This Croissant French Toast Bake is a dreamy mix of buttery croissants soaked in a sweet custard, baked until golden and fluffy. It’s perfect for breakfast or brunch!
Who can resist fluffy croissants? I love how this bake makes my kitchen smell amazing while it cooks. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up ahead of time. What a treat! 🥐✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Croissants: The star of this dish! Fresh croissants provide the best flavor and texture. If you’re short on time, store-bought are fine. You can also try using day-old croissants for a sturdier bake.
Eggs: Eggs are essential for creating the custard. Medium or large eggs work well, but you can swap with egg substitutes for a lighter option. Just check the equivalent needed for this recipe!
Milk and Cream: Whole milk and heavy cream give this bake its richness. For lighter options, use 2% milk and omit the cream, or try almond milk or oat milk as dairy alternatives.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the custard. If you’re looking for a healthier option, coconut sugar or a sugar alternative like Stevia can also work, just adjust the amount according to taste.
Berries: Fresh mixed berries add color and freshness. Use your favorites or swap them out for banana slices or apple chunks if you prefer!
How Do You Ensure a Perfectly Soaked Bake?
Getting the croissants to soak up the custard is key for a delicious texture. Here are some tips to perfect this step:
- Tear the croissants into smaller pieces for more surface area to soak.
- Press gently on the croissant pieces after pouring the custard to help them absorb the mixture.
- Let it sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but letting it soak overnight truly enhances the flavors.
Baking time is important too; check for a golden top and set custard. Don’t rush this step for that perfect bake!
Croissant French Toast Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 4 large croissants, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing the baking dish
For Toppings:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Fresh mixed berries (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries), for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare for baking and then requires 40-45 minutes to cook. You’ll want to refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor. In total, you’re looking at 2 hours and 55 minutes for a delicious breakfast treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Croissants:
Tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces. Spread them evenly in your greased baking dish. This will create a base that soaks up all the delicious custard!
3. Mix the Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is well combined for a tasty custard that will soak into the croissants.
4. Soak the Croissants:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissant pieces. Gently press down on the croissants to make sure they are soaking up the custard. This step is key for maximum flavor!
5. Refrigerate:
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best. This allows the croissants to soak in all that sweet custard goodness!
6. Bake the Dish:
Once the soak time is done, take off the plastic wrap and pop the dish into the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set in the middle. You’ll love the aroma filling your kitchen!
7. Cool and Decorate:
Let the Croissant French Toast Bake cool slightly before serving. Dust it with powdered sugar, arrange fresh berries on top, and drizzle with maple syrup for added sweetness.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm and enjoy this flaky, creamy delight. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any sweet occasion!
Can I Use Other Breads Instead of Croissants?
Absolutely! You can use brioche, challah, or even basic white bread as a substitute. Just ensure they’re day-old or slightly stale to help absorb the custard better!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! Substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with almond milk or coconut milk, and use dairy-free butter for greasing the baking dish. It will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm individual servings in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Can I Add Extras Like Nuts or Chocolate?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds) or chocolate chips for a melty surprise. Add them with the croissants before pouring the custard for a delicious twist!
