Flaky croissants, zesty orange marmalade, and a creamy custard bake into a warm, golden breakfast dish. This Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake is easy, delicious, and perfect for brunch!
I have a confession—I always buy croissants in bulk. And not because I have a huge family to feed, but because I have zero self-control when I see that golden, flaky goodness in the bakery section.
The problem? After a couple of days, those beautiful, buttery croissants lose their just-baked magic and start feeling a little sad. That’s exactly how this Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake happened.
One morning, I was staring at my slightly stale croissants, debating if I should just toast them and call it a day. But then I spotted a jar of orange marmalade in the fridge. And suddenly, it hit me—why not turn these leftover croissants into a warm, citrusy baked breakfast casserole?
So, I grabbed some cream cheese, eggs, and milk, threw it all together, and hoped for the best. What came out of the oven? Pure. Brunch. Perfection.
If you love the idea of French toast meets buttery pastry meets orange-scented heaven, then trust me—you need to try this.
Why You’ll Love This Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe?
- Rich & Buttery – Croissants give this bake an ultra-flaky, indulgent texture.
- Bright & Citrusy – The orange marmalade adds a tangy sweetness that balances out the richness.
- Creamy & Soft – The custard mixture soaks in just enough to keep it moist but not soggy.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for prepping the night before!
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor – No fancy techniques required—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
Ingredient Notes:
Every ingredient in this Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake has a purpose. Here’s why they work so well together:
- Croissants – Day-old croissants work best! They soak up the custard without turning mushy. If yours are fresh, leave them out for a few hours to dry out a bit.
- Orange Marmalade – This gives the bake its signature citrus flavor! If you prefer a sweeter taste, go for a honey-sweetened marmalade.
- Cream Cheese – Adds richness and a smooth, creamy texture that makes the dish feel extra indulgent.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the custard just enough without overpowering the orange flavor.
- Eggs – The binding ingredient that holds everything together while giving it that soft, custardy texture.
- Whole Milk – Keeps the custard creamy and smooth. You can use half-and-half for an even richer version.
- Orange Zest – Don’t skip this! The zest enhances the citrus flavor and makes the whole dish smell incredible.
- Almond Extract – Just a tiny bit adds a warm, nutty aroma that complements the orange beautifully.
How To Make Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake?
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 2-quart baking dish (an 8-inch square dish works well). You can use butter or a nonstick spray—your call!
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy—this helps avoid lumps in the custard. Add the sugar, then mix in the eggs, milk, orange zest, and almond extract. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
Tear or chop the croissants into bite-sized pieces and scatter them evenly in the greased dish. Spoon dollops of orange marmalade throughout—don’t stress about perfection! A little swirl action is fine.
Now, pour the custard mixture evenly over everything. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes so the croissants can soak up all that deliciousness.
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Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
Let the bake cool for 10 minutes before serving. For extra flair, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a little extra marmalade on top!
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 30-40 seconds.
Pro Tip: Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it from drying out!
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to switch things up? Try these variations!
- Berry Version – Replace the orange marmalade with raspberry or blueberry preserves.
- Nutty Twist – Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top before baking.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Edition – Add chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
- Boozy Brunch Option – Mix a splash of Grand Marnier into the custard for a fun, grown-up twist!
What to Serve with Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake?
This dish is already a brunch superstar, but here are some perfect pairings:
- Fresh Berries – Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a fresh contrast.
- Whipped Cream – Because why not add a little extra indulgence?
- Bacon or Sausage – The salty-sweet combo is always a win.
- Mimosas or Coffee – Need I say more?
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake it in the morning.
Do I have to use croissants?
Nope! Brioche, challah, or even Hawaiian rolls work great too.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free milk, vegan cream cheese, and coconut whipped cream as a topping.
Try It & Let Me Know!
If you love the flaky, buttery goodness of croissants, the bright, citrusy pop of orange, and the comfort of a warm, custardy breakfast bake, this Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake is for you.
Whether you’re making it for a holiday brunch, a lazy weekend morning, or just because you need an excuse to use up croissants, it’s one of those easy, feel-good recipes you’ll make again and again.
So, what do you think? Will this be on your next brunch menu? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how it turns out!
<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!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
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!
