Description

Start your morning on a deliciously sweet note with this Baked Berry and Cream Cheese Croissant French Toast. Combining buttery croissants, tangy fruit preserves, and creamy cream cheese, this dish is a showstopper perfect for brunch gatherings or indulgent weekends. Easy to prepare ahead of time, it’s a stress-free recipe that will make your mornings memorable.

Ingredients

6 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups whole milk
2 tablespoons real maple syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
12 cups roughly torn, day-old croissants (about 12–16 croissants)
1 jar (10-ounce) high-quality fruit preserves (blueberry, strawberry, or blackberry)
8 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes
6 tablespoons cold salted butter, thinly sliced
1 cup fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries)
1 cup heavy cream
Powdered sugar and maple syrup for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter to ensure the French toast doesn’t stick and achieves a golden crust.

Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. This blend infuses the croissants with a rich and flavorful custard.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Toss the torn croissants in the egg mixture, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Layer half the croissants in the prepared dish. Add dollops of fruit preserves and cream cheese cubes on top. Layer the remaining croissants over this, allowing some jam and cream cheese to peek through. Pour any remaining egg mixture over the top.

Step 4: Chill the Dish
Cover the dish and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to overnight. This step helps the croissants soak in the custard, creating a luscious texture.

Step 5: Bake the French Toast
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange the sliced butter over the top of the croissants. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and crisp. If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil.

Step 6: Prepare the Whipped Cream
While the French toast bakes, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Sweeten with powdered sugar or maple syrup if desired.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the French toast warm, topped with fresh berries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Serving and Storage Tips
This dish is best served fresh out of the oven but can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Notes

Serving Tips

Serve Warm: This dish is best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven, to fully appreciate the creamy texture and crispy croissant edges.
Top It Off: Garnish with a generous dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries, and a drizzle of maple syrup for added flavor and presentation.
Brunch Pairings: Serve alongside fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or a mimosa for a complete brunch spread.
Customize the Toppings: Add powdered sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a handful of nuts like toasted almonds or pecans for extra crunch.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate Leftovers: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheating: To maintain the dish’s texture, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the croissants soggy.
Freezing Option: If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.