Name: Dunkin’ Donuts Boston Cream Croissant Loaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) croissant dough or refrigerated crescent dough sheets; 1½ cups (360 ml) vanilla custard or pastry cream; ½ cup (90 g) dark chocolate, melted; Powdered sugar, for dusting

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Dunkin’ Donuts Boston Cream Croissant Loaf is my ultimate mashup of two breakfast icons: buttery croissants and rich Boston cream doughnuts. I layer soft croissant dough with a generous filling of silky vanilla custard, then bake it into a loaf that’s flaky, creamy, and just over-the-top indulgent. A drizzle of melted dark chocolate and a dusting of powdered sugar give it that signature bakery finish. It’s perfect for brunch, dessert, or anytime I want something that looks fancy but feels like comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe turns simple ingredients into something totally crave-worthy. It combines the delicate layers of croissant pastry with the luscious, pudding-like texture of Boston cream custard, all topped off with rich chocolate. It’s like eating a doughnut, a cream puff, and a pastry—all in one slice. Best of all, I don’t need to be a pastry chef to pull this off, especially if I use store-bought dough.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb (450 g) croissant dough or refrigerated crescent dough sheets
1½ cups (360 ml) vanilla custard or pastry cream
½ cup (90 g) dark chocolate, melted
Powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
I roll out the croissant dough and divide it into layers—usually about 4–5 thin sheets, depending on the dough I’m using.
I press one layer into the bottom of the loaf pan, then spread a portion of the vanilla custard on top.
I continue layering dough and custard, finishing with a final layer of dough on top.
I bake the loaf for about 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and puffed.
Once baked, I let it cool for 15–20 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely.
I drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top and finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8–10 slices.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
Cooling Time: 20–30 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add a bit of espresso powder to the chocolate drizzle for a mocha twist.
For extra texture, I sprinkle mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts between the layers.
If I want a fruitier version, I layer in thin slices of banana or strawberries along with the custard.
For a shortcut, I use instant pudding instead of homemade custard when I’m in a rush.
I swap the dark chocolate for white chocolate or a milk chocolate glaze when I want it sweeter.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes. If I’ve added the chocolate drizzle ahead of time, I reheat gently to avoid melting it too much. This loaf is also delicious cold if I’m in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I use puff pastry instead of croissant dough?

Yes, I’ve done it with puff pastry, and it turns out beautifully—just slightly less tender and more crisp. I adjust the bake time slightly if needed.

Is store-bought custard okay?

Absolutely. I use store-bought vanilla custard or pudding when I want to save time, and it still tastes amazing.

How do I keep the layers from sliding?

I press each dough layer down gently before adding custard, and I try not to overfill. Cooling before slicing also helps everything set.

Can I freeze this loaf?

Yes, I freeze the baked (but undecorated) loaf, then add the chocolate drizzle after thawing and reheating. It freezes well for up to 1 month.

What’s the best way to serve this?

I slice and serve it slightly warm with coffee or even as a dessert topped with whipped cream or extra chocolate drizzle.

Conclusion

Dunkin’ Donuts Boston Cream Croissant Loaf is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is actually super easy to make. It’s the perfect fusion of texture and flavor—flaky, creamy, chocolaty, and sweet in all the right ways. Whether I’m baking it for a brunch table or just treating myself to something special, this loaf always hits the spot.