This croissant bread pudding is warm, buttery, rich, and comforting, with a soft custard-soaked center and golden baked edges. A drizzle of melted dark chocolate and fresh strawberries makes it feel special enough for dessert, brunch, or a cozy family treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe turns simple croissants into a creamy, bakery-style dessert with very little effort. The croissants soak up the vanilla custard beautifully, creating a soft inside and lightly crisp top. The chocolate sauce adds richness, while strawberries bring a fresh, fruity finish.

It is also a great way to use day-old croissants, and it serves 6 to 8 people, making it perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 6 large croissants, preferably day-old
• 4 large eggs
• 300 ml whole milk
• 150 ml heavy cream
• 100 g granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 100 g dark chocolate, for the sauce
• 100 g fresh strawberries, chopped, for topping
• Butter or neutral oil, for greasing the baking dish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C or 350°F. Lightly grease a medium baking dish with butter or neutral oil.
2. Tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces and place them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant pieces. Press the croissants down gently with a spoon so they absorb the liquid.
5. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes so the croissants can soak up more custard.
6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set in the center.
7. While the pudding bakes, melt the dark chocolate gently in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth.
8. Remove the bread pudding from the oven. Drizzle the warm chocolate sauce over the top.
9. Sprinkle with chopped fresh strawberries and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Soaking time: 5 to 10 minutes
Bake time: 25 to 30 minutes
Total time: about 40 to 50 minutes

Variations

For a sweeter version, add a handful of chocolate chips between the croissant pieces before baking.

For a fruitier version, add sliced bananas, raspberries, or blueberries along with the strawberries.

For extra warmth, add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the custard mixture.

For a creamier finish, serve each portion with a spoonful of whipped cream or vanilla custard.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover croissant bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 20 to 40 seconds, or place the baking dish in a 160°C or 325°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through.

Store chocolate sauce separately when possible and drizzle it over the pudding after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh croissants?

Yes. Fresh croissants work, but day-old croissants absorb the custard better and give the pudding a nicer texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the pudding, cover it, and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking.

Can I leave it overnight before baking?

Yes. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate overnight. Bake it the next day until golden and set.

What type of chocolate works best?

Dark chocolate works best because it balances the sweetness of the custard and croissants.

Can I use milk only instead of cream?

Yes, but the pudding will be lighter and less rich. For the creamiest texture, use both milk and cream.

How do I know when the pudding is done?

It is ready when the top is golden and the center looks set, not liquid.

Can I add chocolate inside the pudding?

Yes. Add chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips between the croissant pieces before pouring over the custard.

Can I serve it cold?

Yes, but it tastes best warm because the custard is softer and the chocolate sauce melts beautifully.

Can I freeze croissant bread pudding?

Yes. Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I serve with it?

Serve it with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, vanilla custard, or extra chocolate sauce.

Conclusion

Croissant bread pudding with chocolate sauce is an easy, comforting dessert that feels rich and elegant without being complicated. With buttery croissants, creamy vanilla custard, melted chocolate, and fresh strawberries, every serving is soft, sweet, and satisfying.

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