Description
Croissant French Toast Casserole- A decadent breakfast treat featuring buttery croissants, rich custard, and cinnamon. Perfect for brunch lovers!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8–10 large croissants (about 12–14 oz/340-400g), slightly stale or day-old
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups (475ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For the streusel topping:
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons (85g) cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup (100g) chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish Start by generously buttering a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for easy serving later. The butter also adds an extra layer of flavor as it mingles with the custard during baking.
- Step 2: Arrange the Croissants Tear or cut 8-10 croissants into 2-inch pieces and arrange them evenly in your buttered baking dish. Don’t worry about creating a perfect pattern – the rustic arrangement creates pockets for the custard to pool into, creating delightful flavor variations throughout your Croissant French Toast Casserole.
- Step 3: Create the Custard Mixture In a large bowl, whisk together 8 eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, ¾ cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of salt until thoroughly combined. Make sure there are no streaks of egg remaining – this ensures even flavor distribution throughout your casserole.
- Step 4: Combine Croissants and Custard Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant pieces, making sure every piece gets soaked. Gently press down on the croissants to help them absorb the liquid. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight – this resting period is essential for developing the perfect texture in your Croissant French Toast Casserole.
- Step 5: Prepare the Streusel Topping About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in 6 tablespoons of cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 1 cup of chopped pecans if using.
- Step 6: Bake to Perfection Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the soaked croissants. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the casserole is puffed, the center is set, and the top is golden brown.
- Step 7: Serve and Enjoy Allow your Croissant French Toast Casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the casserole set up properly for easier serving. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate breakfast indulgence.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 215mg