Peach Streusel Croissant Bake

Name: Peach Streusel Croissant Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 large croissants, cut into pieces; 2 cups fresh peaches, sliced; 4 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/4 cup brown sugar

Highlighted under: Sweet Cravings Bakery

I absolutely love making this Peach Streusel Croissant Bake for a weekend brunch. The combination of flaky croissants, sweet peaches, and a crumbly streusel topping creates a dish that's not only delicious but also visually stunning. Each bite brings together the buttery texture of croissants with the juicy sweetness of fresh peaches. It's a crowd-pleaser that's surprisingly easy to prepare, and the aroma that fills the kitchen while it's baking is simply irresistible. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, especially when you want something special without too much fuss.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-23T22:37:28.117Z

As I crafted this Peach Streusel Croissant Bake, I reminisced about summer mornings spent at my grandmother’s house, where we’d enjoy fresh peach cobbler. The key to achieving the perfect texture is allowing the croissants to soak in the custard mixture just long enough—too little, and they won't absorb the flavors; too much, and they'll become soggy. I found a balance that results in a dish that's both creamy and fluffy.

While experimenting with different fruits, I realized that peaches provide that ideal mix of sweetness and slight tartness, especially if they’re at peak ripeness. Don’t skimp on the streusel topping; its crunchy texture is a delightful contrast to the soft croissant base. Trust me, your guests will be begging for the recipe!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Flaky croissants infused with sweet peach flavor
Crispy streusel adds the perfect crunch
Great for brunch gatherings or dessert

Choosing the Right Peaches

When selecting peaches for this dish, look for ones that are ripe but still firm, as they will hold their shape during baking. Clingstone or freestone peaches work beautifully here. If fresh peaches aren't in season, frozen peaches can be a great alternative; just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your bake.

To enhance the flavor, consider tossing the peach slices with a tablespoon of lemon juice before adding them to the croissants. This will not only brighten their natural sweetness but will also prevent browning and add a subtle zing to the overall flavor profile.

Custard Consistency

For the custard, make sure to whisk the eggs and cream mixture until it is completely smooth to ensure even distribution throughout the dish. You want it to be well combined but avoid overwhisking, which can incorporate too much air and affect the texture. A smooth custard will lead to a creamy and rich outcome in the final bake.

If you prefer a lighter custard, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with additional milk. This will reduce the overall richness without sacrificing too much flavor; just keep an eye on the baking time, as a lighter custard might set quicker than the original recipe.

Serving and Storing

Once your Peach Streusel Croissant Bake is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the custard to set further, making it easier to slice. Serve warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added indulgence that complements the peach flavor well.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, covering it with foil to prevent drying out. You can also freeze this dish before baking; just prepare everything and freeze it unbaked, then bake from frozen, adding an additional 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your delicious Peach Streusel Croissant Bake:

Ingredients

4 large croissants, cut into pieces
2 cups fresh peaches, sliced
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/4 cup brown sugar

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you're set to start the magic of baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your Peach Streusel Croissant Bake:

Prepare the Croissants

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the croissant pieces and fresh peaches. Set aside.

Make the Custard Mixture

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth. Pour over the croissants and peaches, and gently mix to combine.

Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, combine flour, cold butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Assemble and Bake

Transfer the croissant and peach mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard has set.

Let it cool slightly before serving warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the custard. You can also substitute the peaches with other fruits like blueberries or apples, adjusting the sugar as needed based on their sweetness.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your streusel topping seems too dry and isn’t clumping together, you may need to add a tiny bit more cold butter. Work it in gradually until the crumbs start to form. This will ensure you achieve that perfectly crunchy topping, essential for balance against the soft croissant and peach layer below.

A common issue is the custard being too runny after baking. This can happen if the mixture is not combined well or if the eggs aren’t large enough. Always ensure your mixture is homogenous, and if necessary, use large eggs that provide adequate volume and richness.

Ingredient Variations

Feel free to experiment with the fruits used in this recipe! While peaches are a delightful choice, you can easily swap in nectarines, plums, or even a mix of berries for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that some fruits, like raspberries, release more liquid, so adjust your baking time accordingly.

If you're looking for a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and check that the croissants you use are also gluten-free. Additionally, using almond flour in the streusel topping can provide a lovely nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the fruit.

Baking Techniques

To ensure even baking and a golden-brown top, consider rotating your baking dish halfway through the baking time. This is particularly useful if your oven has hot spots, which can cause uneven cooking. You’re aiming for a fully set custard, with a firm but slightly jiggly center and a crisp, golden streusel on top.

Using a glass or ceramic baking dish can help you monitor the baking process better than metal, which can brown things more quickly. With glass, you can check the edges for doneness by looking for a subtle pull away from the sides of the dish, indicating it's ready to come out.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture the night before and refrigerate it. Just add the streusel topping before baking.

→ What can I use instead of croissants?

You can use stale bread, brioche, or even puff pastry as an alternative.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven before serving.

→ Can I freeze this bake?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it before baking. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.