Description

Wake up to the heavenly aroma of buttery croissants soaked in a rich, zesty orange custard and baked to golden perfection. This Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake is the ultimate brunch dish – flaky croissants, creamy custard, and a burst of citrus in every bite. It’s an easy, make-ahead recipe perfect for weekend mornings or special occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Croissant Bake:

6 large croissants, torn into pieces
4 large eggs
1 ½ cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup granulated sugar
Zest of 2 oranges
½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt

For the Orange Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
3 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice (adjust for desired consistency)
Zest of 1 orange

For Garnish:

Fresh orange slices
Powdered sugar for dusting
Fresh mint leaves (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Croissants

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Tear the croissants into large chunks and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Whisk until well combined and slightly frothy.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant pieces, ensuring all the croissants are well-coated.
Gently press down on the croissants with a spatula to help them absorb the custard.
Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to soak up the custard.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
If the top is browning too quickly, tent with aluminum foil after 20 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare the Orange Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
Adjust the consistency with more orange juice or powdered sugar as needed.

Step 6: Glaze and Garnish

Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Drizzle the orange glaze over the top.
Garnish with fresh orange slices, a dusting of powdered sugar, and mint leaves for a pop of color.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake into squares and serve warm.
Pair with a side of fresh fruit, yogurt, or a hot cup of coffee for a complete breakfast.

Notes

Use Day-Old Croissants – Slightly stale croissants absorb the custard better, resulting in a richer, more custardy texture.
Customize the Flavor – Add a splash of almond extract for a nutty twist or a sprinkle of chocolate chips for added sweetness.

Make It Ahead – Assemble the night before and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning for a stress-free brunch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American