Merry Cherry Croissant Casserole (perfect breakfast)
Merry Cherry Croissant Bake – The Ultimate Make-Ahead Christmas Morning Breakfast
Every Christmas morning, the same question comes up: what should we have for breakfast before the big Christmas dinner?
You want something that's festive enough to feel like a treat, but easy enough that you're not stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is opening presents. That's exactly why this Merry Cherry Croissant Bake has become one of my favourite Christmas breakfast recipes.
Made with buttery croissants, sweet cherries, creamy custard and plenty of grated marzipan, it's wonderfully indulgent without requiring hours of work. The best part? You can prepare the entire dish the night before, leaving you free to enjoy Christmas morning. Simply pop it into the oven while the turkey is resting or cooking, and you'll have a warm, golden Christmas brunch ready in around 20 minutes.
The combination of almond-scented marzipan and juicy cherries tastes just like Christmas, while the croissants soak up the rich vanilla custard to create something that's halfway between bread pudding and a buttery French toast bake.
If you're feeding family over the holidays, this recipe is every bit as comforting as my Croque Monsieur Bake, but with a sweeter, more festive twist.
Why You'll Love This Christmas Croissant Bake
Perfect make-ahead Christmas breakfast
Ready in around 20–30 minutes
Feeds 4–6 people
Rich, buttery and wonderfully festive
Great for Christmas morning or Boxing Day brunch
Delicious served with cream, brandy cream or a dusting of icing sugar
Ingredients
Serves 4–6
4 large buttery croissants
1 can cherry pie filling
2 large eggs
2 tbsp granulated sugar
150ml double cream
200ml whole milk
150g marzipan, grated
Method
Cut the croissants into bite-sized pieces and place them into a large mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, double cream and sugar until smooth.
Fold the cherry pie filling into the custard mixture before adding the chopped croissants. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
Leave the mixture to soak for 5 minutes before stirring once more.
Spoon half of the croissant mixture into a greased baking dish.
Sprinkle over half of the grated marzipan.
Add the remaining croissant mixture, making sure to pour over any leftover custard so every piece stays beautifully soft.
Top with the remaining grated marzipan.
If making ahead, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 180–200°C (160–180°C fan).
Bake for 20–30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard has just set.
Allow to stand for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Finish with a generous dusting of icing sugar if you like.
Serving Suggestions
This festive croissant bake is delicious served simply as it is, but if you're embracing Christmas indulgence, try serving it with:
Double cream
Brandy cream
Vanilla custard
Crème fraîche
A scoop of vanilla ice cream if you're serving it as dessert
It's equally at home on the Christmas breakfast table as it is replacing the traditional Christmas pudding later in the day.
Top Tips
Day-old croissants work brilliantly as they soak up even more of the custard.
Use good-quality marzipan for the richest almond flavour.
Leave the bake to rest for a few minutes before serving so it slices more neatly.
Add a handful of flaked almonds before baking for extra crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Christmas breakfast the night before?
Absolutely! In fact, it's even better after resting overnight, giving the croissants plenty of time to soak up the custard.
Can I use fresh or frozen cherries?
Yes. If using fresh or frozen cherries, cook them with a little sugar and cornflour first to create a thick cherry filling.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Bake, cool completely, then freeze for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Is this a breakfast or a dessert?
Both! It's rich enough to serve as a festive dessert, especially with brandy cream or vanilla ice cream, but it's also the perfect indulgent Christmas morning breakfast.
If you're looking for an easy make-ahead Christmas breakfast recipe that feels truly special, this Merry Cherry Croissant Bake is guaranteed to become part of your festive traditions. With buttery croissants, juicy cherries and fragrant marzipan in every bite, it's the perfect way to start Christmas Day before the celebrations begin.
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