Croissant Baked French Toast With Strawberries And Cream Cheese Recipe

Fluffy Croissant Baked French Toast with Strawberries Recipe

This classic croissant baked French toast brings magical mornings to life with unexpected richness.

Crispy edges and soft interiors create pure breakfast magic for weekend relaxation.

strawberries scattered across golden-brown layers add bright, fresh bursts of flavor.

Creamy cheese melts into delicate croissant crevices, creating irresistible texture combinations.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of sweet and tangy notes.

Simple ingredients transform an ordinary morning into a gourmet experience.

You’ll fall in love with this decadent breakfast that feels like a special treat.

One forkful will make you forget all about ordinary toast.

How To Make Croissant Baked French Toast With Strawberries And Cream Cheese

Step 1: Prep the Delightful Baking Vessel

Grab a buttery brush and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with a loving layer of grease. Create a dreamy base by:
  • Nestling croissant pieces in a cozy layer
  • Scattering fresh strawberry chunks
  • Dotting cream cheese cubes across the surface

Repeat this layering magic for a second luscious level.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Custard Blend

In a spacious mixing bowl, grab a whisk and transform simple ingredients into a silky symphony:
  • Eggs (farm-fresh preferred)
  • Whole milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Granulated sugar
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and inviting.

Step 3: Create the Luxurious Soak

Gently cascade the custard over your croissant layers, ensuring every morsel gets a tender embrace. Press down softly so each piece drinks in the creamy goodness. Cover with clingy plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours (overnight works wonders).

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Heat your oven to a warm 350°F. Pull out the chilled casserole and let it relax at room temperature for 20 minutes. Slide into the oven and bake uncovered until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the center sets beautifully (about 40-45 minutes).

Step 5: Serve with Spectacular Flair

Allow the masterpiece to cool slightly. Dust with a delicate snowfall of powdered sugar. Serve while warm, accompanied by:
  • Maple syrup
  • Whipped cream
  • Extra fresh strawberries

Enjoy your decadent breakfast adventure!

Tips For A Creamy Croissant Baked French Toast With Strawberries And Cream Cheese

  • Soak Croissants Thoroughly: Gently press down the croissants to ensure complete absorption of the rich custard mixture, creating a luxurious texture throughout the dish.
  • Prep Ahead for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate the casserole overnight to allow the croissants to fully soak up the custard, intensifying the flavors and creating a more decadent breakfast.
  • Customize Your Toppings: Experiment with different fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or add a sprinkle of sliced almonds for extra crunch and variety.
  • Control Moisture Levels: If the casserole seems too wet, let it sit at room temperature for a few extra minutes before baking to help excess liquid absorb into the croissants.
  • Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute croissants with gluten-free bread or brioche to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing the delicious flavor profile.

How To Store Croissant Baked French Toast With Strawberries And Cream Cheese

  • Refrigerate: Transfer cooled french toast to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and flavor absorption.
  • Microwave: Reheat individual portions for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Add a small splash of milk to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
  • Oven Refresh: Warm entire casserole in a preheated 325F oven for 15-20 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and retain creamy texture.
  • Freeze Option: Wrap portions securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Best Pairings For Croissant Baked French Toast With Strawberries And Cream Cheese

  • Brew Bold Coffee Companions: Pair this rich, decadent French toast with a robust espresso or a smooth cold brew coffee. The strong coffee cuts through the sweetness and complements the creamy texture of the dish.
  • Select Sparkling Wine Delight: Uncork a chilled brut champagne or prosecco to elevate the breakfast experience. The light, bubbly nature of sparkling wine balances the dense, custardy croissant layers and adds a celebratory touch.
  • Create Fruity Smoothie Match: Blend a fresh strawberry-banana smoothie as a refreshing sidekick. The smoothie's bright, tangy flavors will echo the strawberries in the dish while providing a cool, light contrast to the warm, creamy French toast.
  • Enhance with Herb-Infused Tea: Steep a delicate chamomile or lavender tea to accompany the dish. The subtle floral notes will gently complement the cinnamon and vanilla undertones in the baked croissant casserole.

Fun Twists On Croissant Baked French Toast With Strawberries And Cream Cheese

  • Chocolate Berry Bliss: Swap strawberries with raspberries and add dark chocolate chips for a rich, decadent version that elevates the classic breakfast casserole.
  • Tropical Paradise Remix: Replace strawberries with diced mangoes and add shredded coconut, creating a sweet and exotic breakfast experience with Caribbean-inspired flavors.
  • Nutty Caramel Dream: Sprinkle chopped pecans between layers and drizzle caramel sauce before baking, introducing a crunchy texture and deep, indulgent sweetness.
  • Seasonal Apple Cinnamon Edition: Substitute strawberries with thinly sliced apples and increase cinnamon quantity, transforming the dish into a cozy fall-inspired breakfast treat.

