Heat the milk, cream and vanilla pod in a saucepan.
Beat the eggs and yolks with the caster sugar in a jug.
When the milk and cream mixture is almost boiling, pour it slowly over the eggs, stirring constantly until smooth.
To make the dessert
Lightly butter a large ovenproof dish or several small ramekins.
Spread butter over both sides of the sliced croissants.
Place the slices in a row in the dish, trying to arrange them attractively; add the almonds and any fruit of your choice, then pour the custard over them.
Sprinkle some demerara sugar on top and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and puffy.