If you love warm, comforting breakfasts with a bright pop of flavor, you are going to adore this Cranberry French Toast Bake Recipe. Imagine buttery croissants soaked in a rich custard flecked with cozy cinnamon and nutmeg, baked to golden perfection, then bursting with tart cranberries and fresh orange zest—every bite feels like a festive hug on a plate. This dish is perfect for making ahead and sharing with family or friends, turning any morning into something special and memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cranberry French Toast Bake Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a perfect balance of creamy custard, sweet richness, and tangy fruit brightness. Each element plays a key role in the flavor and texture, ensuring that every bite is deliciously satisfying.
- 8 medium Croissants: The buttery, flaky croissants soak up the custard beautifully, giving the bake its irresistible base.
- 6 large Eggs: These bind the bake together and provide structure with a rich custard texture.
- 2 cups Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and moisture to the custard.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: Elevates the custard’s richness and silky mouthfeel.
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon: Brings a cozy, aromatic note that pairs perfectly with cranberries and orange.
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg: Adds depth and a hint of spice for complexity.
- 2 tablespoons Sugar: Balances the tartness of the cranberries and sweetens the custard slightly.
- 1 tablespoon Orange zest: Gives fresh citrus brightness that enlivens the dish.
- 1.5 cups Cranberries (fresh or frozen): The star fruit providing tangy vibrance and beautiful color.
- 1 cup Sugar: Used to sweeten the cranberry topping for a perfect sweet-tart finish.
- Juice of 1 orange: Enhances the cranberry topping with additional citrus zing.
- 1/2 tablespoon Orange zest: Added to the cranberry topping for extra citrus aroma.
How to Make Cranberry French Toast Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Croissants
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly in the dish. Distribute the cranberries on top, letting them nestle among the croissant pieces for pockets of tangy fruit throughout.
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, sugar, and orange zest until the mixture is smooth and fragrant. This custard is what transforms the croissants into a tender, flavorful French toast bake.
Step 3: Combine and Soak
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants and cranberries in the baking dish. Gently press the croissants down to soak up the custard and ensure everything is well coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight — this soak time is essential to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 4: Prepare the Cranberry Topping
While the bake is soaking, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a glossy topping—about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Remove the plastic wrap and bake the soaked casserole for 50-60 minutes until the top is golden, slightly crisp, and the custard is set. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Cranberry French Toast Bake Recipe
Garnishes
To really wow your guests, sprinkle some powdered sugar over the top and add a few fresh cranberries and orange zest curls. A drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate each serving into a truly decadent breakfast experience.
Side Dishes
This cranberry French toast bake pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast. Fresh fruit salad or a light green salad with citrus vinaigrette also make fresh, bright accompaniments to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch buffets, serve this bake in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a charming presentation. You can also layer the components in a trifle bowl for a stunning breakfast dessert option, alternating croissant custard layers with whipped cream and cranberry topping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover the Cranberry French Toast Bake Recipe tightly and store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, so leftovers make a delicious next-day breakfast or snack.
Freezing
You can freeze the fully baked casserole in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve that perfect custard texture.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Keep it covered loosely with foil to avoid over-browning while reheating.
FAQs
Can I use bread instead of croissants?
Absolutely! While croissants make this bake extra special with their flaky texture, thick slices of brioche or challah also work wonderfully as they soak up the custard well.
Can I prepare the bake the day before?
Yes, and I highly recommend it! Letting the croissants soak overnight allows the flavors to meld and creates that perfect custardy center you want in a French toast bake.
Are fresh cranberries necessary?
Not at all! Frozen cranberries work just as well and are easier to find year-round. Just be sure not to thaw them before mixing so they don’t release too much juice and turn the bake soggy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the milk and cream with your favorite plant-based milks like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The texture might vary slightly but it’ll still be delicious!
How do I make the topping less sweet?
Simply reduce the sugar in the cranberry topping recipe by half. The natural tartness of cranberries balances beautifully with less sugar, especially when paired with the rich custard bake.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry French Toast Bake Recipe is truly a showstopper for breakfast or brunch, combining rich, comforting flavors with bright, festive fruit notes that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this dish invites you to slow down and savor each bite. Give it a try—you won’t regret starting your day with this cozy, flavorful comfort food!
Print
Cranberry French Toast Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cranberry French Toast Bake is a delightful holiday brunch dish featuring buttery croissants soaked in a rich custard made of eggs, whole milk, and heavy cream, infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Topped with a tangy cranberry-orange compote, this make-ahead casserole is perfect for festive gatherings, offering a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
French Toast Bake
- 8 medium croissants
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Cranberry Orange Compote
- 1.5 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup sugar
- Juice of 1 orange
- 1/2 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions
- Prepare the French Toast Base: Slice the croissants into thick pieces and place them evenly in a greased baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, sugar, and orange zest until fully combined.
- Soak the Croissants: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissants, pressing down gently to ensure the croissants absorb the custard. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
- Make the Cranberry Orange Compote: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Bake the French Toast: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and bake the soaked croissants for 50-60 minutes or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Let the French toast bake cool for a few minutes before topping generously with the warm cranberry orange compote. Serve immediately for a cozy, delicious breakfast or brunch.
Notes
- For a richer dish, use brioche instead of croissants.
- Soaking the croissants overnight improves flavor and texture.
- Fresh or frozen cranberries can be used for the compote.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Optional: Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or chopped nuts for garnish.
