Festive Berry Croissant French Toast Bake
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
This Festive Berry Croissant French Toast Bake is the perfect dish for a holiday brunch, combining flaky croissants, fresh berries, and a rich custard.
This delightful dish is perfect for holiday gatherings, offering a sweet and savory experience that everyone will love. With its beautiful presentation and delicious flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- A delightful combination of flaky croissants and juicy berries.
- Easy to prepare ahead of time for stress-free mornings.
- Perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy Sunday brunches.
A Holiday Classic Reimagined
This Festive Berry Croissant French Toast Bake transforms a traditional breakfast favorite into a delightful centerpiece for your holiday gatherings. The use of flaky croissants instead of bread adds a unique twist, making every bite light and airy. Combined with fresh berries, this dish brings a vibrant color and a burst of flavor that embodies the spirit of the season.
Whether you're hosting a holiday brunch or enjoying a cozy breakfast with family, this bake is sure to impress. It’s not just about taste; the visual appeal of this dish, with its golden croissant tops and vibrant berry filling, makes it a feast for the eyes as well. Guests will be eager to dig in, and you’ll love how easy it is to prepare!
Make-Ahead Convenience
One of the greatest advantages of this Festive Berry Croissant French Toast Bake is its make-ahead convenience. You can assemble it the night before, allowing the flavors to meld and the custard to soak into the croissants. This not only saves you time on the morning of your brunch but also ensures that the dish is ready to pop in the oven when you need it.
Simply cover your prepared baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. When morning comes, all you need to do is preheat the oven, bake, and enjoy. This way, you can spend more time enjoying your holiday festivities and less time in the kitchen.
Perfect Pairings
To elevate your holiday brunch experience, consider pairing this Festive Berry Croissant French Toast Bake with other delicious dishes. A side of crispy bacon or savory sausage links provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the bake. Additionally, a fresh fruit salad can lighten the meal and add even more color to your brunch spread.
For beverage pairings, a warm cup of spiced apple cider or a festive holiday mimosa could complement the flavors beautifully. These simple additions can turn your gathering into a full-fledged celebration, leaving your guests raving about the deliciousness long after the last bite.
Ingredients
For the Bake
- 4 large croissants, torn into pieces
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For Serving
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for drizzling
Make sure to use fresh berries for the best flavor!
Instructions
Prepare the Croissant Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the torn croissant pieces and mixed berries, then transfer to a greased baking dish.
Make the Custard Mixture
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Combine and Bake
Pour the custard mixture over the croissant and berry mixture, gently pressing down to soak the croissants. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown and set.
Serve
Allow to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving with maple syrup. Enjoy!
This bake is best served warm!
Storage and Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, this Festive Berry Croissant French Toast Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through, and you can enjoy a delicious breakfast without any extra fuss.
For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions. Wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to indulge, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Customizing Your Bake
Feel free to customize this Festive Berry Croissant French Toast Bake to suit your taste preferences. Swap out the mixed berries for your favorite fruits, such as peaches or cherries, for a different flavor profile. You can also experiment with different types of croissants, like chocolate or almond, to add a unique twist.
For an extra special touch, consider adding a layer of cream cheese or mascarpone in between the croissant pieces for added richness. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make this dish your own and delight your loved ones with something special.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before and refrigerate them. Bake it in the morning for a fresh breakfast.
→ What other fruits can I use?
Feel free to swap out the berries for other fruits like sliced peaches or bananas.
→ Can I use stale croissants?
Yes, stale croissants work great in this recipe as they absorb the custard mixture better.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Festive Berry Croissant French Toast Bake
This Festive Berry Croissant French Toast Bake is the perfect dish for a holiday brunch, combining flaky croissants, fresh berries, and a rich custard.
Created by: Emma Johnson
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: Serves 8
What You'll Need
For the Bake
- 4 large croissants, torn into pieces
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For Serving
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for drizzling
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the torn croissant pieces and mixed berries, then transfer to a greased baking dish.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Pour the custard mixture over the croissant and berry mixture, gently pressing down to soak the croissants. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown and set.
Allow to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving with maple syrup. Enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g