Decadent Almond-Croissant French Toast
Experience an indulgent start to your Christmas morning with this Decadent Almond-Croissant French Toast, inspired by the renowned Wickwood Inn in Saugatuck, MI. This luxurious recipe combines buttery, flaky croissants with a luscious egg and cream custard flavored with zesty orange and aromatic Grand Marnier. Topped with crisp, toasted almonds and a hint of cinnamon, each slice is a delightful balance of creamy and crunchy textures. Prepare it the day before for a stress-free morning, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Pair it with warm pure maple syrup for the perfect festive treat that will impress family and friends alike!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Croissants
6 (Buttered and halved or left whole)
Heavy cream
3/4 cup (None)
Milk
3/4 cup (None)
Eggs
6 (Slightly beaten)
Grand Marnier
1/4 cup (None)
Sugar
2 teaspoons (Divided as needed)
Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Orange zest
1 teaspoon (Minced)
Sliced almonds
1/2 cup (Toasted)
Dried tart cherries
1/4 cup (Optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Lightly grease a 9 x 12 rectangular baking dish with spray butter (or Pam).
3
Slice the croissants in half lengthwise, or leave them whole, and arrange them in the baking dish, placing two croissants per row, side by side, until the dish is filled.
4
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, slightly beaten eggs, Grand Marnier, sugar, cinnamon, and minced orange zest until fully combined.
5
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants, making sure each piece is soaked. If desired, sprinkle the dried tart cherries over the croissants before covering.
6
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the croissants to absorb the custard and flavors.
7
The next morning, remove the dish from the refrigerator and uncover it. Sprinkle the top evenly with 1 teaspoon of sugar, followed by the cinnamon and toasted almonds, and lightly dust with another teaspoon of sugar.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
9
Serve immediately with warm pure maple syrup, and enjoy a festive breakfast with your loved ones!
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
25g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Decadent Almond-Croissant French Toast.
What was the inspiration for this French toast?
This recipe was inspired by the renowned Wickwood Inn in Saugatuck, MI.
How many croissants are required for this recipe?
You will need 6 croissants for this dish.
Should the croissants be whole or sliced?
You can either slice the croissants in half lengthwise or leave them whole.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 9 x 12 rectangular baking dish is recommended.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
Lightly grease the baking dish with spray butter or Pam.
What ingredients make up the custard mixture?
The custard consists of heavy cream, milk, slightly beaten eggs, Grand Marnier, sugar, cinnamon, and minced orange zest.
How many eggs are used in the custard?
The recipe calls for 6 slightly beaten eggs.
What does Grand Marnier add to the recipe?
Grand Marnier provides a luscious aromatic flavor with citrus notes.
How much orange zest is needed?
You will need 1 teaspoon of minced orange zest.
Is there an optional fruit ingredient for this dish?
Yes, 1/4 cup of dried tart cherries can be added as an optional ingredient.
Can this recipe be prepared in advance?
Yes, it is designed to be prepared and refrigerated overnight for a stress-free morning.
How long should the French toast refrigerate?
The dish should be covered tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerated overnight.
What toppings are added just before baking?
Before baking, sprinkle the top with sugar, cinnamon, and toasted almonds.
What type of almonds should be used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sliced, toasted almonds.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the French toast take to bake?
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
How do you know when the French toast is done?
The dish is ready when the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
What should you serve with this dish?
Serve it immediately with warm pure maple syrup.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 400 calories per serving.
What is the fat content for this recipe?
The fat content is 25g per serving.
How much protein is in this French toast?
Each serving contains 10g of protein.
What are the carbohydrate values?
The dish contains 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is the cinnamon used inside the custard or as a topping?
Cinnamon is used both in the custard whisked with the eggs and as a topping before baking.
How many total ingredients are listed in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients in total.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
The recipe calls for a mix of 3/4 cup heavy cream and 3/4 cup milk for a luxurious texture.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It provides a balance of creamy custard-soaked croissants and crunchy toasted almonds.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday brunch?
Yes, it is specifically described as a perfect festive treat for Christmas morning or holiday brunch.
How do you arrange the croissants in the dish?
Place them side by side, with two croissants per row until the dish is filled.
When should the sugar be added?
Sugar is whisked into the custard initially and also sprinkled on top before baking.