Lemon and custard croissant pudding is a delightful dessert that takes the classic bread and butter pudding to new heights. With its zesty lemon flavor and creamy custard, this dish is perfect for winter gatherings or cozy nights in. Simple to prepare, it combines store-bought ingredients for an elegant finish, making it an ideal choice for both special occasions and everyday indulgence.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Pudding Base
- For the Flavor Boost
- To Serve
- How to Make Lemon and custard croissant pudding
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Prepare the Croissants
- Step 3: Mix Custard and Milk
- Step 4: Add Lemon Curd
- Step 5: Bake the Pudding
- Step 6: Serve Your Dessert
- How to Serve Lemon and custard croissant pudding
- With Icing Sugar
- With Pouring Cream
- With Fresh Berries
- With Mint Leaves
- With Vanilla Ice Cream
- How to Perfect Lemon and custard croissant pudding
- Best Side Dishes for Lemon and custard croissant pudding
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Lemon and custard croissant pudding
- Reheating Lemon and custard croissant pudding
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What can I use instead of lemon curd in Lemon and custard croissant pudding?
- How long does it take to make Lemon and custard croissant pudding?
- Can I customize my Lemon and custard croissant pudding?
- Is it possible to make Lemon and custard croissant pudding in advance?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only five ingredients, you can whip this up in no time.
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of lemon curd and custard creates a rich, tangy taste that delights the palate.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm or chilled, topped with icing sugar or pouring cream for added luxury.
- Feeds a Crowd: This recipe serves eight, making it a great option for family gatherings or brunch with friends.
- Minimal Cleanup: Using store-bought items means less time spent in the kitchen and more time enjoying your creation.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Lemon and custard croissant pudding, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help streamline the process and ensure your dessert turns out flawlessly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A good quality baking dish ensures even cooking and allows easy serving of your pudding.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple mixing bowls helps organize your ingredients efficiently during preparation.
- Whisk: A whisk is essential for blending the custard and milk smoothly without lumps.

Ingredients
Use store bought ingredients like lemon curd to upgrade the classic bread and butter fave to a luxe winter pud. Even better, there’s only 5 ingredients needed to make it.
For the Pudding Base
- 2 x 190g pkt (8 small) all-butter croissants, cut in half horizontally
- 500g bought ready-made custard
- 250ml (1 cup) milk
For the Flavor Boost
- 350g (1 cup) lemon curd
To Serve
- Icing sugar, to serve
- Pouring cream, to serve
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
How to Make Lemon and custard croissant pudding
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that your pudding bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Croissants
- Cut each croissant in half horizontally.
- Arrange them in a greased baking dish, placing them cut side up.
Step 3: Mix Custard and Milk
In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine the ready-made custard with milk.
2. Whisk until smooth.
Step 4: Add Lemon Curd
- Gently fold in the lemon curd into the custard mixture until fully combined.
- Pour this mixture evenly over the arranged croissants in the baking dish.
Step 5: Bake the Pudding
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven:
* Bake for about 35 minutes or until golden brown on top and set in the middle.
Step 6: Serve Your Dessert
Once done, remove from oven:
1. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
2. Dust with icing sugar and drizzle with pouring cream as desired.
Enjoy your delicious Lemon and custard croissant pudding!
How to Serve Lemon and custard croissant pudding
Lemon and custard croissant pudding is a delightful dessert that pairs wonderfully with various toppings and sides. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dish.
With Icing Sugar
- Dust the top of the pudding with icing sugar for a sweet, elegant finish that adds a touch of sweetness.
With Pouring Cream
- Serve warm slices of the pudding with a generous drizzle of pouring cream for added richness and a creamy texture.
With Fresh Berries
- Add a handful of fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries on the side to introduce a burst of freshness and color.
With Mint Leaves
- Garnish each plate with fresh mint leaves for an aromatic touch that complements the lemon flavor beautifully.
With Vanilla Ice Cream
- Pairing the warm pudding with vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor, enhancing the overall experience.
How to Perfect Lemon and custard croissant pudding
To achieve the perfect lemon and custard croissant pudding, keep these tips in mind.
