If you’re on the hunt for a brunch recipe that feels both indulgent and effortlessly impressive, then the Blueberry Croissant French Toast Bake Recipe might just become your new weekend favorite. I absolutely love how this dish combines buttery croissants with a rich, cinnamon-spiced custard and bursts of fresh blueberries throughout—resulting in a warm, cozy casserole that everyone will rave about. Whether you make it for a lazy family breakfast or a celebratory brunch, it’s the kind of recipe that’s just as much about the memories around the table as it is about the flavors on your plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Assemble it the night before to have a stress-free morning ready to bake.
- Decadent Texture: Croissants soak up the custard beautifully, staying crisp on top yet tender inside.
- Perfect Sweetness: Balanced with just the right amount of cinnamon, vanilla, and berries — not too sweet, so you can add syrup if you want.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: My family goes crazy for this on special mornings — it’s always the first thing to disappear!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Blueberry Croissant French Toast Bake Recipe lies in simple, quality ingredients that come together to create incredible flavor and texture. I recommend fresh or slightly stale croissants for the best soak, and whole dairy ingredients to get that rich custard effect.
- Croissants: Fresh or a few days old work great — a bit stale helps absorb the custard better without turning mushy.
- Eggs: The base of your custard, providing richness and structure.
- Whole milk: Warmed a bit to help mix smoothly into the custard.
- Heavy cream: Adds extra decadence and creaminess.
- Melted butter: Gives the custard a lovely buttery flavor and richness.
- Sugar: Balances the tartness of the blueberries and spices.
- Vanilla extract: For that warm, sweet aromatic flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: A classic warming spice that pairs beautifully with blueberries.
- Sea salt: Just a pinch to lift all the flavors.
- Blueberries (or mixed berries): Fresh is best, but frozen can work in a pinch.
Variations
One of the things I love about this recipe is how flexible it is—you can easily tailor it to your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas I’ve tried and loved, but don’t hesitate to get creative!
- Berry Swaps: I’ve swapped blueberries for raspberries or blackberries with great results; mixed berries add a lovely burst of flavor and texture.
- Nutty Addition: Toasted pecans or sliced almonds on top add a delightful crunch my family can’t get enough of.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute almond milk and coconut cream to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing richness.
- Spice Twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the custard for a warm, aromatic twist I discovered and loved.
How to Make Blueberry Croissant French Toast Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Croissants and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and buttering a 9×13-inch casserole dish—it really helps with easy serving and cleanup later. Then, cut your croissants into roughly 1 to 1.5-inch cubes. I like to use a serrated knife to keep them from squishing too much. Once cut, spread the pieces evenly in the baking dish so every bite gets some of that buttery bread.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with warm milk and heavy cream until smooth—warming the milk a bit (not hot!) helps everything blend together without lumps. Add melted butter, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt, and whisk again until silky and fragrant. I always take a moment here to inhale that cinnamon-vanilla aroma—it’s pure comfort in a bowl.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
Pour the custard evenly over the croissant cubes, then gently press down with a spatula to help the croissants soak up the liquid. Scatter the blueberries on top, and tuck some down between the layers for sweet surprises in every bite. Here’s where I found a little patience goes a long way—letting it sit for at least 15 minutes allows the custard to really soak in. For an even better texture, cover and refrigerate overnight; it’s a game-changer if you’ve got the time.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Set
Bake your French toast casserole at 350°F for about 45 minutes, until it’s puffed up, golden on top, and set in the middle. A gentle jiggle is okay, but it shouldn’t look wet or raw. When you take it out, the aroma will be intoxicating—it’s one of those moments you know you nailed it. Let it cool slightly before serving so it holds together beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Blueberry Croissant French Toast Bake Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Rest Time: Letting the casserole sit allows croissants to soak up every bit of the custard—this means a creamier, more luscious bake.
- Croissant Choice Matters: Day-old croissants soak better without falling apart, but fresh ones make it crispier on top.
- Blueberry Distribution: Pepper berries between layers as well as on top for bursts of sweetness throughout the dish.
