Description
This French Toast Casserole with Croissants is a decadent and comforting breakfast dish featuring buttery croissants soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, cream, cinnamon, and vanilla. Baked until golden and crispy on top, it’s finished with a luscious maple syrup glaze and a dusting of powdered sugar for the perfect balance of sweet and cinnamon-spiced flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Croissant Base
- 4 large croissants
Custard Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter to prevent the casserole from sticking during baking.
- Prepare croissants: Tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly in the greased baking dish to create the base layer.
- Make custard base: In a large mixing bowl, crack all six eggs and beat them until well combined.
- Combine custard ingredients: To the beaten eggs, add milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt, then whisk thoroughly until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Soak croissants: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant pieces in the baking dish, ensuring each piece is well soaked.
- Press croissants: Gently press the croissants down with a spoon so they fully absorb the custard.
- Cover and bake first phase: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until the top turns golden brown and crisp.
- Prepare maple syrup glaze: While the casserole bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Combine syrup and butter: Stir the maple syrup into the melted butter and heat gently until warmed through, then remove from heat.
- Cool casserole: Once baking is complete, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for a few minutes.
- Add syrup topping: Drizzle the warm maple syrup and butter mixture evenly over the casserole to add sweetness and moisture.
- Dust with powdered sugar: Sift powdered sugar evenly over the top of the casserole for a delicate finish and slight sweetness.
- Serve: Serve the casserole warm to enjoy the crisp edges and custardy interior infused with cinnamon and vanilla flavors.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old croissants as they absorb the custard better and hold their shape during baking.
- You can prepare the casserole the night before; cover and refrigerate it cold overnight before baking the next morning.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or any flavored syrup depending on preference.
- For a nuttier flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for added freshness.
