The Blueberry Croissant French Toast Bake is a decadent and fruity breakfast dish that’s perfect for brunch gatherings or a special morning treat. Layers of buttery croissants, juicy blueberries, and a rich custard bake together to create a warm, golden casserole that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Flaky: Buttery croissants create a soft, flaky texture.
- Bursting with Berries: Fresh or frozen blueberries add a pop of flavor and color.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it the night before for easy baking in the morning.
- Perfect for Gatherings: A stunning dish that’s ideal for brunch parties or holidays.
- Customizable: Add other fruits or flavors for endless variations.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Croissants (day-old preferred, torn into large pieces)
- Fresh or frozen blueberries
- Eggs
- Milk
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Butter (for greasing the dish)
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar, whipped cream, or maple syrup
Directions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Layer the Croissants and Blueberries: Spread the torn croissant pieces evenly in the dish. Sprinkle blueberries over the croissants.
- Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Assemble the Bake: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants and blueberries, pressing down gently to ensure the croissants soak up the liquid.
- Refrigerate (Optional): For best results, cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bake cool slightly before serving. Top with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or maple syrup if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus optional refrigeration time)
- Cooking Time: 35-45 minutes
Variations
- Mixed Berry: Add raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries alongside the blueberries.
- Lemon Zest: Add grated lemon zest to the custard for a bright citrus flavor.
- Chocolate Twist: Sprinkle chocolate chips between the croissants for a decadent touch.
- Nutty Addition: Top with slivered almonds or chopped pecans before baking for a crunchy finish.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk or coconut milk and a plant-based butter substitute.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen croissants?
Yes, thaw the croissants before tearing them into pieces for best results.
Can I substitute another fruit for the blueberries?
Absolutely! Raspberries, strawberries, or sliced peaches work beautifully in this recipe.
Do I have to refrigerate the bake overnight?
No, but letting it sit allows the croissants to absorb the custard, creating a richer texture.
Can I make this bake dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free milk and cream alternatives, and a plant-based butter substitute.
How do I keep the bake from being soggy?
Make sure to evenly distribute the custard mixture and avoid using overly wet fruit.
Can I add a crumb topping?
Yes, mix butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create a streusel topping.
Is this dish suitable for dessert?
Absolutely! Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
What’s the best way to tell if it’s done?
The bake is ready when the top is golden and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I use stale croissants?
Yes, slightly stale croissants work best as they absorb the custard without becoming too mushy.
What pairs well with this dish?
Serve with a side of crispy bacon, fresh fruit, or a mimosa for a complete brunch spread.
Conclusion
The Blueberry Croissant French Toast Bake is a luxurious and easy-to-make breakfast casserole that combines the sweetness of berries with the richness of croissants. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or any morning you want to treat yourself, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Customize it with your favorite flavors and enjoy a slice of indulgence!
PrintBlueberry Croissant French Toast Bake
This Blueberry Croissant French Toast Bake is a decadent breakfast casserole that’s perfect for brunch or special occasions. Buttery croissants are layered with fresh blueberries and soaked in a vanilla custard, then baked until golden and topped with powdered sugar. A sweet, simple dish that will impress everyone!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Bake:
- 6 large croissants, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups (300 g) fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1/3 cup (70 g) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (70 g) brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (55 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Dish:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the croissant pieces evenly in the dish, followed by 1 cup of blueberries. Repeat with the remaining croissants and blueberries.
- Make the Custard:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. Pour the custard evenly over the croissants and blueberries, pressing down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until crumbly. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Substitute blueberries with raspberries, blackberries, or mixed berries for variety.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For added texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top before baking.