- Avoid a Soggy Bottom: Butter your baking dish well and bake long enough to get a golden crust that holds up nicely.
How to Serve Blueberry Croissant French Toast Bake Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle extra fresh blueberries on top just before serving—adds a pop of color and freshness. A dusting of powdered sugar is another favorite of mine for a subtle sweetness and pretty presentation. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup brings it all home.
Side Dishes
This French toast bake pairs wonderfully with a side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage if you like savory. I also love serving it alongside a simple green salad for a lighter brunch option, or fresh fruit salad for an extra vitamin boost and color contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or baby showers, I’ve served this bake in a decorative ceramic dish with edible flowers sprinkled on top. Turning it into mini individual portions in ramekins is another hit, especially if you’re feeding a crowd and want everyone to have their own special serving. It’s always a conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I usually cover leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. The bake keeps well for about 3 to 4 days and tastes wonderful reheated.
Freezing
I’ve frozen portions of this casserole before, tightly wrapped in foil and then placed in a freezer bag. It freezes well for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, which restores the crisp top and warms the custard evenly. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make it a bit soggy—so I reserve that for super busy mornings.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of bread besides croissants for this recipe?
Absolutely! While croissants give a flaky, buttery texture that’s hard to beat, you can substitute brioche, challah, or even thick-cut white bread. Just keep in mind that the texture and richness will vary slightly.
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Is it necessary to let the casserole soak overnight?
It’s not necessary, but I highly recommend it if you can! Soaking overnight lets the croissants fully absorb the custard, resulting in an incredibly creamy and flavorful dish. If short on time, 15 to 30 minutes still works well.
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Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes! Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding to the bake to prevent it from becoming too watery. Frozen berries still add great flavor and color.
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How do I prevent the bottom from getting soggy?
Make sure to butter your baking dish generously, and don’t skip baking time. A well-baked casserole will have a golden crust and hold its shape. Also, using day-old croissants helps absorb moisture without turning soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Croissant French Toast Bake Recipe is a true gem in my brunch repertoire, and I’m excited for you to try it. It’s one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table with smiles and satisfied sighs. Once you’ve made it, you’ll see why I’ve kept it in my rotation for holidays and special mornings alike—it feels like a warm hug in food form. Give yourself the gift of a relaxed morning and a spectacular meal by trying this out—you won’t regret it.
Print
Blueberry Croissant French Toast Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Description
This Croissant French Toast Casserole is a decadent, crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch dish featuring buttery croissants soaked in a rich cinnamon-vanilla custard and studded with fresh berries. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, it can be assembled ahead and baked to golden perfection, delivering a warm, comforting start to your day.
Ingredients
Base
- 5-6 large croissants (fresh or a few days old)
Custard
- 5 eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (warm)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
Fruit
- 2 cups blueberries or mixed berries (plus more for garnish such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9″x13″ casserole baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cut Croissants: Slice the croissants into small 1 to 1.5-inch cubes. Place the pieces evenly into the prepared casserole dish as the base layer.
- Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, warm whole milk, heavy cream, melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and fine sea salt until smooth and combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant cubes. Use a spatula to gently press down so the liquid infiltrates the croissant layers. Scatter the blueberries on top and gently push some berries between the croissant layers for bursts of flavor throughout.
- Soak: Allow the casserole to sit for 15 minutes to let the croissants soak up the custard. For best results, cover and refrigerate overnight to intensify the flavors and texture.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with additional fresh berries if desired. Serve warm, optionally with maple syrup.
Notes
- This casserole blends crisp croissant edges with a luscious custard center, complemented perfectly by fresh berries.
- It’s lightly sweet, so it pairs wonderfully with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Ideal for holiday breakfasts, baby showers, brunches, and potlucks due to its make-ahead convenience.
- Preparing it the night before and baking it fresh in the morning saves time and enhances flavor absorption.
- Use day-old croissants for best texture; fresh croissants will also work but may be less sturdy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 382 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 162 mg
