Decadent Croissant Pudding Delight
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Decadent Croissant Pudding Delight! Perfectly baked until golden brown, this luscious custard-based treat transforms flaky croissants into a rich, soul-warming dish that encapsulates the essence of comfort food. The combination of creamy milk and heavy cream, paired with the sweetness of sugar and brown sugar, creates a heavenly texture that melts in your mouth. Finished with a sprinkle of toasted pecans for crunch, this dessert is a showstopper that will leave your guests utterly impressed. Serve it warm, drizzled with warm caramel sauce or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and prepare for everyone's taste buds to dance with joy. It's the perfect finale to any meal, especially a Cajun-themed dinner, and believe us when we say—you won’t be able to have just one serving!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Croissants
10 cups (cut into 1-inch pieces (about 10 regular-sized croissants))
Milk
2 cups (none)
Heavy Cream
2 cups (none)
Sugar
1 cup (none)
Brown Sugar
1 cup (none)
Eggs
3 (beaten)
Vanilla Extract
1 tablespoon (none)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (none)
Pecans
1/2 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare a 9x13 baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray or rubbing it with butter to prevent sticking.
3
Evenly distribute the cut croissant pieces in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4
Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the croissant pieces for added texture and flavor.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk and heavy cream. Gradually whisk in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until fully dissolved.
6
Add the beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to the mixture. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
7
Carefully pour the custard mixture over the croissant pieces and pecans, ensuring every piece is well saturated. Gently press down on the croissants with a spatula to soak up the liquid.
8
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator for 1 to 3 hours, allowing the croissants to absorb the liquid.
9
Once rested, remove the foil and place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the pudding is puffed up, golden brown, and has a slight jiggle.
10
Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, as it will be extremely hot.
11
Serve each portion warm, topped with vanilla ice cream or drizzled with warm caramel sauce for an extra special touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Croissant Pudding Delight?
It is a rich, custard-based dessert that transforms flaky croissants into a comforting bread pudding topped with pecans.
How many croissants do I need for this recipe?
You will need approximately 10 regular-sized croissants, cut into 1-inch pieces to yield 10 cups.
What size baking dish should be used?
A 9x13 inch baking dish is the recommended size for this recipe.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should spray the dish with cooking spray or rub it with butter to prevent the pudding from sticking.
What are the main liquid components of the custard?
The custard base is made from 2 cups of milk and 2 cups of heavy cream.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe calls for 3 beaten eggs to be mixed into the custard.
What types of sugar are used?
This recipe uses 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of brown sugar for a deep, sweet flavor.
Is vanilla extract used in this pudding?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract is added to the custard mixture.
What spice gives the pudding its warmth?
One teaspoon of cinnamon is included in the mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
What kind of nuts are added to the recipe?
The recipe includes 1/2 cup of chopped pecans for texture and crunch.
When should I add the pecans?
Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the croissant pieces in the baking dish before pouring the custard over them.
How long should the pudding soak before baking?
The pudding should be refrigerated and allowed to soak for 1 to 3 hours.
Why is the soaking step important?
Soaking allows the croissant pieces to fully absorb the liquid, ensuring a moist and flavorful interior.
Should I cover the dish while it is in the refrigerator?
Yes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil during the soaking period.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the croissant pudding take to bake?
The pudding typically takes between 35 and 40 minutes to bake.
Should I bake the pudding covered or uncovered?
Remove the foil before baking so the top can become golden brown and puffed.
How can I tell when the pudding is done?
The pudding is ready when it is puffed up, golden brown, and has a slight jiggle.
Does the pudding need to rest after coming out of the oven?
Yes, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes as it will be extremely hot immediately after baking.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
What is the best way to serve this dessert?
It is best served warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
What sauces pair well with this pudding?
A drizzle of warm caramel sauce is a perfect accompaniment to this decadent treat.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, you can simply omit the pecans if you have a nut allergy or preference.
Can I use stale croissants?
Yes, stale croissants are actually excellent for bread pudding as they absorb the custard even better than fresh ones.
Is this recipe suitable for a themed dinner?
It is described as a perfect finale for a Cajun-themed dinner.
Can I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?
You can substitute it, but the pudding will be less rich and creamy than intended.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish and let it soak for the required 1 to 3 hours before you are ready to bake.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The texture is luscious and creamy on the inside with flaky, golden croissant tops and crunchy pecans.
How do I reheat the pudding?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a few seconds or the whole dish in a low oven until warmed through.