A Luxurious Breakfast Treat for Every Occasion
Imagine waking up to the warm, inviting aroma of buttery croissants, sweet strawberries, and creamy goodness baking in your oven. Strawberries & Cream Croissant Bake is the ultimate breakfast or brunch dish that combines elegance with ease. Perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
In this article, you’ll learn how to create this decadent dish, with detailed steps, helpful tips, and everything you need to know to make it flawless every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of cream cheese and strawberry jam creates a heavenly filling.
- Simple Yet Impressive: With a few easy steps, you’ll have a show-stopping dish.
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or lazy weekends.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it the night before and bake in the morning.
Ingredients for Strawberries & Cream Croissant Bake
For the Croissant Bake
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Large croissants | 6 |
Eggs | 4 |
Milk | 1 cup |
St. Germain (elderflower liqueur) | 2 tablespoons |
Vanilla extract | 1 tablespoon |
Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
Cream cheese | 8 ounces |
Strawberry jam | 1/3 cup |
Butter (for greasing) | As needed |
For the Caramelized Topping
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Butter | 2 tablespoons |
Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons |
Maple syrup | 2 tablespoons |
For the Topping
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Strawberries (sliced) | 1 cup |
St. Germain | 1 tablespoon |
Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Maple syrup | 1 tablespoon |
Whipped cream (optional) | For serving |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a large baking sheet with butter to prevent sticking and enhance the flavor.
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a large shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, St. Germain, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Set aside to dip the croissants later.
3. Slice and Fill the Croissants
- Make a 1-inch slit at the top of each croissant. Gently move your knife to create a small pocket, being careful not to poke through the sides.
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese and strawberry jam until streaks of red and white remain.
- Transfer the mixture to a ziplock bag, snip off a corner, and pipe about 2 tablespoons of filling into each croissant pocket.
4. Dip the Croissants
- Dip each filled croissant into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for 1 minute per side.
- Arrange half the dipped croissants on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake the Croissants
- Brush each croissant with leftover egg batter for added flavor and a golden crust.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown.
6. Add the Caramelized Topping
- Melt the butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup in a small saucepan.
- Spoon the mixture evenly over each croissant.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the croissants are caramelized and crisp.
7. Prepare the Strawberries
- Toss the sliced strawberries with St. Germain, vanilla extract, and maple syrup.
- Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
8. Serve and Enjoy
- Top the warm croissants with the marinated strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet, tangy, and buttery flavors.
Tips for Success
Use Fresh Croissants
- Fresh, buttery croissants provide the best texture and flavor. Avoid stale or overly soft croissants.
Don’t Overfill the Croissants
- A small amount of filling ensures the croissants don’t burst during baking.
Adjust Sweetness
- For a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of jam or skip the caramelized topping.
Make It Your Own
- Swap the strawberry jam for raspberry, apricot, or your favorite flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving for a classic touch.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 380 |
Protein | 8g |
Fat | 20g |
Carbohydrates | 35g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sodium | 280mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the filled croissants and refrigerate them overnight. Bake them fresh in the morning.
2. What Can I Use Instead of St. Germain?
You can substitute orange juice, almond extract, or a splash of rum for a different flavor profile.
3. Can I Use Frozen Croissants?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before filling and baking.
4. What Other Toppings Can I Add?
Fresh berries, nuts, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce work wonderfully as additional toppings.
5. Can I Freeze Leftovers?
It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but you can freeze baked croissants and reheat them in the oven for a quick treat.
6. How Can I Make It Healthier?
Use whole-grain croissants, reduce the amount of butter, or opt for a lighter cream cheese to cut down on calories.
Serving Suggestions
Side Dish | Why It Works |
---|---|
Fresh fruit salad | Complements the sweet flavors |
Greek yogurt | Adds a tangy contrast |
Espresso or coffee | Balances the richness |
Turn Your Morning into a Celebration
Strawberries & Cream Croissant Bake isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience that transforms any morning into a celebration. With its rich flavors, buttery texture, and fresh strawberry topping, it’s the perfect way to treat yourself and your loved ones.
Ready to bake this irresistible croissant dish? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a breakfast that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
PrintStrawberries & Cream Croissant Bake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Wake up to the perfect combination of buttery croissants, sweet strawberries, and creamy filling with this Strawberries & Cream Croissant Bake. A decadent breakfast or brunch dish that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress, it’s ideal for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Croissant Bake:
- 6 large croissants
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons St. Germain (elderflower liqueur) or orange juice
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup strawberry jam
- Butter (for greasing the baking dish)
For the Caramelized Topping:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
For the Topping:
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 tablespoon St. Germain (or orange juice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Whipped cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, St. Germain, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Fill the Croissants
- Slice a small pocket into each croissant.
- Mix cream cheese and strawberry jam in a bowl, leaving some streaks for a marbled effect.
- Pipe or spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling into each croissant pocket.
- Dip the Croissants
- Dip each filled croissant into the egg mixture, soaking each side for about 1 minute.
- Arrange the croissants in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the Croissants
- Brush any leftover egg mixture over the croissants.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Add the Caramelized Topping
- Melt butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Drizzle the mixture over the baked croissants.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes until the topping is caramelized.
- Prepare the Strawberry Topping
- Toss sliced strawberries with St. Germain, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Let sit for a few minutes to marinate.
- Serve
- Top warm croissants with marinated strawberries and whipped cream if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a less sweet version, reduce the amount of jam or omit the caramelized topping.
- Use fresh croissants for the best results.
- Substitute St. Germain with orange juice or rum for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired