Croissant French Toast Bake

Croissant French Toast Bake is my secret weapon for impressive weekend brunches that require almost zero effort. I discovered this recipe when I had leftover croissants from a bakery run and wanted something more special than regular toast. The buttery, flaky croissants soak up the sweet custard and bake into something that tastes like the most decadent bread pudding you’ve ever had.

Last Sunday morning, I made this for my family, and the kitchen smelled like a French bakery. The top gets beautifully crispy and golden while the inside stays soft and custardy. This easy french toast bake is perfect for holidays, Mother’s Day brunch, or any time you want to treat yourself without spending hours cooking. Best of all, you can prep everything the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning. It’s the kind of recipe that makes people think you spent hours in the kitchen when you really just assembled a few ingredients in a pan.

Simple Ingredients for This Brunch Favorite

I always use day-old croissants for this French toast bake because they hold their shape better and create that perfect contrast between crispy top and soft, custardy center. Pro tip: if your croissants are fresh, leave them out uncovered overnight to dry out slightly for best results.

• 4 large day old croissants, torn into smaller pieces
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup milk, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (plus more for greasing the pan)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

How to Make Croissant French Toast Bake

I prefer making this the night before so breakfast is completely stress-free in the morning. The croissants need time to soak up all that delicious custard.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9-inch pie plate by spreading butter generously all over the bottom and sides. This prevents sticking and creates a golden, crispy exterior.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until completely smooth and well combined. Make sure the sugar dissolves fully and there are no streaks of egg white visible.

Step 3: Add the torn croissant pieces to the bowl of custard mixture. Gently fold everything together using a spatula, pressing down slightly to ensure all the croissant pieces are thoroughly soaked with the custard. Let this sit for 5 minutes so the croissants can absorb the liquid fully.

Step 4: Transfer the soaked croissant mixture into your prepared buttered pie plate, spreading it out evenly. Press down gently to compact it slightly, but don’t smash it completely. You want some texture on top.

Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the edges are deeply golden brown and the center is set. The top should look crispy and caramelized. A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Remove the Croissant French Toast Bake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the custard to set fully and makes slicing much easier. Top with your favorite toppings like powdered sugar, fresh berries, maple syrup, or whipped cream.

Delicious Ways to Serve This

This rich french toast bake pairs wonderfully with toppings and sides that add freshness and variety to your brunch spread.

Fresh Berries: Sweet strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add bright acidity that cuts through the richness and provides beautiful color contrast.

Maple Syrup: Warm, pure maple syrup soaks into all the nooks and crannies, adding natural sweetness that complements the buttery croissants perfectly.

Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy whipped cream adds an airy texture that balances the dense, custardy interior of this bake.

Powdered Sugar Dusting: A simple dusting of powdered sugar creates an elegant presentation and adds just a touch of extra sweetness.

Storing and Reheating Instructions

This Croissant French Toast Bake is best served fresh and warm straight from the oven, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

To reheat individual portions, microwave for 20-30 seconds until warmed through, or place in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes for the best texture. The oven method helps restore some of that crispy top while keeping the inside soft.

Pro tip: this recipe is perfect for meal prep brunch. Make it on Sunday and enjoy quick, delicious breakfasts throughout the week. You can also assemble everything the night before, refrigerate it covered, then let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking for an effortless morning.

More Breakfast and Brunch Favorites

This Croissant French Toast Bake pairs beautifully with other easy breakfast recipes that make mornings special. For another make-ahead option, the Banana Protein Muffins provide a healthier complement to this indulgent bake and can be prepared days in advance. The Pizza Bagel Recipe offers a savory contrast that works wonderfully for brunch spreads with both sweet and savory options.

For bakery-style breakfast items that impress guests, try the Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins alongside this sweet bake, or the unique Homemade Jam Donut Focaccia for another creative take on breakfast classics. The Orange Cardamom Bread adds citrus brightness that complements the rich buttery flavors of this french toast bake perfectly.

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