Description
Croissant Baked French Toast brings French bakery magic straight to your breakfast table. Buttery croissants soak in a rich custard before baking to golden perfection, promising a luxurious morning treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 10 medium-sized croissants
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk or half-and-half
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 2 cups strawberries
Sweeteners and Spices:
- ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons cold salted butter
- Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare a 9 x 13 inches (22.86 x 33.02 centimeters) casserole dish by generously coating the interior with unsalted butter to prevent sticking.
- Using an electric hand mixer, transform cream cheese into a pillowy, aerated texture, then gently fold in powdered sugar until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Create a luxurious custard base by whisking whole milk, pure vanilla extract, large eggs, dark brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly blended.
- Submerge half of the croissant pieces into the milk mixture, ensuring each chunk is completely saturated, then meticulously layer them in the prepared casserole dish with slight overlapping.
- Distribute the whipped cream cheese mixture across the croissant layer using delicate spoonfuls, then elegantly scatter three-quarters of the fresh strawberries over the surface.
- Repeat the dipping process with remaining croissant pieces, arranging them atop the strawberry layer to create a second dimensional texture.
- Gradually pour the residual milk mixture over the entire casserole, gently pressing to guarantee even absorption throughout the dish.
- Artfully garnish the top with remaining strawberry slices and thin, translucent butter slices for enhanced richness.
- Securely cover the casserole with plastic wrap and allow it to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of 60 minutes, or ideally overnight for deeper flavor development.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), remove the plastic wrap, and bake for 40-50 minutes until the surface achieves a golden, crisp appearance.
- If edges brown too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Allow the French toast to settle for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, then delicately dust with powdered sugar.
- Slice into elegant wedges and serve alongside warm maple syrup for a decadent breakfast experience.
Notes
- Elevate your breakfast game with this decadent French toast casserole that transforms ordinary croissants into a luxurious morning delight.
- Prep ahead and chill overnight to let flavors meld, ensuring a rich, custardy texture that will impress family and guests.
- The cream cheese mixture adds a luscious, tangy element that perfectly complements the sweet strawberries and caramelized croissant edges.
- Gentle pressing during assembly helps the milk mixture fully saturate the croissant chunks, creating a uniform, moist breakfast bake.
- Covering with foil prevents burning, allowing the entire dish to cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Serving with maple syrup provides an extra layer of indulgence, turning this breakfast into a memorable culinary experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 195 mg