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Cranberry French Toast Bake with Croissants Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour (plus optional overnight chill time)
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Cranberry French Toast Bake with Croissants is a delightful breakfast casserole perfect for holiday mornings or any special brunch. Featuring flaky croissants soaked in a rich custard infused with cinnamon, vanilla, and a hint of orange zest, dotted with tart cranberries for a festive twist. It’s easy to prepare ahead and bake to golden perfection, making it a convenient yet impressive dish to serve warm with maple syrup and powdered sugar.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bake

  • 6 large croissants, torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries

Custard Mixture

  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup or brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Zest of 1 orange (optional)

For Serving

  • Powdered sugar
  • Extra maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Scatter the torn croissant pieces evenly inside the dish, then sprinkle the cranberries over the croissants, gently tucking some between the layers to distribute the fruit throughout.
  2. Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, maple syrup (or brown sugar), vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and orange zest if using. Ensure the mixture is well combined to allow the croissants to soak up the flavors.
  3. Soak the Croissants: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants in the baking dish. Press down gently with a spatula or your hands to help the bread absorb the custard fully. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and the bread soften thoroughly.
  4. Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set (a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean). If you notice the top browning too quickly, loosely cover the casserole with foil for the last 15 minutes to prevent burning.
  5. Serve Warm: Allow the French toast bake to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm with extra maple syrup on the side for drizzling. Enjoy this cozy, flavorful dish fresh from the oven.

Notes

  • You can substitute brioche or challah bread for croissants if preferred, which will also absorb the custard well and give a rich texture.
  • For a festive twist, consider adding chopped pecans or white chocolate chips for added crunch and sweetness.
  • Leftovers reheat well either in the microwave for a quick option or in the oven to maintain crispness.

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Find it online: https://dailydinnersolutions.com/cranberry-french-toast-bake-with-croissants-recipe/