A decadent and buttery twist on traditional French toast, Croissant French Toast (Croissant Perdu) takes flaky croissants and soaks them in a rich vanilla custard before caramelizing them to perfection. This indulgent breakfast is perfect for Mother’s Day, brunch gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a luxurious start to the day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Buttery Flavor – Croissants make for an extra soft and indulgent version of classic French toast.
- Golden & Caramelized – The brown sugar creates a lightly crisp, caramelized crust.
- Perfect for Special Occasions – A beautiful and impressive brunch option.
- Versatile & Customizable – Enjoy with fresh fruit, syrup, or whipped cream.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and steps make this an effortless yet gourmet dish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 croissants
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup (250 ml) milk
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
Directions
1. Prepare the Custard
- In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using).
2. Soak the Croissants
- Slice the croissants in half lengthwise and place them in the custard mixture.
- Let soak for 1 hour, turning occasionally to ensure they absorb evenly.
3. Caramelize & Cook
- Heat a large pan over medium heat and add butter and brown sugar. Let them melt together.
4. Fry the Croissants
- Place the soaked croissants, cut side down, in the pan.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, until golden brown and caramelized.
- Flip and cook the other side until crispy and golden.
5. Serve Warm
- Serve immediately, as is, or with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Rest Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 2 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Variations
- Chocolate Croissant French Toast: Use chocolate-filled croissants for a rich, dessert-like version.
- Almond Croissant Twist: Sprinkle with sliced almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.
- Coconut Caramelized Version: Use coconut milk and shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Spiced French Toast: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth.
- Lemon & Berry Delight: Top with lemon zest, fresh berries, and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use day-old croissants?
Yes! Slightly stale croissants work best as they absorb the custard without becoming too soft.
What’s the best way to get a crispier texture?
Let the croissants soak just until softened and cook them over medium heat to get a caramelized crust.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes! Soak the croissants overnight in the fridge for an even deeper flavor, then cook in the morning.
What’s the best topping for Croissant French Toast?
It pairs well with maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, caramel sauce, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Can I bake this instead of frying?
Yes! Arrange soaked croissants in a buttered baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Absolutely! Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can be used as dairy-free alternatives.
How do I prevent my croissants from becoming too soggy?
Soak them just until softened and avoid overloading the custard with liquid.
Can I make this for a larger crowd?
Yes! Double or triple the recipe and keep cooked croissants warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven until serving.
What can I serve alongside this dish?
Pair with crispy bacon, fresh fruit, or a hot cup of coffee for a complete brunch experience.
Can I add extra sweetness to the custard?
Yes! Add 1 tbsp of sugar or honey to the custard for a slightly sweeter taste.
Conclusion
Croissant French Toast (Croissant Perdu) is a luxurious and decadent breakfast that elevates the classic French toast experience. With its flaky croissants, rich custard soak, and caramelized finish, this dish is perfect for Mother’s Day, weekend brunch, or an indulgent breakfast treat. Serve it with fresh fruit, syrup, or whipped cream and enjoy a truly special morning delight!
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Croissant French Toast
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A decadent twist on traditional French toast, made with buttery croissants soaked in a rich custard, then caramelized to perfection. A luxurious breakfast for Mother’s Day!
Ingredients
- 2 croissants
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup (250ml) milk
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Custard:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using).
-
Soak the Croissants:
- Slice the croissants in half lengthwise.
- Place them in the custard mixture and let soak for 1 hour, turning occasionally to absorb evenly.
-
Caramelize & Cook:
- Heat a large pan over medium heat.
- Add butter and brown sugar, letting them melt together until slightly caramelized.
-
Fry the Croissants:
- Place the soaked croissants in the pan, cut side down.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, until golden and caramelized.
- Flip and cook the other side until crispy and golden.
-
Serve Warm:
- Enjoy as is or top with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Notes
- For an extra indulgent version, serve with a dusting of powdered sugar and a dollop of mascarpone.
- Soaking the croissants for a longer time makes them extra soft and flavorful inside.
- Try adding a splash of orange zest or liqueur (like Grand Marnier) for a gourmet touch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Rest Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: French
