Ah, Christmas morning. The kids are up before the sun, the wrapping paper is flying, and coffee is being brewed at record speed. Amid the chaos, breakfast often takes a backseat. But not this year! Enter: Berry French Toast Bake—your Christmas morning hero. This make-ahead marvel ensures that even if the kiddos wake you up at an hour Santa himself would deem unreasonable, you’ll still be ready to serve up a magical breakfast that feels festive, indulgent, and oh-so-effortless.
Why This Recipe is on the Nice List:
- Prep It the Night Before: After the kids are snug in their beds and visions of sugarplums are dancing in their heads, you can whip this up and pop it in the fridge. Wake up, bake, and voilà—breakfast is served!
- Croissant Magic: Using day-old croissants gives this dish a buttery, flaky texture that rivals Santa’s cookies.
- Berry Merry Goodness: The fruity preserves and fresh berries bring a tart-sweet balance that complements the creamy, dreamy custard.
- Stress-Free & Crowd-Pleasing: With minimal effort, you get maximum holiday cheer. Bonus: The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through your home might just outshine the scent of a fresh-cut Christmas tree.
Ingredients You’ll Need (a.k.a. Christmas Cheer in a Dish):
- 6 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups half and half
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 12 cups day-old croissants (about 12-16 croissants), torn into pieces
- 6 tablespoons cold butter, sliced
- 1 cup fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries, blackberries—or all three for extra holiday flair)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Powdered sugar and maple syrup, for serving
How to Sleigh It:
- Prep the Baking Dish: Butter up a 9×13-inch dish like you’re preparing it for a visit from Mrs. Claus herself.
- Custard Time: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Toss the torn croissants in this custardy magic until lightly coated.
- Layer Like a Pro: Add the croissants to the dish and pour the custard over everything.
- Chill Out: Cover the dish and let it hang out in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Trust us, this beauty only gets better with a little nap.
- Bake & Be Merry: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lay those butter slices over the top (buttery goodness incoming!) and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and crisp. If it’s browning too quickly, just tuck it under a foil blanket.
- Whip It Good: While the French toast bakes, whip up the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. Add a touch of powdered sugar or maple syrup for sweetness.
- Deck the Plate: Serve warm, topped with whipped cream, fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. Don’t forget a side of coffee—or maybe a mimosa for the grown-ups!
The Gift That Keeps on Giving:
Not only is this dish a total time-saver, but it also feels like a gift to yourself. Because let’s be honest: You deserve a little holiday magic, too. Whether it’s served as you unwrap presents or during a cozy post-gift breakfast, this Berry & Cream French Toast Bake is destined to become a Christmas tradition.
Make this your new holiday signature—after all, Santa may deliver presents, but you deliver joy.
