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Croissant French Toast Bake with Vanilla Custard & Fresh Berries Recipe

This indulgent Croissant French Toast Bake with Vanilla Custard & Fresh Berries Recipe transforms buttery croissants into a luxurious breakfast casserole. Layers of flaky pastry soak up a rich vanilla custard, then bake to golden perfection and top with juicy berries for a restaurant-worthy morning treat.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 420kcal

Ingredients

  • 6 large day-old croissants, torn into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar, for dusting
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for greasing)

Instructions

  • Prep the croissants: Grease a 9-inch round baking dish with melted butter. Tear croissants into 1-inch pieces and arrange evenly in the dish, pressing down lightly.
  • Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and fully combined. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
  • Assemble the bake: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant pieces, pressing down gently to ensure all pieces are coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to allow the croissants to absorb the custard.
  • Preheat and bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove plastic wrap from the baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set with a slight jiggle in the center.
  • Add finishing touches: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Top with fresh mixed berries and dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Pro Tips: Use day-old croissants for better absorption without sogginess. Let the custard mixture rest 10 minutes before pouring to thicken slightly. Sprinkle powdered sugar just before serving for a bakery-style finish. For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream to the custard.Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.Variations: Swap fresh berries for sliced bananas and a drizzle of caramel. Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the custard for a dessert-like version. Use brioche instead of croissants for a slightly sweeter flavor.