All Your Questions About Croissant Baked French Toast With Strawberries And Cream Cheese

  • Why use croissants instead of regular bread?

Croissants add a luxurious, buttery texture and richness that regular bread can’t match. Their flaky layers absorb the custard beautifully, creating a more decadent breakfast casserole.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish is perfect for preparing the night before. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply bake and serve for an effortless breakfast.

  • Is this recipe suitable for people who aren't big breakfast fans?

Yes! The combination of sweet strawberries, creamy cheese, and custardy croissants makes this dish irresistible even for those who typically skip breakfast. It’s more like a dessert than a traditional morning meal.

  • How do I know when the casserole is perfectly baked?

Look for a golden brown top and a set custard. When you gently shake the dish, the center should be firm and not liquid. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean, indicating it’s fully cooked.

Why Croissant Baked French Toast With Strawberries And Cream Cheese Feels So Fancy

  • Indulge in Luxurious Layers: Croissant French toast creates a decadent breakfast experience with buttery croissant pieces soaking up rich custard, delivering an incredibly luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Effortless Overnight Preparation: Assemble the dish the night before and refrigerate, making morning cooking super convenient. Wake up to a ready-to-bake breakfast that requires minimal morning effort.
  • Burst of Fresh Fruity Freshness: Strawberries add vibrant color and natural sweetness, transforming an ordinary breakfast into a restaurant-worthy meal that feels special and refreshing.
  • Customize Your Breakfast Delight: Easily adaptable recipe allows personal touches like extra toppings, different fruits, or variations in spices, making it perfect for family gatherings or weekend brunch celebrations.

What You’ll Need For Croissant Baked French Toast With Strawberries And Cream Cheese

Base Ingredients:
  • Croissants: Buttery, flaky base that soaks up the custard beautifully, providing rich texture.
  • Strawberries: Fresh, sweet fruit that adds natural brightness and color to the dish.
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy, tangy ingredient that creates pockets of richness throughout the casserole.
Custard Mixture Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps create the smooth, rich custard texture.
  • Milk: Provides liquid base for the custard, ensuring creamy consistency.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and depth to the custard.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the entire dish, balancing the flavors.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.
  • Cinnamon: Warm spice that enhances the overall taste profile.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar: Light dusting that adds a sweet, decorative touch.
  • Maple Syrup: Optional sweet drizzle that complements the breakfast casserole.
  • Whipped Cream: Optional topping for extra indulgence.
Print
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Croissant Baked French Toast With Strawberries And Cream Cheese Recipe

Croissant Baked French Toast With Strawberries And Cream Cheese Recipe


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4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Luxurious Croissant Baked French Toast brings French bakery magic right to breakfast tables, melding buttery layers with rich cream cheese and sweet strawberries. Crisp exterior and silky interior promise pure morning indulgence you won’t want to miss.


Ingredients

Scale

Breads and Fruits:

  • 6 large croissants, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1.5 cups (225 g) fresh strawberries, sliced

Dairy and Eggs:

  • 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, cubed
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream

Sweeteners and Spices:

  • 0.5 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 cup (75 g) powdered sugar (for dusting)

Optional Serving Ingredients:

  • Maple syrup (optional, for serving)
  • Whipped cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking vessel by generously coating a 9×13-inch dish with butter or cooking spray. Create a foundational layer using half of the torn croissant pieces, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
  1. Delicately scatter fresh strawberry chunks and cream cheese cubes over the first croissant layer. Construct a secondary layer by repeating the process with remaining croissants, strawberries, and cream cheese, creating a textured mosaic of ingredients.
  1. Craft the luxurious custard base by whisking eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, fragrant vanilla extract, and warm cinnamon in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform liquid.
  1. Gently cascade the custard mixture over the layered croissant and strawberry landscape, using gentle pressure to ensure complete ingredient saturation. Envelop the dish with plastic wrap and allow it to rest and absorb flavors in the refrigerator for a minimum of two hours, or ideally overnight.
  1. Remove the casserole from refrigeration and permit it to equilibrate to room temperature for approximately 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F, positioning the rack in the center.
  1. Slide the unburdened casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 40-45 minutes until the surface achieves a golden-bronze hue and the custard sets with a gentle firmness.
  1. After removing from the oven, permit the dish to cool momentarily. Dust with a delicate veil of powdered sugar and serve while still warm, accompanied by maple syrup, billowy whipped cream, or additional fresh strawberries as desired.

Notes

  • Choose day-old croissants for better absorption of the custard mixture, preventing a soggy texture and enhancing the overall richness of the dish.
  • Gently press down on the croissant layers to ensure even custard distribution, creating a more consistent and delectable baked French toast.
  • For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use reduced-fat cream cheese to cut down on calories without compromising flavor.
  • Customize the recipe by swapping strawberries with seasonal berries like blueberries or mixed berries for a delightful variation that keeps the dish exciting and fresh.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 25 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

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