Prepare the Croissants

• Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
• Tear the croissants into large chunks or slices. You want to have big, fluffy pieces that will soak up the custard mixture. Arrange the croissant pieces evenly in the greased baking dish. If you’re using berries, bananas, or chocolate chips, sprinkle them over the croissants, distributing them evenly.

Prepare the Custard Mixture

• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Whisk the mixture until everything is well combined and the sugar has dissolved.
• Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant pieces in the baking dish. Press the croissants down gently with a spoon or your hands to make sure all the pieces are soaked in the custard. If you’re using fruits or chocolate chips, gently push them into the croissants so they’re coated with the custard as well.
• Let the croissants soak in the custard for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the mixture to be absorbed. This helps the croissants become soft and custardy in the final bake.

Bake the Croissant Bake

• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top of the croissant bake is golden brown and slightly crispy. You can check if it’s done by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the custard is set.
• Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Serve and Enjoy

• Once your croissant bake has cooled slightly, dust the top with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Serve the croissant bake warm, either on its own or with a side of whipped cream, yogurt, or a drizzle of maple syrup. You can also serve it with fresh fruit for added color and flavor.