Take your French toast game to the next level with this Easy Croissant French Toast recipe! Buttery, flaky croissants soak up a rich vanilla-cinnamon custard, then are pan-fried until golden and crispy on the outside while staying soft and fluffy inside.
This decadent breakfast is perfect for weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or anytime you’re craving something sweet, buttery, and comforting. Best of all, it’s super easy to make in under 20 minutes!
Let’s turn those leftover croissants into the best French toast ever!
Why You’ll Love This Croissant French Toast
- Ultra Buttery & Fluffy – The croissants make this extra light and rich.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Golden & Crispy Outside, Soft Inside – A perfect texture contrast!
- Great for Using Leftover Croissants – No waste, just deliciousness.
- Perfect for Brunch or Special Occasions – Fancy but effortless!
What Does Croissant French Toast Taste Like?
Imagine the buttery, flaky texture of a croissant, combined with the rich, sweet vanilla-cinnamon custard of classic French toast. It’s crispy on the outside, soft and melt-in-your-mouth inside, with hints of warm cinnamon and maple syrup in every bite.
Ingredients for Easy Croissant French Toast
For the Custard:
- 4 large croissants, sliced in half
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Pinch of salt
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Whipped cream
- Sliced bananas or toasted nuts (optional)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Large skillet or griddle
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- No Milk? – Use almond milk, oat milk, or heavy cream.
- Extra Flavor? – Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of orange zest.
- Make It Boozy! – Add 1 tablespoon of Grand Marnier or bourbon for a grown-up twist.
- Dairy-Free? – Use coconut milk and dairy-free butter.
How to Make Croissant French Toast
1. Prep the Custard
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
✔ Eggs
✔ Milk
✔ Vanilla extract
✔ Cinnamon
✔ Maple syrup or honey
✔ Pinch of salt
2. Soak the Croissants
- Slice croissants in half.
- Dip each half into the custard mixture, letting it soak for 10-15 seconds per side.
- Shake off any excess custard.
3. Cook Until Golden & Crispy
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt butter.
- Place soaked croissants cut-side down and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes, until crispy on the outside.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
- Dust with powdered sugar.
- Drizzle with warm maple syrup.
- Add fresh berries, bananas, or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
💡 Serving Tip: Serve warm with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for the ultimate sweet-and-savory combo!
Expert Tips for the Best Croissant French Toast
- Use Day-Old Croissants – Slightly stale croissants absorb the custard better without getting soggy.
- Don’t Over-Soak – Too much soaking makes them fall apart! 10-15 seconds per side is perfect.
- Use Medium Heat – Cooking on high heat burns the outside before the inside is fully cooked.
- Toast the Croissants First (Optional) – If your croissants are very soft, lightly toast them before dipping to help them hold their shape.
- Make Ahead – Mix the custard the night before for an even quicker breakfast!
What to Serve with Croissant French Toast
- Crispy Bacon or Sausage – A savory side balances the sweetness.
- Scrambled or Poached Eggs – Adds protein and richness.
- Yogurt & Granola – A fresh, light pairing.
- Caramelized Bananas – Adds a sweet, buttery topping.
How to Store & Reheat Croissant French Toast
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked croissant French toast for up to 2 months. Separate with parchment paper before freezing.
- Reheat:
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until warm.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 4-5 minutes for a crispy texture.
- Microwave: Heat for 30-40 seconds, but it won’t be as crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use store-bought croissants?
Yes! Any buttery, flaky croissants work, but day-old ones are best for soaking up the custard.
2. Can I bake this instead of frying?
Yes! Place soaked croissants on a buttered baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
3. How do I make this extra decadent?
- Add chocolate chips to the custard for a Chocolate Croissant French Toast.
- Stuff with cream cheese & strawberries before soaking!
- Drizzle with caramel sauce or Nutella for a sweet upgrade.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Mix the custard ahead of time and refrigerate overnight. You can also soak and bake the croissants in a casserole dish for an easy overnight French toast bake!
5. What’s the difference between Croissant French Toast and regular French Toast?
Croissant French toast is richer, fluffier, and more buttery than regular bread-based French toast. The croissants give it a lighter, airy texture while still being crispy on the outside.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Croissant French Toast is buttery, crispy, and absolutely irresistible—perfect for brunch, holidays, or when you just want to treat yourself! The combination of flaky croissants, warm cinnamon custard, and sweet maple syrup makes every bite pure heaven.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turned out! Share your brunch creations on Pinterest and leave a review below—I’d love to hear from you!
More Delicious Breakfast Recipes to Try
- Fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes – Light, citrusy, and melt-in-your-mouth good!
- Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats – A sweet, healthy breakfast.
- Crispy Bacon & Egg Breakfast Wrap – Quick, protein-packed, and delicious!
Happy brunching! 🥐🍯✨