The Best Croissant French Toast Bake – Sweet, Fluffy & Easy Brunch

Wake Up to the Perfect Croissant Bread Pudding

Hey there! I’m so excited to share one of my all-time favorite breakfast or brunch treats with you: Croissant Bread Pudding. If you ever have day-old croissants lying around, don’t toss them! I promise you, turning them into this rich, custardy, golden-baked delight will blow your mind. It’s cozy, comforting, and tastes like a little slice of heaven on a plate.

I love this recipe because it’s simple, yet it feels a little fancy with fresh berries and maple syrup on top. Whether you’re serving it for a family breakfast or a special weekend brunch, I know you’ll enjoy every bite just like I do.

Nutritional Benefits of This Croissant Bread Pudding

While croissants might not typically scream “healthy,” this recipe balances indulgence with some redeeming qualities. The eggs and dairy give you a good dose of protein and calcium, which help keep you full and energized. Adding fresh berries on top not only makes the dish pretty but boosts it with antioxidants and fiber. It’s a lovely way to sneak some fruit into your morning and keep things fresh and vibrant.

Adaptable Variations to Try

• Swap Croissants: If you don’t have croissants, brioche or challah bread works beautifully for this pudding.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream for a creamy yet dairy-free treat.
• Flavor Boost: Try adding a splash of orange zest or a teaspoon of almond extract to the custard mixture for a new twist.
• Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or almonds on top before baking to add some crunchy texture.
• Spice It Up: If you love warm spices, increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an extra cozy vibe.

Easy Croissant Bread Pudding Recipe

Ingredients

• 6–8 large croissants (preferably day-old)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing + dotting)
• Fresh raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries (for garnish)
• Maple syrup or powdered sugar (for serving)
• Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish really well so nothing sticks and you get a nice golden crust on the edges.
2. Cut your croissants into halves or quarters — just enough so the pieces fit snugly side-by-side in the baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt until everything is smooth and combined.
4. Arrange the croissant pieces evenly in the baking dish. Pour the custard mixture over the croissants, and gently press down with a spatula to help them soak in all those creamy flavors.
5. Let it rest for about 15 to 20 minutes, so the croissants soak up all that custardy goodness — this part makes it extra delicious.
6. Dot the top with small pieces of butter — this little trick helps the top get a beautiful golden color and adds richness.
7. Bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the custard is fully set, and the croissants puff up, turn golden, and get a slight crisp on top.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This makes it easier to serve and lets the flavors settle.
9. Right before serving, top your bread pudding with a generous handful of fresh mixed berries and some fresh mint leaves if you like.
10. Drizzle with maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar for a perfect finishing touch. Serve it warm, and enjoy every cozy bite.

Practical & Valuable Tips

• Storage: If you have leftovers (lucky you!), cover and store the bread pudding in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop a portion in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Serving suggestion: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more decadent dessert option.
• Substitutions: Don’t have whole milk? You can use 2% or even milk alternatives as mentioned in variations. For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar slightly.
• Custard soak: Patience here pays off—the longer the croissants soak, the more deliciously soft and custardy the pudding will be.

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Chef’s knife and cutting board (for croissants and garnishes)
• Spatula to press custard gently into croissants
• Measuring cups and spoons

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh croissants instead of day-old? You can, but day-old croissants soak up the custard better and hold their structure nicely for a soft, custardy inside with a slightly crisp outside.
2. What if I don’t have heavy cream? You can substitute half-and-half or use an extra 1/2 cup of milk, but the pudding won’t be quite as rich and creamy.
3. Can this be made ahead? Yes! You can assemble the pudding the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning for best results.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free? Traditional croissants contain gluten, but you can use gluten-free croissants to make this recipe gluten-free.
5. Can I add chocolate chips or nuts inside? Absolutely! Toss some chocolate chips or chopped nuts in with the croissant pieces for extra texture and flavor.

Let’s Make Breakfast Magic!

I hope you’ll try this Croissant Bread Pudding soon. It’s such a wonderful way to transform simple ingredients into a warm treat that brings people together. If you do make it, please share your photos or any tweaks you tried—I love seeing how you make these recipes your own! Follow me on Pinterest for more cozy and delicious recipes that brighten your day.