Quick and Delicious Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake

Start your day with the bright and zesty flavors of Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake. This delightful breakfast dish combines flaky croissants, creamy custard, and a refreshing hint of orange, creating a perfect balance of sweet and citrusy. Ideal for brunch gatherings or a special family breakfast, this bake is easy to prepare and sure to impress.

The inspiration for my Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake came from a lovely Sunday brunch at a quaint café during our family vacation. The dish we tried was so memorable that I decided to recreate it at home. The aroma of fresh orange zest and baking croissants filled the kitchen, drawing my husband and kids in with excitement. As we sat down to enjoy this new breakfast treat, it instantly became a hit. Now, this dish is a beloved part of our weekend mornings, bringing a touch of that vacation magic back to our home.

Why You’ll Love Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake

1. Citrusy Freshness: The bright orange flavor adds a refreshing twist to a classic breakfast bake. 2. Flaky and Creamy: The combination of flaky croissants and creamy custard creates a delightful texture. 3. Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and easy steps make this a perfect dish for any skill level. 4. Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for brunch parties, family breakfasts, or holiday mornings.

Ingredients Notes For Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake

1. Croissants: Use day-old croissants for the best texture. Fresh croissants can be lightly toasted before using. 2. Orange Zest and Juice: Fresh orange zest and juice add a vibrant citrus flavor. 3. Custard: A simple mixture of eggs, milk, and cream creates a rich and creamy custard. 4. Sweetener: Granulated sugar sweetens the custard and balances the citrusy notes.

Recipe Steps

1. Prepare the Croissants:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Cut 6 large croissants into bite-sized pieces and place them in the prepared baking dish.
2. Make the Custard:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 1 cup of whole milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of orange zest, and 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice until well combined.
3. Assemble the Bake:
   • Pour the custard mixture over the croissant pieces, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
   • Gently press down the croissants to help them absorb the custard.
4. Bake:
   • Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the croissants to soak up the custard.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
5. Prepare the Glaze:
   • While the bake is in the oven, prepare a simple glaze by mixing 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice until smooth.
6. Serve:
   • Drizzle the orange glaze over the warm croissant bake.
   • Serve immediately, garnished with additional orange zest if desired.

[pinterest-image message=”The inspiration for my Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake came from a lovely Sunday brunch at a quaint café during our family vacation. The dish we tried was so memorable that I decided to recreate it at home. The aroma of fresh orange zest and baking croissants filled the kitchen, drawing my husband and kids in with excitement. As we sat down to enjoy this new breakfast treat, it instantly became a hit. Now, this dish is a beloved part of our weekend mornings, bringing a touch of that vacation magic back to our home.” image=”https://charmrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Orange-Croissant-Breakfast-Bake-1.png”]

Storage Options

Store any leftovers of the Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Quick and Delicious Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake

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Ingredients

 

• ▢ 6 large croissants cut into 1-inch pieces
• ▢ 1 cup fresh orange juice
• ▢ 1 tablespoon orange zest
• ▢ 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• ▢ 6 large eggs
• ▢ 1 cup whole milk
• ▢ 1 cup heavy cream
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1 cup powdered sugar
• ▢ 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice for glaze
• ▢ 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
• ▢ Fresh orange slices and mint leaves for garnish, optional

Instructions

• Prepare Baking Dish:
• Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place the croissant pieces evenly in the dish.
• Make Custard Mixture:
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, granulated sugar, eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
• Combine and Soak:
• Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant pieces in the baking dish. Press the croissants down gently to ensure they soak up the custard. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
• Preheat Oven:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake:
• Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the croissant mixture.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
• Prepare Orange Glaze:
• In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more orange juice until you reach the desired consistency.
• Serve:
• Drizzle the orange glaze over the baked croissant breakfast bake.
• Garnish with fresh orange slices and mint leaves if desired.
• Serve warm.