Croissant French Toast Bake

Indulge in this decadent Croissant French Toast Bake, a buttery, custardy breakfast perfect for holidays, brunches, or feeding a crowd. With layers of flaky croissants soaked in a sweet, spiced custard, this dish is guaranteed to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the night before for stress-free morning entertaining.

• Crowd-Pleasing: Feeds up to 8 people easily, ideal for brunches or holiday gatherings.

• Rich and Decadent: Fluffy croissants soak up a perfectly spiced custard for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

• Customizable Toppings: Maple syrup, powdered sugar, berries, or a crumble topping make it extra special.

• Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples to create an elegant breakfast.

Ingredients

French Toast Casserole:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, for greasing baking dish

• 12 medium-sized croissants, ideally 1-day old

• 8 large eggs

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup milk (whole preferred, 2% works)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with 1 tablespoon unsalted butter.

2. Slice croissants in half lengthwise and layer them in the casserole dish, covering the base. Set remaining halves aside.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add heavy cream and milk, whisking until smooth.

4. Pour half of the custard over the first croissant layer, pressing gently so the bread absorbs the custard.

5. Layer remaining croissant halves on top and pour the remaining custard over them. Cover with foil.

6. Chill for at least 30 minutes in the fridge, or overnight for best results. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking if chilled overnight.

7. Bake for 45–50 minutes, loosely covering with foil if browning too fast.

8. Let cool for a few minutes, then serve with toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, berries, or nuts.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Chilling Time: 30 minutes (or overnight)

• Cook Time: 45–50 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Servings: 8

Variations

• Crumble Topping: Combine ½ cup flour, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup butter, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Sprinkle on top before baking for added texture.

• Fruit Additions: Layer berries, sliced apples, or bananas between croissant layers.

• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice to the custard for extra warmth.

• Vegan Version: Substitute plant-based milk and a vegan custard for a dairy-free version.

• Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips between layers or drizzle chocolate sauce on top.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftover baked casserole in an airtight container for 2–3 days.

• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated.

• Freezing: Not recommended, as croissants may become soggy after freezing.

FAQs

1. Can I make this overnight?

Yes! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate overnight for the croissants to soak up the custard fully.

2. Can I use fresh croissants?

Yes, but day-old croissants absorb custard better, preventing a soggy bake.

3. Can I use other types of bread?

Brioche or challah work well, though croissants give the flakiest texture.

4. Can I add fruit inside?

Absolutely! Berries, sliced apples, or bananas layer beautifully with the croissants.

5. Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free croissants or a gluten-free bread alternative.

6. How do I prevent over-browning?

Cover loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly during baking.

7. Can I make a crumble topping?

Yes! Combine flour, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and salt for a crunchy layer.

8. Can I use skim or 2% milk?

Yes, though whole milk makes the custard richer and creamier.

9. Can I reheat leftovers?

Yes, in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until warmed through.

10. Can I add a chocolate twist?

Yes! Add chocolate chips between layers or drizzle chocolate sauce on top before serving.

Conclusion

This Croissant French Toast Bake is the ultimate brunch treat—rich, buttery, and layered with a perfectly spiced custard. It’s easy to prepare ahead, feeds a crowd, and can be customized with fruit, chocolate, or crumble toppings. Ideal for holidays, celebrations, or any weekend morning, it’s sure to become a favorite in your breakfast rotation.

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