Name: Croissant French Toast Bake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 large eggs; 1 ½ cups whole milk; 2 tablespoons maple syrup, plus more for serving; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 8 large croissants, roughly torn; ⅓ cup jam (blueberry, strawberry, or blackberry); 8 ounces whipped cream cheese, room temperature; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, thinly sliced; 1 cup berries, divided (blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries); 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, or more for serving

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 67 reviews

There is something utterly irresistible about a breakfast dish that combines buttery flakiness with sweet, creamy comfort, and that is exactly what the Croissant French Toast Bake Recipe delivers. This dish takes every element we love about croissants and french toast, layering them with luscious cream cheese, fresh berries, and a subtle touch of maple syrup to create an indulgent yet surprisingly simple bake. Whether you’re gathering for a weekend brunch or treating yourself after a busy morning, this recipe brings warmth, joy, and a touch of elegance to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of eight golden-brown croissants stacked on the left side on a white marbled surface. To the right, there are eight small white bowls arranged neatly: at the bottom right, a white bowl with six raw eggs with bright orange yolks; above it, a bowl filled with blue blueberries; next to it, a bowl with thick white cream swirled on top; above that, a bowl of dark, glossy berry jam; to the top left, a small bowl with dark syrup; below it, a small bowl with light brown liquid; in the middle, a bowl of white milk; and nearer the bottom, a small dish with a sliced block of pale yellow butter. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is a breeze with this recipe, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish shine. From the richness of eggs and milk to the bright pop of fresh berries, every component is essential.

6 large eggs: The backbone of the custard, these eggs provide structure and richness that soak into the croissants beautifully.
1 ½ cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and softens the croissants for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
2 tablespoons maple syrup: A natural sweetener that infuses the custard with a warm, earthy flavor—plus more for serving.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds a lovely aromatic detail.
8 large croissants, roughly torn: The star ingredient, their flaky, buttery layers soak up the custard for an irresistible bite.
⅓ cup jam (blueberry, strawberry, or blackberry): Swirled throughout for bursts of fruity sweetness and color.
8 ounces whipped cream cheese, room temperature: Gives the bake a luscious creaminess that contrasts perfectly with the crispy croissant edges.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, thinly sliced: Sliced on top to create a golden, buttery crust as it bakes.
1 cup berries, divided: Fresh blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries bring brightness and freshness to each serving.
1 tablespoon powdered sugar: For dusting on top, adding a delicate touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

How to Make Croissant French Toast Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Custard

Start by whisking together the eggs, whole milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. This mixture forms the custard that will soak into the croissants, creating that dreamy, soft texture you want in a French toast bake. Make sure everything is well combined but not overmixed; you want the custard silky and smooth.

Step 2: Assemble the Base Layers

Roughly tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces and spread half of them evenly in your greased baking dish. Dollop half the whipped cream cheese across these croissant chunks, then spoon half the jam over the top before adding the remaining croissants. This layering ensures every bite has a perfect balance of buttery croissant, creamy cheese, and sweet jam.

Step 3: Pour Custard and Add Butter

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the assembled croissants, pressing down gently with a spatula to help the bread soak up the liquid. Then, scatter thin slices of unsalted butter over the top to allow them to melt and caramelize while baking, giving you a beautifully golden crust.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Puffy

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 40 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crispy. The center should be set but still tender, a sign that the custard has done its magic.

Step 5: Add Fresh Berries and Powdered Sugar

Once your bake has cooled just slightly, garnish with fresh berries and dust with powdered sugar. This adds a fresh, vibrant contrast to the richness of the dish and makes presentation effortlessly stunning.

How to Serve Croissant French Toast Bake Recipe

A rectangular gray baking dish filled with torn golden brown croissant pieces that look fluffy and crispy, arranged in a loose, uneven layer. On top of the croissants, dollops of purple creamy mixture with a slightly chunky texture are placed unevenly across the surface. Scattered over this are fresh plump blueberries, adding a dark blue pop of color in between the croissant pieces and purple mixture. Finally, five square pats of pale yellow butter are placed on top, ready to melt, all set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh berries and a light sprinkle of powdered sugar are simple, classic garnishes that add color and a refreshing burst of flavor. For an extra touch of indulgence, a drizzle of warm maple syrup and a dollop of whipped cream transform the dish into a true celebration of breakfast or brunch.

Side Dishes

Pair this Croissant French Toast Bake Recipe with sausage for a savory contrast. A side of mixed greens or lightly dressed arugula salad can also balance the richness, making your meal feel complete and satisfying without overwhelming the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in ramekins for a charming twist, perfect for brunch guests. Another idea is to layer different jam flavors—like strawberry and blackberry—in the bake for a visually appealing swirl of color and flavor that surprises and delights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Croissant French Toast Bake Recipe tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a wonderful option for next-day breakfast or dessert.

Freezing

This bake freezes beautifully. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as instructed, which makes it a perfect make-ahead option for busy mornings or holiday mornings.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings gently in the microwave or warm up the entire dish in a 325°F (160°C) oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Reheating brings back the lovely creaminess and warmth without losing the crisp edges you love.

FAQs

Can I use day-old croissants for this recipe?

Absolutely! Day-old or slightly stale croissants actually absorb the custard even better, resulting in a perfectly soaked and tender bake without falling apart.

What kind of jam works best in the Croissant French Toast Bake Recipe?

Feel free to use any berry jam, such as blueberry, strawberry, or blackberry, which complement the cream cheese and fresh berries beautifully, but you can experiment with apricot or raspberry for a different twist.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk for almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Butter can be swapped with vegan butter or coconut oil, but keep in mind some texture and flavor changes.

Can I prepare this the night before?

Yes! One of the best things about this bake is that you can assemble it the night before, refrigerate it uncovered, and bake it fresh in the morning for a hands-off, delicious start to your day.

How do I know when the bake is done?

The bake is ready when the custard is set and no longer jiggly in the center, and the top is golden brown with melted butter creating a crispy finish. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with just a touch of moist crumbs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a breakfast dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Croissant French Toast Bake Recipe is calling your name. It’s easy to prepare, wonderfully indulgent, and endlessly versatile. Trust me, once you try it, it will become a treasured staple for family breakfasts and special occasions alike. So go ahead—gather those croissants and get ready for a treat that’s pure comfort and joy!