Overnight Croissant French Toast

This Overnight Croissant French Toast is a delicious way to make Christmas morning feel special without adding extra work. Assemble everything the night before, then in the morning just put it in the oven and bake.

Store-bought croissants make especially rich, tender French toast. Day-old croissants are actually perfect for this recipe because they soak up the custard without becoming too soft, so be sure to check the bakery clearance section at your grocery store. It is also a great way to save a little money.

The custard mixture includes eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, cinnamon, orange zest, and a little maple syrup. The maple syrup adds just enough sweetness, while the half-and-half gives the French toast a rich, creamy texture.

I especially love the orange zest in this recipe. It adds a bright, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the croissants and pairs beautifully with the berries on top.

Serve this Overnight Croissant French Toast with fresh berries, whipped cream, and an extra drizzle of maple syrup. If fresh berries are not available, thawed frozen berries work well too, making this an easy breakfast to enjoy all winter long.

Overnight Croissant French Toast

• CROISSANTS – Croissants make the base of this French toast extra rich, buttery, and tender. Day-old croissants work especially well because they absorb the custard without getting too soggy.
• LARGE EGGS – Eggs give the custard structure and help the French toast set as it bakes.
• HALF AND HALF – Half-and-half makes the custard rich and creamy while keeping the baked French toast soft and tender.
• VANILLA EXTRACT – Vanilla adds warm, sweet flavor and complements the buttery croissants, maple syrup, and berries.
• CINNAMON – Cinnamon adds a cozy hint of spice, making this especially fitting for holiday breakfasts.
• ORANGE – Fresh orange zest adds bright citrus flavor and helps balance the richness of the croissants and custard.
• MAPLE SYRUP – Maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness directly to the custard and gives the French toast warm maple flavor.
• SALT – Salt helps balance the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the vanilla, cinnamon, orange, and maple syrup.
• FRESH BERRIES – Fresh berries add color, freshness, and a little tartness that pairs beautifully with the rich French toast. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or a mix all work well.
• WHIPPED CREAM – Whipped cream adds a light, creamy finishing touch and makes the dish feel a little more special for brunch or holiday mornings.

Instructions for Overnight Croissant French Toast

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, cinnamon, orange zest, maple syrup, and salt until well combined.

Dip each croissant half into the egg-milk mixture, allowing it to soak up plenty of the custard. Arrange the soaked croissants in the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly if needed to fit.

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight so the croissants can absorb the custard.

When you are ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F.

Remove the plastic wrap and bake the French toast uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Serve warm with fresh berries, whipped cream, and additional maple syrup. Makes 6 servings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use day-old croissants?
Yes. Day-old croissants are actually a great choice because they absorb the custard well without becoming too soft.

Do I have to refrigerate it overnight?
Overnight is best because it gives the croissants plenty of time to soak up the egg mixture. If needed, you can refrigerate it for several hours instead.

Can I use milk instead of half-and-half?
Yes, but the French toast will be a little less rich. Whole milk would be the best substitute.

Can I use a different extract instead of vanilla?
Yes. Almond extract can add a nice flavor, but use less since it is stronger than vanilla.

What kind of croissants work best?
Large bakery-style croissants work especially well. Plain butter croissants are best because they pair nicely with the orange, cinnamon, and maple flavors.

Can I make this without orange zest?
Yes. The orange zest adds brightness and fresh flavor, but you can leave it out if needed.

Can I use frozen berries for serving?
Yes. Thaw them first and drain off any excess liquid before serving.

How do I know when the French toast is done?
The top should be golden brown, and the custard in the center should be set rather than wet or runny.

Can I prepare this more than one day ahead?
I would stick to overnight. Letting the croissants soak too long can make them overly soft.

What can I serve with Overnight Croissant French Toast?
Fresh fruit like berries, whipped cream, maple syrup, powdered sugar, bacon, sausage, or yogurt all pair well with it.

How should I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to a few days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Let the French toast cool completely, then freeze individual portions well wrapped. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips and Tricks

• Use day-old croissants. Slightly stale croissants soak up the custard especially well and are less likely to become overly soft.
• Make sure the croissants are fully soaked. Dip each half well in the egg mixture so the custard reaches the center and the French toast bakes up tender throughout.
• Let it sit out before baking. Allow the dish to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before it goes into the oven. This helps it bake more evenly.
• Don’t skip the orange zest. The zest adds a bright, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the croissants and half-and-half.
• Serve it with contrasting toppings. Fresh berries, whipped cream, and maple syrup are perfect because they add freshness, creaminess, and sweetness to the rich baked French toast.

For more recipes like this, try:

• Croissant Bread Pudding
• Make Ahead Breakfast Croissants
• Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
• Maple Sausage French Toast Bake

Recipe adapted from Fox and Briar.