Description
Hearty french toast casserole with croissants delivers classic breakfast comfort for weekend gatherings. Creamy custard-soaked layers promise indulgent morning moments with minimal morning prep. You’ll savor each rich, golden bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 large croissants, torn into chunks
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups (480 ml / 16 fl oz) milk
- 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) heavy cream
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions
- Preparation: Thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Distribute torn croissant pieces evenly across the entire surface, creating a uniform base.
- Custard Creation: In a large mixing bowl, blend eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Whisk until the mixture becomes completely smooth and uniform.
- Soaking Process: Pour the custard over the croissant pieces, gently pressing to ensure thorough absorption. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of two hours or overnight, allowing the croissants to fully soak up the liquid.
- Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F, positioning the rack in the center position.
- Crumble Topping: Combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse, irregular crumbs.
- Baking: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the soaked croissants. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the center is set but slightly soft.
- Serving: Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with warm maple syrup, creating a decadent breakfast or brunch centerpiece.
Notes
- Croissant Quality Matters: Select fresh, buttery croissants for maximum flavor and texture; day-old croissants work perfectly to absorb the custard without falling apart.
- Maximize Custard Absorption: Press croissant pieces gently into the liquid mixture to ensure even soaking, preventing dry spots and creating a consistently creamy texture throughout.
- Refrigeration is Key: Let the casserole rest overnight to allow flavors to meld and croissants to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a more developed and rich taste profile.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Easily adapt the recipe by using dairy-free milk alternatives, gluten-free croissants, or reducing sugar for various dietary restrictions without compromising the dish’s delicious essence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg