Festive Berry Croissant French Toast Bake

Name: Festive Berry Croissant French Toast Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 6 large croissants, cut into pieces; 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries); 4 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Powdered sugar for serving

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Indulge in this deliciously festive berry croissant French toast bake, perfect for holiday gatherings and brunches.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-11-30T20:41:15.257Z

This Festive Berry Croissant French Toast Bake is a delightful twist on traditional French toast. Perfect for holiday breakfasts, it combines flaky croissants with a creamy custard and a medley of fresh berries.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Flaky croissants soaked in a rich custard
Bursting with fresh berries for a tart sweetness
A stunning centerpiece for any brunch table

      

The Perfect Holiday Dish

This Festive Berry Croissant French Toast Bake is an ideal dish for holiday celebrations. Its combination of flaky croissants and vibrant berries creates a visual and culinary delight that is sure to impress your guests. Not only does it taste fantastic, but it also fills your home with the warm, inviting aromas of cinnamon and vanilla, making it a true centerpiece for any brunch table.

Whether you are hosting a family gathering or a festive brunch with friends, this dish brings everyone together. It’s easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy precious time with your loved ones rather than spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the rich custard and fresh berries make it a delightful treat for both kids and adults alike.

Customizable Ingredients

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. While mixed berries are used here, feel free to swap them out for other fruits such as sliced bananas, peaches, or even chocolate chips for an indulgent twist. This allows you to tailor the dish to your personal taste or to whatever fruits are in season, ensuring freshness and flavor in every bite.

Additionally, if you prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute the milk and heavy cream with almond or oat milk and a dairy-free cream alternative. This makes the dish accessible for guests with dietary restrictions while still retaining its delicious flavor and texture.

Tips for Perfecting Your Bake

To achieve the best results, make sure your croissants are slightly stale before starting. This helps them absorb the custard mixture without becoming overly soggy. If your croissants are fresh, simply leave them out for a few hours or lightly toast them in the oven for a few minutes to dry them out a bit.

Another tip is to let the assembled dish sit for a bit before baking. Letting it rest for about 10-15 minutes allows the croissants to soak up the custard, resulting in a richer, creamier texture after baking. This small step can significantly enhance the final product, making it even more enjoyable.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your festive bake:

Ingredients

6 large croissants, cut into pieces
2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
4 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Powdered sugar for serving

Ensure you have everything ready before you begin.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your French toast bake:

Prepare the Croissants

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the croissant pieces and mixed berries. Toss gently to combine.

Make the Custard

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.

Combine and Bake

Pour the custard mixture over the croissants and berries. Press down gently to ensure everything is soaked. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until golden and set.

Serve

Allow to cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm.

Enjoy your delicious bake with a drizzle of maple syrup if desired!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Festive Berry Croissant French Toast Bake, consider serving it alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup. The sweetness of the syrup complements the tartness of the berries, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Fresh mint leaves can also be a lovely garnish, adding a pop of color and a refreshing touch.

For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, a sprinkle of chopped nuts or granola can add texture to each bite. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also gives your guests a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft croissants and juicy berries.

Storage and Reheating

If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place individual servings in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds or warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This allows you to enjoy the deliciousness of this bake even after the holiday festivities are over.

For best results, avoid freezing the dish as the texture may change upon thawing. However, if you do have to freeze it, make sure it is well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen berries?

Yes, frozen berries work well. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before use.

→ Can I prepare this the night before?

Absolutely! Assemble the bake and cover it in the fridge overnight. Just bake it in the morning.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the texture will be lighter.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.