Imagine waking up to a breakfast so decadent, so irresistibly delicious, that it transforms an ordinary morning into a gourmet experience. This Almond Croissant French Toast Bake is not just a recipe—it's a culinary revelation that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Forget boring breakfast routines; this dish combines the flaky perfection of croissants, the rich custard of French toast, and the nutty crunch of almonds into one mind-blowing morning masterpiece that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large croissants
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your Almond Croissant French Toast Bake cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Gather all your ingredients: 4 large croissants, 4 eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract, and 1/2 cup of sliced almonds. Make sure you have powdered sugar on hand for serving.
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the 4 eggs and whisk them until well combined. Add in the 2 cups of milk, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is dissolved.
- Take the croissants and slice them in half lengthwise. You can also cut them into smaller pieces if you prefer a more rustic look. Place the sliced croissants in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the sliced croissants, ensuring that each piece is well soaked. Use a spatula to gently press down on the croissants to help them absorb the custard mixture.
- Sprinkle the 1/2 cup of sliced almonds evenly over the top of the croissant mixture. This will add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to your bake.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for about 15 minutes. This allows the croissants to soak up the custard mixture more thoroughly.
- After 15 minutes, remove the foil and place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Once cooked, remove the Almond Croissant French Toast Bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to serve.
- Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. You can also add fresh fruit or a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Almond Croissant French Toast Bake with family and friends!
Tips
- Choose high-quality, fresh croissants for the best texture and flavor. Day-old croissants work perfectly as they absorb the custard mixture more effectively.
- For an extra luxurious touch, use whole milk or even half-and-half instead of regular milk to create a richer custard.
- Allow the croissants to soak in the egg mixture for at least 15 minutes before baking. This ensures maximum flavor absorption and a custardy interior.
- Don't skip the almond extract—it adds a subtle, sophisticated flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- For a beautiful presentation, toast the sliced almonds lightly before sprinkling them on top to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best texture, with a generous dusting of powdered sugar and optional toppings like fresh berries or maple syrup.
- This dish can be prepared the night before and refrigerated, then baked in the morning for an easy, impressive breakfast.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 165mg
