the dish without becoming rubbery. Cream cheese adds fat and tang, blueberries provide acidity, and cinnamon enhances aroma. At roughly 420 calories per serving, it’s indulgent yet reasonable for a special breakfast or brunch.

Final Thoughts

Blueberry Cream Cheese Croissant Casserole is a reliable, elegant dish that delivers comfort and flavor with minimal effort. Its balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats makes it satisfying, while fruit and portion control allow flexibility for lighter eating. Whether served as-is or adapted with creative variations, it’s a recipe that consistently impresses without complicating your kitchen routine.