Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite breakfast treat: the orange croissant breakfast bake! It’s this delightful fusion of flaky, buttery croissants soaked in a zesty orange custard that just takes morning meals to a whole new level. I remember the first time I made it; my kitchen was filled with the most heavenly aroma, and I could hardly wait for it to come out of the oven! It’s super easy to whip up, especially if you prep it the night before. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like digging into a warm, comforting slice of this bake while sipping on your morning coffee. The bright orange flavor is so refreshing, and it feels like a little piece of sunshine on your plate. You’ll definitely want to make this for your next brunch or lazy Sunday morning!
Ingredients for Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake
To create this delicious orange croissant breakfast bake, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 croissants, torn into bite-sized pieces—don’t worry about making them perfect, the more rustic, the better!
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice—trust me, fresh juice makes a world of difference.
- 1/2 cup whole milk—this adds creaminess!
- 4 large eggs—these will help bind everything together.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar—for a touch of sweetness to balance the tartness.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract—because vanilla makes everything better!
- 1 tablespoon orange zest—this is where the magic happens, adding that zesty kick!
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon—just a hint to warm things up.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar—for dusting right before serving, adding that extra touch of sweetness!
How to Prepare Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake
Now, let’s dive into the steps for making this delightful orange croissant breakfast bake! It’s super simple, and I promise, you’ll have it in the oven in no time!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is so important because it ensures even cooking, giving you that perfectly golden top and custardy middle.
Whisk the Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the orange juice, whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, and cinnamon. Keep whisking until everything is smooth and well combined. The vibrant orange zest is going to make this mixture smell divine!
Prepare the Baking Dish
Next, grab your favorite baking dish and give it a good greasing with butter or non-stick spray. This will help the bake come out easily and keep it from sticking. You don’t want any of that deliciousness left behind!
Layer the Croissants
Now, take those torn croissants and layer them evenly in the prepared baking dish. Make sure they’re spread out nicely; you want every piece to soak up that lovely orange custard!
Pour and Bake
Finally, pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissants, ensuring they’re well soaked. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and a little puffed up. Just imagine that delicious aroma filling your home!
Tips for Success
To make sure your orange croissant breakfast bake turns out perfectly, here are a few tips from my kitchen to yours! First, always use fresh ingredients—especially the orange juice and eggs—as they really enhance the flavor. If you can, let your croissants sit out for a few hours before using them; slightly stale croissants soak up the custard even better! Don’t rush the baking time; keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid burning. And remember, letting it cool slightly before serving helps the flavors settle. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The following values are a general guide per serving of this delicious orange croissant breakfast bake:
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
FAQ Section for Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake
I know you might have some questions about this tasty orange croissant breakfast bake, so let’s dive into a few FAQs to help you out!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire bake the night before. Just follow the steps up until you pour the egg mixture over the croissants, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge. In the morning, just take it out, let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature, and then bake as directed. It’s a real time-saver!
What Can I Substitute for Croissants?
If you don’t have croissants on hand, no worries! You can use brioche, pain au chocolat, or even day-old bagels if you’re feeling adventurous. Just make sure whatever you choose is a bit on the softer side, so it soaks up that delicious custard!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store any leftovers, cover the bake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Just pop it in the microwave or oven to reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy those zesty flavors again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to prepare, perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.
- Deliciously zesty orange flavor that brightens up your breakfast.
- Flaky, buttery croissants soaked in a creamy custard—what’s not to love?
- Versatile enough to be made ahead of time, saving you precious minutes in the morning.
- Pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or yogurt for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions for Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake
To make your breakfast experience even more delightful, consider pairing this orange croissant breakfast bake with some fresh fruit. A bowl of mixed berries or sliced strawberries adds a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the warm, custardy bake. You could also serve it alongside a dollop of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey for a creamy touch. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, a splash of maple syrup on top is heavenly! Enjoy your sunny morning treat!
For more information on the benefits of orange juice, check out Healthline.
Print
Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake: 5 Steps to Blissful Mornings
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious orange croissant breakfast bake that combines flaky croissants with a zesty orange flavor.
Ingredients
- 6 croissants, torn into pieces
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, orange zest, and cinnamon.
- Grease a baking dish and layer the torn croissants in the dish.
- Pour the egg mixture over the croissants, ensuring they are well soaked.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden.
- Let it cool slightly before serving and dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning.
- Pair with fresh fruit for a complete breakfast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: orange croissant breakfast bake
