This Croissant Baked French Toast is a tasty morning treat! Flaky croissants soak up a creamy mixture and bake up golden. Topped with sweet strawberries, it’s a dream come true!
Seriously, who can resist buttery croissants? I love how easy this dish is to make and perfect for sharing with family. Just prepare the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Croissants: Day-old croissants are best for this recipe as they are firmer and soak up the egg mixture beautifully. You can use fresh ones if needed, but slightly stale croissants really enhance the texture.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a sweet and juicy flavor. If strawberries aren’t in season, frozen berries work well too. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives a rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese for a different flavor.
Milk & Heavy Cream: Whole or 2% milk gives a better richness, but you can use almond, oat, or skim milk if you’re dairy-free. If you want to lower the fat content, you can use just milk instead of heavy cream.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is a fantastic spice to add warmth. If you don’t have it, nutmeg or pumpkin spice can be a nice alternative.
How Do You Ensure the Best Texture for Your Baked French Toast?
The key to a perfect texture lies in soaking the croissants. After pouring the egg mixture over the croissants, let it sit for 15-20 minutes. This soaking time ensures all the croissants absorb the flavors nicely, leading to a soft and delicious dish.
- Tear croissants into large chunks for a rustic look that holds the mixture well.
- Ensure the egg mixture is evenly distributed. Gently press down on the croissants to help them soak up the liquid.
- Bake until the edges are golden to avoid a soggy center while keeping the inside custardy.
How to Make Croissant Baked French Toast With Strawberries and Cream Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the French Toast:
- 6 large croissants, preferably day-old
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of preparation time and around 30-35 minutes for baking. After that, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Total time is about 50 minutes, making it a great choice for brunch or a special breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Croissants:
Tear the day-old croissants into large, bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly in the greased baking dish. This helps them soak up all the yummy custard mixture.
3. Add the Strawberries:
Next, sprinkle the chopped strawberries over the croissant pieces. This will add a fresh and fruity zing to your dish!
4. Mix the Cream Cheese:
In a mixing bowl, use a mixer or a sturdy spoon to beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Once it’s creamy and well-mixed, spread this mixture over the croissant and strawberry layers.
5. Whisk the Egg Mixture:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Make sure everything is blended together nicely!
6. Combine It All:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissants and strawberries in the baking dish. Use a spoon or spatula to make sure every piece of croissant is soaked in the mixture.
7. Let It Soak:
Allow the mixture to sit for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the bread soak up the flavors and ensures it’s nice and custardy when baked.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown, and the center is set.
9. Cool & Serve:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, it’s ready to serve!
10. Enjoy:
Serve the Croissant Baked French Toast warm, dusted with powdered sugar and, if you like, with a dollop of whipped cream on the side. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Regular Bread Instead of Croissants?
Absolutely! While croissants add a buttery richness, you can substitute them with brioche, challah, or thick slices of your favorite bread. Just make sure to use a bread that’s sturdy enough to hold up when soaked in the egg mixture.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you need a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of whole milk and melted butter (¾ cup milk plus ¼ cup melted butter for 1 cup of cream). Keep in mind that using lighter substitutes may result in a slightly less rich custard.
Can I Prepare This Dish the Night Before?
Yes, you can assemble everything the night before! Simply follow the recipe up to step 6, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just remove it from the fridge while preheating your oven and bake as directed—this allows for even better flavor absorption!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to warm through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick snack.
