I’ve always found comfort in those recipes that feel like they’ve been passed down through generations, even if they’re not technically family heirlooms. The ones that bring you back to a simpler time, where every bite feels like a hug from the inside. One dish that does this for me is Nigella Lawson’s Croissant Pudding. It’s not your average dessert. The combination of buttery croissants, rich custard, and just a touch of indulgence feels like a cozy blanket for the soul.
I stumbled upon this recipe on one of those lazy Sunday afternoons when I was craving something that could double as dessert and breakfast (because, why not?) Croissants were sitting idly in the kitchen, and my mind started wandering. I had heard of bread pudding, but croissant pudding? That sounded like something special. And so, I gave it a whirl-and I wasn’t disappointed. What I didn’t expect was how easily it came together, how the croissants soaked up the custard and turned into something soft, yet golden and slightly crispy on top. It was magical.
What I’ve learned from making it a few times now is how forgiving this recipe is. You don’t need to be a pastry chef or have a kitchen full of fancy ingredients to nail it. With Nigella’s effortless style and straightforward instructions, I was able to create something that felt truly gourmet without the fuss.
Now, let me walk you through the magic of it all.
Nigella Lawson’s Croissant Pudding Recipe
Nigella’s take on croissant pudding is a simple blend of ingredients, but somehow, it creates something deeply luxurious. I’m always on the lookout for recipes that combine ease with flavor, and this one hits the mark perfectly. The beauty of it lies in how well the croissants absorb the custard mixture, becoming soft and custardy in the middle, while still holding a bit of structure around the edges.
What’s really interesting about this recipe is how Nigella combines familiar ingredients like butter, milk, and eggs in a unique way. She’s not just throwing together another baked pudding; she’s playing with texture and flavor, creating a dessert that’s rich, comforting, and utterly unforgettable. The croissants themselves become a canvas, soaking up the custard like a sponge while maintaining their flaky edges. It’s a sweet balance between creamy and crunchy, the perfect contrast.
Ingredient List
Before you get started, take a look at these ingredients. They’re simple, but they all play a vital role in creating that glorious texture. Don’t skip out on anything. Each element has its part to play.
- 4 large croissants (preferably a day or two old)
- 50g unsalted butter, melted
- 500ml whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 75g caster sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: A generous sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth
For me, what makes this recipe feel special is the vanilla and butter combination. The butter adds that richness that we all crave, and the vanilla brings a subtle yet aromatic sweetness that ties everything together. The croissants should ideally be a bit stale, but I’ve made it with fresh ones, too, and it works perfectly fine, though slightly different in texture.
How To Make Nigella Lawson’s Croissant Pudding?
Making this pudding is almost laughably easy, considering how decadent it tastes. If you’ve made a bread pudding before, you’ll recognize the basic steps, but I’ll break it down for you:
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Prep The Croissants
Begin by cutting your croissants into chunks. Don’t worry about making them uniform-Nigella’s approach is more about ease than perfection. I like to slice mine into thick, irregular pieces, so some get more custard and others stay a bit firmer.
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Make The Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla. Then, slowly pour in the milk, stirring continuously to make sure everything blends together smoothly. This is the heart of your pudding, so give it a good whisk until it’s nicely combined and a little frothy.
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Soak The Croissants
Place your croissant chunks in a buttered baking dish, and pour the custard mixture over them. Press the croissants down gently to make sure they’re well coated and soaking up that rich custard. Don’t be afraid if the custard doesn’t fully cover everything-it will absorb as it bakes.
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Let It Sit
Nigella suggests letting the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the custard to soak in. I’ve skipped this step in a rush, and while it still works, I’ve found that the resting time really helps the flavors meld.
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Bake
Pop the dish in the oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for around 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy, and the pudding underneath is set but still soft in the center. If you want a little extra color, you can finish it off with a quick blast of high heat for a couple of minutes.
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Optional Touches
If you want to take things over the top (I highly recommend you do), add a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg before baking, or sprinkle some powdered sugar on top right before serving.
That’s it! In less than an hour, you’ve got a decadent dessert that’ll make your kitchen smell like a French patisserie.
Things I Learned
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The Magic Of Croissants
Croissants are, without a doubt, the key to this dish. Their light, buttery layers soak up the custard in a way that’s just magical. I never expected something so simple to transform into a dessert that feels so indulgent.
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The Soak Time Matters
I initially underestimated the importance of letting the croissants soak. While you could bake it straight away, I noticed that allowing the mixture to rest really helps the pudding come together. The longer it sits, the more the croissants absorb that creamy custard and become soft, custardy perfection.
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Toppings Can Take It To Another Level
Don’t skimp on a little extra seasoning. A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg adds depth, and a bit of powdered sugar post-baking makes the whole thing look as good as it tastes.
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A Little Butter Goes A Long Way
Don’t shy away from the butter. When you melt it over the croissants, it adds a richness that’s irreplaceable. I found that a little extra butter around the edges of the dish ensures those crispy bits get even more flavor.