Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent the bake from sticking.

2. Slice the Croissants:

Take your croissants and cut them in half or thirds, depending on their size. You want the pieces to be large enough to layer in the dish but small enough to fit comfortably. Day-old croissants work best for this recipe because they soak up the custard without becoming too soggy.

Step 2: Assemble the Croissant Bake

1. Layer the Croissants and Berries:

In the prepared baking dish, arrange half of the sliced croissants in an even layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of mixed berries over the croissants, then add the remaining croissants on top. Scatter the rest of the berries on the top layer of croissants. This creates beautiful layers of fruit and pastry that will be visible when you cut into the bake.

2. Whisk the Custard:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (if using). Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. If you’re adding lemon zest, stir it into the custard at this stage for a fresh, citrusy flavor.

Step 3: Soak the Croissants

1. Pour the Custard Over the Croissants:

Slowly pour the custard mixture over the croissant and berry layers, making sure to coat all the croissants evenly. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to gently press the croissants down into the custard, helping them absorb the liquid.

2. Let It Soak:

Let the croissant bake sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the croissants to soak up the custard. This ensures that the croissants become soft and creamy inside while still maintaining their flaky texture on the outside.

Step 4: Bake the Croissant Casserole

1. Bake Until Golden:

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the croissants are puffed and golden brown and the custard is set. The edges should be crispy and slightly caramelized, while the center remains soft and custardy. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

2. Check for Doneness:

To check if the bake is done, insert a toothpick or a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, the custard is fully cooked. If it’s still runny, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking frequently.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish the Bake:

Once the bake is out of the oven, let it cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the custard to set a bit more and makes it easier to slice. For added crunch and flavor, sprinkle toasted sliced almonds on top, then dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

2. Add Fresh Berries and Mint (Optional):

For an extra pop of color and freshness, garnish with a few extra fresh berries and a sprig of mint.

3. Serve:

Serve the Berry Croissant Bake warm, either on its own or with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea and makes for a delightful breakfast, brunch, or dessert.