Croissant French Toast Bake Recipe

I’m absolutely obsessed with this croissant casserole recipe because it transforms simple ingredients into a decadent, brunch-worthy masterpiece that feels like a warm hug on a cozy morning. The blend of buttery croissants and creamy custard, topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar, makes every bite feel like a little slice of heaven that I just can’t resist.

Creating breakfast dishes that add a bit of indulgence is something I love to do, and this Croissant French Toast Bake is no exception. Using buttery croissants, six large eggs, and a rich blend of whole milk and heavy cream, I get a dish here with a texture that’s downright luscious.

The flavors are what really take this over the top, though. Vanilla extract and a hint of cinnamon—and you could bump these up if you’d like—make this taste like a French toast casserole.

Lightly sweetened with both granulated and brown sugar, this is easily one of the coziest weekend brunch dishes I know.

Ingredients

Croissants:
Rich in flavor and texture, these goodies provide enough carbs and calories to make one feel nourished.

Eggs:
They are high in protein, and they thicken and enrich the custard.

Whole Milk:
Provides creaminess and contains calcium for strong bones.

Heavy Cream:
Improves fullness and creamy texture.

Granulated Sugar:
Bakes to a sweet finish for a delectable flavor.

Vanilla Extract:
Imparts fragrant sweetness.

Cinnamon:
Delivers cozy, comforting spice and lots of potential health benefits.

Ingredient Quantities

• 6 large croissants
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
• Maple syrup or fresh fruit, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking basin with a small amount of melted butter, greasing it well.

2. Halve the croissants horizontally and lay them in the prepared baking dish. Position them to fit snugly—that is, to occupy the available space without bulging out—as though they are in some sort of vertical croissant comfort zone.

3. In a big mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients: eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk them together until well mixed. Then, add ground cinnamon and salt. Blend them in until the mixture is homogeneous.

4. Evenly pour the egg mixture over the croissants in the baking dish, making sure all of the pieces are well soaked.

5. With a spatula, gently press down the croissants to assist them in assimilating the custard mixture.

6. Pour the melted butter on top of the croissants.

7. The baking dish should be covered with aluminum foil and allowed to rest for about 10 to 15 minutes so that the custard can be soaked up by the croissants.

8. Cover and bake in a preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 20 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and the custard should be set.

9. Take it out of the oven and allow it to cool a bit before serving.

10. Sift powdered sugar on top and serve warm with maple syrup or fresh fruit, if desired.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×13-inch baking dish
3. Pastry brush (for greasing with melted butter)
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Whisk
6. Spatula
7. Aluminum foil
8. Knife (for halving croissants)
9. Measuring cups
10. Measuring spoons
11. Sifter (for powdered sugar dusting)

FAQ

• Can I use store-bought croissants?Certainly, using croissants purchased from the store works perfectly for this recipe and saves time during the preparation phase.
• Can I prepare this bake the night before?Sure! Get the bake ready and put it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, just bake and serve.
• What can I substitute for whole milk?You can use 2% milk or an alternative milk like almond or soy milk, though it may slightly affect the texture.
• Is there a substitute for heavy cream?You may use half-and-half or extra milk, but the dish will be less rich.
• Can I adjust the sweetness?You can cut down on the sugars—and not just the kind that come from fruit and chocolate, which are fine in moderation—but you can also add more if you’d like. Syrup is another darling of sugarland, and toppings like syrup or fruit also contribute sweetness.
• Can I use stale croissants?Croissants that are not fresh but have been stored correctly work well for this recipe because they absorb far more of the custard mixture than fresh croissants do. It is the custard that really flavors this bake.
• How do I store leftovers?You can place uneaten portions in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will remain safe for up to three days. To serve, reheat the dish in the oven, as instructed above.

Substitutions and Variations

Whole Milk: For a dairy-free option, use almond milk or oat milk as a substitute.
Substituting Tips: Half-and-half, coconut cream. Light and dairy-free alternative to heavy cream.
Granulated Sugar: For a new flavor profile, try coconut sugar or honey.
Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar can be used instead of light brown sugar. Maple syrup is another option for a natural sweetener.
Cinnamon: Nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice can be used instead for a different aromatic flavor twist.

Pro Tips

1. Homemade Croissants If you have the time, consider making your own croissants or purchasing high-quality ones from a local bakery. The flakiness and flavor of fresh croissants can significantly enhance the overall dish.

2. Flavor Infusion For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a splash of bourbon, rum, or almond extract to the egg mixture. This subtle twist can add depth and a unique taste to the custard.

3. Resting Time For even better absorption of the custard mixture, let the prepared dish rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. This allows the croissants to soak up more of the egg mixture, making the dish even more flavorful and moist.

4. Topping Variations Experiment with toppings by adding thinly sliced almonds, pecans, or walnuts on top before baking. The nuts will toast in the oven and add a delightful crunch to the soft custard.

5. Fruit Addition For added sweetness and a pop of color, consider layering in seasonal fruits, such as berries, sliced peaches, or chopped apples, between the croissant halves before adding the custard mixture. This enhances both the flavor and presentation of the dish.