There’s something magical about weekend mornings when the house fills with the scent of buttery croissants, sweet blueberries, and warm vanilla. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes everyone linger at the table a little longer—just like those lazy Sunday mornings at my grandmother’s house, where she’d pull a golden, custardy French toast bake from the oven and top it with a cloud of whipped cream. This Blueberry Croissant French Toast Bake is my love letter to those moments: effortless, indulgent, and utterly comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simple ingredients that come together in the most delicious way. Here’s what you’ll need:
6 large day-old croissants – Stale croissants soak up the custard beautifully, but fresh ones work too (just toast them lightly first).
1 ½ cups fresh blueberries – Frozen work in a pinch, but toss them in flour first to prevent sinking.
4 large eggs – The backbone of that rich, custardy texture.
1 cup whole milk – For creaminess. Half-and-half or even almond milk can sub in.
½ cup heavy cream – Because a little luxury never hurt anyone.
¼ cup granulated sugar – Adjust to taste if your berries are extra sweet.
1 tsp vanilla extract – Pure vanilla adds warmth.
½ tsp cinnamon – A cozy, subtle spice.
Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness.
Powdered sugar & maple syrup – For serving, of course!
How to Make Blueberry Croissant French Toast Bake
This dish is as easy as tossing everything together the night before—perfect for stress-free mornings. Here’s how:
Prep the croissants: Tear them into bite-sized pieces and scatter them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the blueberries evenly over the top.
Whisk the custard: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. Pour it gently over the croissants, pressing them down lightly to soak up the liquid.
Let it rest: Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 2 hours). This lets the croissants absorb all that custardy goodness.
Bake to perfection: In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
Serve with love: Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and watch it disappear!
Tip: If the top browns too quickly, tent it with foil. And for extra decadence, add a handful of white chocolate chips before baking—trust me.
Pro Tips, Variations, and Substitutions
This Blueberry Croissant French Toast Bake is wonderfully forgiving, and there are plenty of ways to make it your own! Here are some ideas:
Use different berries: Swap blueberries for raspberries, blackberries, or even a mix of your favorites.
Make it nutty: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or almonds for extra crunch.
Go dairy-free: Substitute the milk and cream with almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter.
Add citrus zest: A little lemon or orange zest brightens up the flavors beautifully.
Prep ahead: Assemble the bake the night before and refrigerate—just pop it in the oven in the morning!
What to Serve With It
This dish is rich and indulgent on its own, but a few simple sides can round out your brunch spread:
A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra decadence.
Crispy bacon or sausage links for a savory contrast.
A light, fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.
A steaming cup of coffee or a refreshing mimosa for the perfect sip.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (though we doubt you will!), here’s how to keep them tasting great:
Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use stale croissants?
Absolutely! Stale croissants actually soak up the custard mixture better, making them perfect for this bake.
Can I make this without eggs?
Yes! Substitute each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Definitely—just toss them in frozen to prevent excess juice from bleeding into the custard.
How do I prevent the top from burning?
If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil while baking.
A Cozy Final Thought
There’s something truly magical about pulling a warm, berry-studded French toast bake from the oven and gathering around the table with loved ones. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning or a special occasion, this dish is sure to bring smiles and satisfied sighs. We hope it becomes a cherished part of your brunch traditions—just like it has in ours. Happy baking!
