Blueberry Croissant French Toast Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Blueberry Croissant French Toast Bake is a decadent twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Layers of buttery croissants, sweet blueberry jam, and creamy ricotta come together to create a rich, flavorful dish perfect for brunch or a special occasion.

A white round baking dish filled with about ten golden-brown, shiny croissants tightly placed close together, with dollops of white cream and dark blueberries on top and between them; underneath the croissants is a layer of dark baked fruit filling, possibly blueberries, that is thick and slightly syrupy. Small white edible flowers are scattered over the croissants and cream, adding delicate decoration. The baking dish is set on a white marbled surface, with part of a jar and a cream-colored rose visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 6 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1/4 cup Grand Marnier (orange liqueur)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 14-16 croissants, torn in half
  • 1 jar (10 ounce) blueberry jam
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 6 tablespoons cold salted butter, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 cup maple syrup (for syrup)
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter (for syrup)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, orange zest, Grand Marnier, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Add the torn croissants to the egg mixture and toss gently to coat.
  4. Step 4: Arrange half of the coated croissants in the prepared baking dish. Dollop the blueberry jam and ricotta cheese evenly over this layer.
  5. Step 5: Top with the remaining croissants. Pour any remaining egg mixture over the top and sprinkle fresh blueberries evenly across the dish.
  6. Step 6: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to overnight to let the flavors meld.
  7. Step 7: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay thinly sliced cold butter over the top of the croissants.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the French toast bake is golden and crisp. If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil to prevent burning.
  9. Step 9: While baking, prepare the syrup by simmering maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, and 2 tablespoons salted butter over medium heat for 10 minutes. Add a pinch of sea salt and remove cinnamon sticks before serving.
  10. Step 10: Serve the French toast warm topped with whipped cream, additional fresh berries, and drizzle with the cinnamon maple syrup. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

  • Use day-old croissants for better texture as they soak up the custard without becoming soggy.
  • Swap blueberries for raspberries or blackberries for a different berry flavor.
  • For a boozy twist, drizzle additional Grand Marnier over the finished dish before serving.
  • If you don’t have Grand Marnier, substitute with orange juice and a splash of orange extract.
  • Make this recipe a day ahead to save time on busy mornings—just remember to bake it before serving.

Storage

Store leftover French toast bake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The cinnamon syrup can be refrigerated separately for up to one week and gently reheated before serving.

How to Serve

A white enamel pan holds a baked dish with seven golden-brown croissants arranged around the edges, their shiny, flaky crusts showing crisp texture. Beneath and between the croissants, there is a layer of deep blue-black cooked blueberries, some bursting and juicy. Dollops of thick white cream are placed on top of several croissants, each topped with one or two fresh blueberries. Small white edible flowers are scattered over the croissants and cream, adding a delicate touch. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with soft natural light highlighting the rich colors and textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other bread instead of croissants?

Yes, buttery brioche or challah bread are excellent substitutes and will also soak up the custard well, creating a rich texture.

Can I prepare this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

To make a vegan or dairy-free version, substitute eggs with a flax or chia seed mixture, use plant-based milk, and replace butter and ricotta with vegan alternatives.

Print
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Blueberry Croissant French Toast Bake Recipe


  • Author: lilan
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling time)
  • Yield: 810 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Blueberry Croissant French Toast Bake is a decadent and flavorful breakfast or brunch dish that combines flaky croissants soaked in a rich egg custard with sweet blueberry jam and fresh berries. Topped with dollops of creamy ricotta and baked to golden perfection, it’s finished with a warm cinnamon maple syrup for a delightful balance of sweetness and spice.


Ingredients

Scale

Custard and Base

  • 6 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1/4 cup Grand Marnier (orange liqueur)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1416 croissants, torn in half

Fillings

  • 1 jar (10 ounce) blueberry jam
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries

Topping

  • 6 tablespoons cold salted butter, thinly sliced

Cinnamon Maple Syrup

  • 1 cup maple syrup
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Dish: Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and add flavor.
  2. Make Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, milk, maple syrup, orange zest, Grand Marnier, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined to form the egg batter.
  3. Assemble Bake: Add the torn croissants to the egg mixture and gently toss until all pieces are coated. Arrange half of the croissants in the prepared baking dish. Spoon dollops of blueberry jam and ricotta cheese evenly over the croissants. Layer the remaining croissants on top. Pour the remaining custard over the croissant layers and sprinkle fresh blueberries over everything.
  4. Chill: Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight to allow the croissants to soak up the custard mixture thoroughly.
  5. Preheat Oven and Add Butter: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay the thinly sliced cold salted butter evenly over the top of the croissants to create a crispy golden finish.
  6. Bake: Bake the French toast bake for 40–50 minutes until it is golden brown and crisp on top. If the croissants brown too quickly during baking, cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent burning.
  7. Make Cinnamon Maple Syrup: While baking, combine the maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, and butter in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes to infuse the syrup with cinnamon flavor. Remove from heat and stir in a pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweetness.
  8. Serve: Serve the French toast bake warm with additional fresh berries, whipped cream if desired, and drizzle with the cinnamon maple syrup. Enjoy the rich, fruity flavors and comforting texture!

Notes

  • This dish can be assembled the night before and refrigerated to save time in the morning.
  • Grand Marnier is optional but adds a lovely orange flavor; substitute with orange juice if preferred.
  • Use day-old croissants for best texture and absorption of the custard.
  • If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
  • Covering with foil mid-bake prevents over-browning but still allows the dish to cook through.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: blueberry croissant, French toast bake, brunch recipe, baked French toast, blueberry jam, ricotta cheese, cinnamon maple syrup

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