Choose Quality Croissants: Use fresh, all-butter croissants for the best flavor and texture. Stale croissants can lead to a less enjoyable pudding.
Layer Ingredients Thoughtfully: Ensure even distribution of lemon curd and custard between layers for consistent flavor in every bite.
Bake Until Golden: Keep an eye on your pudding while it bakes; it should be golden brown on top but still soft inside.
Let it Rest: Allowing the pudding to rest for about 10 minutes after baking helps set the custard, making it easier to slice and serve.
Serve Warm: This dessert is best enjoyed warm. Reheat gently if necessary before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon and custard croissant pudding
Pairing side dishes with lemon and custard croissant pudding can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:
Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the richness of the pudding.
Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, this dairy-free option provides a tropical flair that complements lemon perfectly.
Yogurt Parfait: Layers of yogurt, granola, and fruit offer texture contrast while keeping things light beside the rich dessert.
Chia Seed Pudding: A creamy chia seed pudding infused with vanilla adds a nutritious yet indulgent side that’s easy to prepare ahead of time.
Almond Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti offers a delightful dip alongside your pudding, enhancing both flavor and texture.
Herbed Salad: A light salad dressed in citrus vinaigrette provides freshness that cuts through the sweetness, enhancing your dining experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Lemon and custard croissant pudding, there are several common mistakes you might encounter. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Boldly skip the custard: Using homemade custard may seem tempting, but it can be time-consuming. Opt for store-bought custard for ease without sacrificing flavor.
- Boldly ignore croissant quality: Not all croissants are created equal. Choose high-quality, all-butter croissants for the best texture and taste in your pudding.
- Boldly rush the assembly: Layering the ingredients properly is crucial. Take your time to ensure even distribution of lemon curd and custard for balanced flavor.
- Boldly underestimate chilling time: Allowing the pudding to sit before baking lets the flavors meld beautifully. Don’t skip this step for a more delicious outcome.
- Boldly forget about garnishing: A sprinkle of icing sugar or a drizzle of cream can elevate your dish. Don’t overlook these simple garnishes that enhance presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Lemon and custard croissant pudding can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Lemon and custard croissant pudding
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container, ensuring it’s tightly sealed.
- It will stay fresh for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Lemon and custard croissant pudding
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered with foil until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm gently in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Lemon and custard croissant pudding.
What can I use instead of lemon curd in Lemon and custard croissant pudding?
You can substitute lemon curd with a homemade lemon sauce or even a mix of lemon juice and sugar if you prefer a less sweet option.
How long does it take to make Lemon and custard croissant pudding?
The total time required is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, including both preparation and cooking times.
Can I customize my Lemon and custard croissant pudding?
Absolutely! You can add fruits like berries or nuts for added flavor and texture. Experiment with different types of citrus as well!
Is it possible to make Lemon and custard croissant pudding in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the pudding ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just remember to let it sit for at least 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
Final Thoughts
Lemon and custard croissant pudding is a delightful twist on traditional bread-and-butter puddings. With just five ingredients, it’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough for any gathering. Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite fruits or toppings. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
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Lemon and Custard Croissant Pudding
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Lemon and Custard Croissant Pudding, a sophisticated twist on the traditional bread-and-butter pudding. This recipe features layers of buttery croissants soaked in a luscious mixture of creamy custard and tangy lemon curd, creating a beautifully balanced dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a winter gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, this dessert is sure to impress. With just five simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can whip up an elegant treat that pleases the palate and elevates your dessert game.
Ingredients
- 2 x 190g packets all-butter croissants (8 small), cut in half
- 500g ready-made custard
- 250ml milk
- 350g lemon curd
- Icing sugar (for serving)
- Pouring cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cut each croissant in half horizontally and arrange them cut side up in a greased baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the custard and milk until smooth.
- Gently fold in the lemon curd until fully combined and pour over the croissants.
- Bake for about 35 minutes or until golden brown and set.
- Allow cooling slightly, then dust with icing sugar and drizzle with cream before serving.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Contemporary
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (130g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg





