Blueberry Croissant French Toast Bake

Blueberry Croissant French Toast Bake is the perfect combination of buttery croissants, juicy blueberries, and rich custard, baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting brunch or treating yourself to a decadent breakfast, this dish is sure to impress with its elegant presentation and irresistible flavor.

Ingredients

• 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) salted butter, at room temperature
• 6-8 large croissants (*Costco croissants work wonderfully)
• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1 cup sugar + 1/4 cup for sprinkling over the top
• 6 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Butter a 9×13-inch deep casserole dish generously with softened butter to ensure a rich flavor and prevent sticking.

2. Make the Custard Mixture
In a large stand mixer, beat the butter and 1 cup of sugar together on medium speed until light and creamy. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Add the vanilla, heavy cream, and salt, and mix until the custard is smooth and well combined.

3. Assemble the Bake
Tear the croissants into halves or thirds and layer them in the buttered casserole dish. Sprinkle the fresh blueberries evenly over the croissants. Pour the custard mixture over the top, ensuring all the croissants are soaked. The mixture may look clumpy at first, but that’s perfectly fine.

4. Add the Finishing Touch
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar over the top to create a beautifully caramelized crust.

5. Bake to Perfection
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm with whipped cream, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar for the ultimate indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Blueberry Croissant French Toast Bake combines the buttery flakiness of croissants with the sweet burst of blueberries and creamy custard. The caramelized sugar topping adds the perfect crunch, while the versatility of toppings allows you to customize it to your liking.

Tips for Success

• Use day-old croissants for the best texture and to absorb the custard mixture effectively.
• Blackberries or raspberries can be substituted for blueberries if desired.
• Allow the bake to cool slightly before serving for easier slicing and plating.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips:

• Warm and Fresh: Serve the bake warm straight from the oven for the best texture and flavor.
• Toppings: Elevate the dish by adding a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Fresh berries or a splash of berry compote make excellent accompaniments.
• Pairings: Complement this dish with a side of crispy bacon, fresh fruit salad, or a mimosa for a complete brunch spread.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Allow leftovers to cool completely, then cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual servings in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Blueberry Croissant French Toast Bake fresh or savor its deliciousness days later!

Variations

1. Mixed Berry Delight
Swap the blueberries for a combination of raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries for a medley of fruity flavors.

2. Chocolate Lover’s Twist
Add a handful of chocolate chips or drizzle the baked dish with melted chocolate for a rich and indulgent touch.

3. Cinnamon Apple Croissant Bake
Replace the blueberries with diced apples and sprinkle cinnamon over the custard for a warm and comforting flavor.

4. Lemon-Blueberry Bliss
Add the zest of one lemon to the custard mixture and use a lemon glaze as a topping for a zesty, refreshing taste.

5. Nutty Crunch
Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the top before baking for added texture and nutty goodness.

6. Savory Spin
For a savory variation, omit the sugar and blueberries. Add cooked crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and a dash of chives to the custard.

7. Tropical Escape
Substitute the blueberries with pineapple chunks and shredded coconut for a tropical flair.

8. Maple-Pecan Perfection
Drizzle maple syrup over the dish before baking and sprinkle with chopped pecans for a sweet and nutty upgrade.

9. Vegan Version
Use plant-based croissants, almond or oat milk, and vegan butter to create a dairy-free and egg-free version. Incorporate chia seeds in the custard for binding.

10. Pumpkin Spice Croissant Bake
Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the custard mixture, and substitute blueberries with toasted pumpkin seeds for a fall-inspired twist.

Each variation brings a unique flair to this versatile recipe, ensuring there’s a version everyone will adore!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. There’s no need to thaw them; just sprinkle them over the croissants and bake as directed.

2. What type of croissants work best for this recipe?
Day-old croissants are ideal as they soak up the custard better without becoming too mushy. However, fresh croissants also work well.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning for a hassle-free meal.

4. How can I prevent the custard from being too clumpy?
Ensure the butter is at room temperature before mixing and blend the ingredients thoroughly. Slight clumps are okay as they will melt into the bake.

5. Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
Yes, you can use whole milk, half-and-half, or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

6. What other fruits can I use?
This recipe works well with raspberries, blackberries, diced peaches, or sliced bananas as substitutes or additions to blueberries.

7. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free croissants or substitute them with gluten-free bread or brioche.

8. How do I store leftovers?
Cool the dish completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

9. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, bake the dish first, let it cool, and freeze it in individual portions. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

10. What toppings pair well with this bake?
Maple syrup, whipped cream, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a drizzle of honey all make excellent toppings to enhance the flavor.

These FAQs provide helpful insights and tips to make the Blueberry Croissant French Toast Bake perfect for any occasion!

Blueberry Croissant French Toast Bake is a showstopping dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With its rich, custardy base and vibrant blueberry accents, it’s a guaranteed hit for any breakfast or brunch table. Try it once, and it’ll become a cherished recipe in your kitchen!

Print