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Croissant Baked French Toast with Strawberries and Cream Cheese Recipe

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4.1 from 82 reviews

This Croissant Baked French Toast with Strawberries and Cream Cheese is a decadent twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Tender croissant chunks are soaked in a rich custard made from eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon, then layered with softened cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and strawberry preserves. Baked until golden and topped with dusted confectioners’ sugar, this dish is perfect for special mornings or brunch gatherings.

Ingredients

Custard Mixture

  • 10 medium croissants, cut into large chunks
  • 2 cups whole milk or half and half
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 6 large eggs
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature and softened
  • 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar plus more for dusting

Fruit and Toppings

  • ½ to 1 cup strawberry jam or preserves (optional)
  • 2 cups strawberries, sliced or chopped
  • 4 tablespoons cold butter, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk (or half and half), pure vanilla extract, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and smooth, creating the custard base for the French toast.
  2. Soak Croissant Chunks: Place the croissant chunks into the custard mixture, allowing them to soak thoroughly. Let them absorb the liquid for about 10 to 15 minutes so they become soft and flavorful.
  3. Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of confectioners sugar until smooth and creamy. This sweetened cream cheese mixture will add richness to the baked French toast.
  4. Assemble the French Toast: Grease a large baking dish, then layer half of the soaked croissant chunks evenly. Spoon and spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the croissants, then drizzle or spread half of the strawberry jam if using. Layer half of the sliced strawberries on top. Repeat with the remaining croissant chunks, cream cheese, jam, and strawberries, building a layered casserole.
  5. Add Butter and Bake: Dot the top layer evenly with thin slices of cold butter to enrich the bake. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and bake the assembled French toast casserole uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
  6. Finishing Touches: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Dust with additional confectioners sugar for a beautiful finish and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • You can substitute half and half with whole milk for a lighter version, but whole milk adds extra creaminess.
  • Chilling the cream cheese beforehand helps it blend smoothly when mixed with confectioners sugar.
  • If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the brown sugar or omit the strawberry jam.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the microwave or oven.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/croissant-baked-french-toast-with-strawberries-and-cream-cheese-recipe/