Name: Valentine's Brunch Croissant Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h 50 min
Total time: 5 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large croissants (240g): torn into chunky, bite-sized pieces.; 3 large egg yolks + 1 whole egg; 240ml whole milk; 120ml heavy cream; 60ml buttermilk; 3 tbsp cocoa powder; 65g granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla bean paste; 1/2 tsp red gel food coloring; 120g whole milk ricotta; 2 tbsp powdered sugar; 30g toasted pistachios: crushed for a salty, green crunch.; 75g fresh raspberries

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

There’s something truly special about a homemade brunch, especially when it’s as charming as a Valentine’s Brunch Croissant Bake. This delightful dish effortlessly combines soft, buttery croissants soaked in a decadent chocolate custard that dances with hints of vanilla and berry goodness. The creamy ricotta topping adds just the right note of lightness, while the pistachios offer a pleasant crunch—a texture contrast that makes each bite a little celebration of love. Whether you’re sharing it with a partner, friends, or treating yourself, this bake feels indulgent and comforting at the same time.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Valentine’s Brunch Croissant Bake
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Valentine’s Brunch Croissant Bake

The first time I tried making this croissant bake was for a cozy Valentine’s brunch gathering with friends. I was looking for something that felt indulgent but was also simple enough to prepare without stress. As the aroma wafted through the kitchen, everyone’s eyes lit up in anticipation. This recipe delivers joy not just through taste, but also through the lovely ritual of preparing a heartfelt meal. And the best part? It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and can absolutely compete with any brunch at your favorite café. Let’s bring some love to your breakfast table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep takes just 15 minutes, and all your efforts will be rewarded after a quick bake!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate custard, buttery croissants, and creamy ricotta creates a rich, delightful experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With its vibrant red hue and colorful toppings, this dish looks as good as it tastes.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet snack anytime!
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily adapt this recipe to fit dietary needs, like dairy-free alternatives for the cream or ricotta.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 large croissants (240g): Fresh, buttery croissants are key; they soak up the custard beautifully. If you’re short on croissants, you could use day-old bread as a substitute, but adjustments in baking time may be necessary.
3 large egg yolks + 1 whole egg: These provide the foundation for our custard, adding richness and a silky texture.
240ml whole milk: Full-fat milk enhances the creaminess of the custard, but you can substitute with any non-dairy milk for a lighter version.
120ml heavy cream: This elevates the richness; however, you could use half-and-half for a lighter touch.
60ml buttermilk: The tangy flavor complements the sweetness and adds a delightful creaminess. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
3 tbsp cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa adds depth and a rich chocolate flavor, perfect for Valentine’s Day.
65g granulated sugar: Balances the chocolate’s bitterness; you could replace it with coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
1 tsp vanilla bean paste: Adds warmth and aromatic quality; pure vanilla extract works just as well.
1/2 tsp red gel food coloring: This is optional, but it gives the custard a lovely, festive hue—ideal for Valentine’s Day!
120g whole milk ricotta: A creamy topping that lightens the dish; it can be swapped with mascarpone or cream cheese if desired.
2 tbsp powdered sugar: Sweetens the ricotta; you can adjust this based on your personal preference.
30g toasted pistachios: Crushed for a delightful crunch; feel free to replace them with your favorite nuts or omit them entirely.
75g fresh raspberries: These add a fruity burst and natural sweetness—strawberries or blackberries can be great alternatives as well.

How to Make Valentine’s Brunch Croissant Bake

Prep the croissants: Begin by tearing your 4 large croissants into 3cm chunks. Spread them in a buttered baking dish, letting their charming shape fill the space—don’t worry about making it perfect!

Whisk the dry base: In a bowl, sift together 3 tbsp cocoa powder and 65g granulated sugar. This step is crucial for eliminating any lumps and ensuring a silky custard.

Create the liquid gold: Slowly whisk in 3 large egg yolks, 1 whole egg, 240ml whole milk, 120ml heavy cream, and 60ml buttermilk until the mixture flows as a velvety stream. The color and texture will start to look divine!

Tint the custard: Stir in 1 tsp vanilla bean paste and 1/2 tsp red gel food coloring, turning your custard into a luscious, rosy delight. It’s like sunshine in a bowl!

The Big Soak: Pour the ruby custard over the croissants. Gently press them down with a spatula so they can soak in that rich flavor. Each piece should be pretty well coated.

Chill and hydrate: Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, allowing the croissants to absorb nearly all the liquid. This step is where the magic happens—patience pays off!

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 175°C (350°F), placing the rack in the center. This ensures an even bake, resulting in a beautifully cooked dish.

Bake the tray: Place the dish in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes. The center should be set but still jiggly, creating a soft, custardy texture that invites a fork to dive in.

Whip the topping: While the bake cools slightly, whisk together 120g whole milk ricotta with 2 tbsp powdered sugar until creamy and airy. This fluffy topping adds a delightful contrast to the rich bake.

Final assembly: Once the croissant bake is warm, dollop the whipped ricotta on top, then scatter 30g crushed pistachios and 75g fresh raspberries across the surface. The colors will pop, making it look even more inviting!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your leftovers fresh, store the croissant bake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. For freezing, wrap tightly and store for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, a quick reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes will revive its flavors, although note that the custard texture may slightly change. A little drizzle of cream on top after reheating can bring back some moisture!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Check your croissants: Stale or day-old croissants work best for this recipe as they absorb the custard more effectively.
Don’t rush the chill: Allowing the bake to refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) is imperative for optimum absorption and flavor melding.
Mix well: When combining the custard ingredients, ensure everything is well-blended for a consistent bake.
Baking times may vary: Keep an eye on the bake; if the center jiggles too much after 35 minutes, give it a few more minutes.
Experiment with toppings: Feel free to play around with various fruits like strawberries or even a drizzle of chocolate for a fun twist.

This Valentine’s Brunch Croissant Bake is set to wow everyone at your table, and it’s just waiting for you to try it. With its combination of comforting flavors and textures, you’ll find it hard to go back to any store-bought options. Plus, the joy of creating something so delicious for the ones you love is a heartwarming experience in itself. Don’t hesitate to add your own spin—maybe a unique topping or a dash more cocoa—because each bite tells a story of love, warmth, and homemade goodness.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this croissant bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep this dish the night before! Assemble everything and store it covered in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply pop it in the oven for baking—it’s perfect for entertaining.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

If ricotta isn’t available, cream cheese or mascarpone are great substitutes. Just make sure to whip them with the powdered sugar to achieve that airy texture.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The croissant bake is ready when the center appears set but still has a gentle jiggle. If a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean, you’re good to go!