This Croissant French Toast Bake is a delicious twist on a breakfast classic! Soft croissants soaked in a creamy egg mixture, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon and icing sugar make it hard to resist.
You can serve this warm with syrup or fresh fruit for a tasty treat! I love how easy it is to put together—just mix, soak, and bake. It’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings with family! 😊
Ingredients & Substitutions
Croissants: Use fresh, buttery croissants for the best flavor. If you can’t find croissants, any rich bread like brioche or challah will work well instead.
Eggs: Six large eggs add richness, but you can substitute two eggs with half a cup of unsweetened applesauce for a lighter option.
Milk: Whole milk gives the best texture, but feel free to swap it with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar is a lovely alternative. It will add a hint of caramel flavor to the custard.
Cinnamon: Ground nutmeg or a pinch of allspice can be added instead of cinnamon for a different warming spice flavor. Some people even love a dash of cardamom!
How Can I Ensure Even Soaking of the Croissants?
For the croissants to soak thoroughly without falling apart, make sure to tear them into large chunky pieces instead of small ones. This way, they hold their shape while soaking up the egg mixture.
- After mixing the custard, pour it evenly over the croissant chunks.
- Press down gently on the croissants to help them absorb the liquid thoroughly.
- Let it sit so they soak up flavor. This makes a real difference!
When baking, keep an eye on the time. The goal is a golden-brown top with a custardy center—definitely worth the wait!
Croissant French Toast Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 4 large croissants, torn into chunks
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries) for garnish
- Maple syrup (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Croissant French Toast Bake will take about 15 minutes to prep, plus 35-40 minutes of baking time. You’ll also want to let it sit for about 15-20 minutes after pouring the custard to ensure everything is well-soaked. In total, set aside around 1 hour to prepare and bake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish to ensure nothing sticks.
2. Tear the Croissants:
Take your lovely croissants and tear them into large, bite-sized chunks. Spread these pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish. The chunks will soak up the custard beautifully, so don’t be too small with them!
3. Mix the Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter. Make sure everything is blended well for a delicious flavor!
4. Combine Croissants with Custard:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissant pieces. Press down gently on the croissants to help them soak up the custard mixture. This is key for getting that creamy texture throughout.
5. Let It Soak:
Let the mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes. This time allows the croissants to absorb all the yummy custard flavors and ensures a soft and custardy center.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop your baking dish into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’re looking for the custard to be set, and the top should be nice and golden brown with a little crispness to it. Trust me, this will smell amazing!
7. Cool and Dust:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly—about 5-10 minutes. Dust the top with powdered sugar for that sweet touch!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Top with fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor. If you like, drizzle with maple syrup when serving for an extra special treat. Enjoy your delicious Croissant French Toast Bake warm!
This recipe makes a decadent, custardy French toast bake featuring buttery croissants paired with fresh berries and a delightful dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Day-Old Croissants for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Day-old croissants are perfect for this recipe as they will soak up the custard better without becoming too mushy. If your croissants are fresh, you can let them sit out for a few hours to dry out a bit before using them.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare everything the night before. Just follow the recipe up to the point of baking, cover the dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove it from the fridge, let it sit for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature, then bake as directed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop individual portions in the microwave or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Add Other Toppings or Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite fruits like sliced bananas, apples, or even chocolate chips for a richer treat. Just keep in mind that adding more ingredients may change the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on it in the oven!