Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake – Experience the joy of starting your day with our “Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake.” It’s a combination of croissants, sweet orange marmalade and a creamy filling that will make your taste buds dance. This recipe is perfect, for those who enjoy adding a citrusy twist to their breakfast or brunch menu.
The first time I made this delicious breakfast dish my aim was to bring an explosion of flavors and happiness to our Sunday brunch. I can still vividly recall the kitchen being filled with the scent of oranges and the comforting warmth from baking croissants. As I took out the bake from the oven you could feel the excitement in the air. My husband’s eyes lit up with anticipation and our little one couldn’t wait to dive. It instantly became a hit. Has since become a beloved dish in our family bringing us comfort and joy every time it graces our table.
What makes this Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake truly special?
Embrace the combination of croissants and zesty orange flavors, in this Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake; each bite is an exquisite blend of textures and tastes. The refreshing burst of orange marmalade and grated zest adds a kick, to the traditional breakfast bake giving it a delightful twist that is both enticing and comforting. The smooth and creamy cream cheese brings richness perfectly complementing the crispy croissants for an indulgent experience. What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity and accessibility making it suitable for bakers of all skill levels to create a gourmet breakfast or brunch dish that will impress and delight. Whether you’re treating yourself on a weekend or hosting a brunch gathering this bake is sure to be a hit, with everyone bringing moments of happiness and culinary delight.
What You Need To Make This Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe?
Croissants: Opt, for high-quality buttery croissants that are rich and buttery to ensure a flaky texture in every bite. If you happen to have a day or two old croissants they work even better! The slight staleness actually helps them soak up the ingredients beautifully resulting in a moist bake.
Orange Marmalade: Choose a marmalade with a balance of sweetness and bitterness to elevate the citrus profile of your dish. The bits of orange peel nestled within the marmalade also add a layer of texture and zesty goodness.
Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature so that it blends seamlessly with the ingredients. It’s like your weapon for creating an indulgent layer that brings everything together harmoniously.
Granulated Sugar: This pantry essential turns into a symphony when combined with cream cheese perfectly complementing the notes of orange.
Large Eggs: These little wonders play a role, in binding all the ingredients ensuring that each spoonful is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures.
Whole Milk: Its richness elevates the texture of your bake giving it a touch of luxury on your palate.
Orange Zest: Freshly grated orange peel is truly magical as it releases an explosion of citrus aroma and flavor that spreads throughout every part of your bake.
Almond Extract: Just a small splash of almond extract is enough to give your dish a hint of nuttiness that beautifully enhances the orange flavor taking your taste experience to a whole new level.
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Steps To Make Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake:
Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously greasing a 2-quart baking dish, with either butter or a nonstick spray. Then take a bowl and an electric mixer. Beat the cream cheese until it becomes light and fluffy which should take approximately 3 minutes. Add the sugar to the mixture. Continue beating until it blends in completely with the texture. Next incorporate the eggs, milk, zesty orange zest and almond extract into the mixture. Blend them all together until they harmoniously combine with the cream cheese.
Step 2: Now it’s time to invite the chopped croissants to join in on the fun! Spread them out evenly in the baking dish. Add small dollops of marmalade here and there. You might want to give it a stir to ensure that every piece of croissants gets acquainted with some marmalade goodness. Once everyone is well introduced, pour the mixture over the croissants.
Step 3: Cover the dish, with foil as if you were tucking it in for bed then place it in the oven for 30 minutes. Once the baking time is up remove the foil. Continue baking for 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the top turns golden brown and when you insert a toothpick, in the center it comes out clean.
Step 4: Allow it some time to cool down before indulging yourself. If you want to add a touch of elegance sprinkle some sugar on top. Voila! You now have a breakfast bake that will surely bring some sunshine to your mornings. Enjoy!
Tip:
For an indulgent and luxurious experience you can enhance your bake by drizzling a homemade orange glaze, over the top just before serving. To prepare the glaze combine sugar, fresh orange juice and a touch of vanilla extract until it becomes smooth. By adding this glaze not only will you introduce a layer of sweetness but it will also intensify the orange flavor resulting in a truly irresistible dessert-like finish to your breakfast bake. Additionally, it will provide a sheen that will make your dish look as delightful as it tastes. This simple addition elevates your bake from delightful to absolutely divine. Ensures that your breakfast or brunch becomes a feast, for both the eyes and the taste buds!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of bread if I don’t have croissants?
While croissants offer a texture that’s flaky and buttery you can substitute them with another type of bread if needed. Brioche or challah bread would be alternatives as they have a soft and rich crumb. Simply cut them into chunks. You’re good to proceed!
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish the night. Refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake just remember to add 5 to 10 minutes of baking time since starting from a colder temperature will require some additional cooking. It’s a way to simplify your morning routine while still treating yourself to a gourmet breakfast.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily modify the recipe for a dairy-free diet. Replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative use almond milk or another plant-based milk instead of whole milk and ensure your croissants are also free, from dairy. Many stores offer dairy-free cream cheese options that should work well in this recipe. Just be aware that the final texture and taste may vary slightly compared to the original version.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake
Ingredients
- 4 croissants roughly chopped
- 1 c orange marmalade
- 1 8 ounces package cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 c granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 c whole milk
- Zest from one orange
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking dish that can hold 2 quarts (an 8-inch square dish should work well). Make sure to grease it with either butter or a nonstick spray.
- In a bowl use a mixer to beat the cream cheese until it becomes smooth and fluffy. This process usually takes around 3 minutes of mixing.
- Add the granulated sugar to the mixture. Continue beating until it is fully incorporated. Then gradually add the eggs, milk, orange zest and almond extract making sure to mix after each addition.
- Evenly distribute the chopped croissants, in the greased baking dish. Next, add spoonfuls of orange marmalade throughout the dish. You can gently stir it a bit to ensure it is evenly spread.
- Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture, over the croissants and marmalade making sure everything is covered evenly.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Place it in the oven. Allow it to bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil. Continue baking for another 15 minutes or until the top turns a golden brown color and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once it's finished baking, remove it from the oven. Allow it to cool for a while before serving. If you prefer you can sprinkle some sugar on top to add a touch of sweetness.
- Savor your delicious homemade Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
