Description
Croissant French Toast is an indulgent twist on the classic French toast, where buttery, flaky croissants are soaked in a rich custard, then pan-fried until golden brown. This luxurious breakfast is perfect for weekends, holiday brunches, or when you want to treat yourself to something special. Its soft interior and lightly crisped edges pair beautifully with syrup, fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Croissants
- 4 large day-old croissants, split in half horizontally
Custard Mixture
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frying)
To Serve (Optional)
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well blended and slightly frothy. This mixture will serve as the rich custard to soak your croissants.
- Soak the croissants: Arrange the split croissant halves in a single layer in a shallow baking dish or tray. Pour the custard mixture over the croissants, making sure each piece is well coated. Let them soak for about 5 minutes, then carefully flip them and soak for another 5 minutes, until most of the custard is absorbed and the croissants are saturated but not falling apart.
- Preheat the skillet: Place a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Let it melt, swirling to coat the pan evenly.
- Cook the croissant French toast: Once the butter is bubbling but not brown, add the soaked croissants, cut side down first. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and slightly crisp. Work in batches if necessary, adding more butter as needed.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked croissant French toast to plates. Serve immediately, topped with maple syrup, fresh berries, and a light dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.
Notes
- Day-old croissants hold up best and soak up custard without getting soggy.
- Use a mix of milk and cream for the richest flavor and texture.
- Feel free to swap in dairy-free milk and cream, and margarine or oil for butter, to make it dairy-free.
- Customize with spices like nutmeg, or lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- The French toast can be kept warm in a low oven while you finish batches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croissant (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 145mg