Croissant French Toast
Indulge in a breakfast treat that brings elegance and ease together—Croissant French Toast Bake. With buttery croissants as the star, this dish combines crisp golden layers and a soft, custard-like interior. Perfect for holidays or weekend gatherings, it looks impressive but comes together effortlessly.
Each flaky croissant soaks up a warm blend of vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience. As it bakes, the dish fills your kitchen with a comforting aroma, promising guests a brunch to remember.
Whether topped with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup, this bake brings bakery-level sophistication to your table.
Croissant French Toast Bake Ingredients
Croissants
Flaky and buttery, these golden pastries create a crispy, rich base that soaks up the flavorful custard, giving each bite an irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Eggs
Essential for the custard, eggs provide structure and transform the croissants into a beautifully set, creamy French toast bake.
Milk and Heavy Cream
This creamy duo brings a velvety richness to the custard, balancing the flavors for a luxurious texture and mouthfeel.
Brown Sugar
A hint of caramelized sweetness, brown sugar enhances the warmth and depth of each bite.
Vanilla and Cinnamon
Aromatic vanilla and warming cinnamon infuse the bake with cozy, familiar flavors that elevate this brunch favorite.
Croissant French Toast Bake Recipe Guide
Recipe Tips
- Choose Quality Croissants
For the best results, use high-quality, bakery-style croissants that are a day or two old. Slightly stale croissants will soak up the custard mixture better without becoming too soggy. Avoid overly fresh or soft croissants, as they can fall apart in the custard and become mushy in the bake. If needed, let fresh croissants sit out uncovered for a few hours before starting. - Customize the Custard Flavor
The vanilla and cinnamon in this recipe create a classic flavor profile, but feel free to experiment with other spices and extracts! Try adding a dash of nutmeg or a pinch of cardamom for a warm, aromatic touch. You can even swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a unique twist. These small changes add a personalized touch to your dish. - Let it Rest Before Serving
Once the bake is done, allow it to rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. This resting period lets the custard fully set and ensures cleaner servings. During this time, the bake will firm up, making it easier to cut and plate without falling apart. Plus, it slightly cools the dish to the perfect serving temperature, ensuring you get the best taste and texture.
What to Serve with Croissant French Toast Bake
- Fresh Fruit Salad
A vibrant fruit salad pairs wonderfully with this rich French toast bake. Try a mix of berries, melon, and citrus for a refreshing contrast that complements the creamy custard and crispy croissant layers. The fruit’s natural sweetness adds brightness, balancing the richness of the bake. - Maple Sausage Links
For a savory balance, serve this bake alongside maple sausage links. The slight saltiness and smoky flavor of sausage make a nice contrast with the sweet, cinnamon-infused custard. Maple sausage ties in seamlessly, enhancing the bake’s cozy, brunch-like feel. - Greek Yogurt with Honey
A bowl of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey offers a lighter, tangy companion to the bake. The creamy yogurt adds a hint of tartness, cutting through the richness, while honey brings a subtle sweetness that echoes the bake’s custard flavors.
FAQ
1. Can I make this French toast bake ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the bake the night before and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
2. Can I substitute regular bread for croissants?
You can substitute bread, but the texture will differ. Croissants provide a unique, flaky texture and buttery richness that regular bread may not achieve. If you’re using bread, try brioche or challah for the best flavor.
3. How can I make this bake dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, replace the milk and heavy cream with a non-dairy milk alternative, such as almond or oat milk. Be sure to choose a creamy variety to maintain the custard’s texture.
4. What toppings work well with this bake?
Popular toppings include fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup. You can also add whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Croissant French Toast Bake
Ingredients
- 8 large croissants split horizontally (about 1 1/4 pounds)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Confectioner’s sugar fresh berries, or maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until thoroughly combined.
- Submerge each croissant half into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak fully.
- Arrange the soaked croissants in the prepared baking dish, overlapping them as needed. Pour any remaining custard mixture over the layered croissants.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the dish to rest for 15 minutes before serving. Serve with your choice of toppings, such as fresh berries, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
