Orange Croissant French Toast Recipe

There’s a certain elegance to breakfast when it involves orange croissant French toast. Maybe it’s the way buttery croissants soak up zesty orange custard, or how the citrus scent brightens the morning air. This recipe is both a nod to cherished Sunday brunches and a celebration of fresh, sunny flavors.

In my family, croissants have always been a special treat. My grandmother used to serve them warm with marmalade and butter. One day, I decided to blend those memories into something a little more indulgent: orange croissant French toast. The result was pure brunch magic rich, fluffy, citrus-kissed perfection that instantly became a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Orange Croissant French Toast

Orange croissant French toast brings everything you love about classic French toast with a twist of citrus that makes it feel fresh and light. The croissants add buttery layers that soak beautifully into the orange-vanilla custard. If you’ve enjoyed Buttery Croissant French Toast Breakfast, this recipe is its sunny, zesty cousin.

This dish works for breakfast, brunch, or even a dessert-for-dinner moment. Whether you’re impressing guests or just treating yourself, it’s a showstopper.

Pure Comfort

Imagine biting into a croissant that’s crispy on the outside, tender inside, and perfumed with orange zest. The custard is creamy with subtle notes of vanilla and citrus. It’s topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, a splash of maple syrup, and perhaps some fresh orange segments or berries. That’s the comfort food magic of orange croissant French toast.

Ingredients for Orange Croissant French Toast

4 large day-old croissants
3 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Butter, for pan
Powdered sugar, for serving
Maple syrup, for drizzling
Fresh orange slices or berries (optional)

What You Need

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Non-stick skillet or griddle
• Shallow dish for dipping
• Zester or fine grater
• Citrus juicer (optional but helpful)

Time to Cook Orange Croissant French Toast

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Steps to Make It

Step 1: Prep the Croissants

Slice croissants in half lengthwise. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Custard

Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, orange juice, zest, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a bowl until smooth.

Step 3: Dip the Croissants

Dip each half into the custard for 15–20 seconds per side. Let any excess drip off.

Step 4: Cook Until Golden

Heat butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook croissants for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and set.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Plate with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and orange slices or berries. Serve immediately.

Make It Perfect

• Use day-old croissants: They hold custard better without falling apart.
• Zest first: Always zest your orange before juicing it.
• Don’t rush the soak: Let the custard saturate for flavor.
• Control the heat: Too high and the sugar in the custard burns before the inside cooks.

For more French toast pro tips, check out 15 Incredible Secrets to Perfect Hawaiian Rolls French Toast.

Mix It Up

Want to personalize your orange croissant French toast? Try these twists:

• Add orange liqueur to the custard for a grown-up brunch.
• Swap orange for lemon zest and juice for a tangy variation.
• Add a cream cheese-orange marmalade filling before dipping the croissants.
• Try it with flavored croissants (almond, chocolate, etc.) for extra flair.

Perfect Partners

Pair your orange croissant French toast with:

• A light citrus salad or berry bowl
• Whipped cream with a hint of vanilla or mascarpone
• A mimosa or fresh-squeezed orange juice
• Refreshing Iced Coffee for a complete brunch combo

Busy Day Hero

Short on time? Prep the custard mix the night before and store it in the fridge. Use store-bought croissants and reheat them slightly in the oven for easy assembly.

Work Ahead

This dish is make-ahead friendly. Dip and cook the croissants, then refrigerate them. In the morning, reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer. Just don’t skip the garnishes they wake the dish right up.

Save Some For Later

Have leftovers? Let the croissants cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven not the microwave, which makes them soggy.

Everyone’s Happy

Kids love the mild sweetness and orange flavor. Grown-ups love the brunch-worthy presentation. It’s a dish that pleases everyone at the table.

Good For You Too

This recipe offers a little boost from the orange juice and zest hello, vitamin C! You can lighten it up with whole milk or use a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or oat.

Easy Clean Up

Since everything happens in one bowl and one pan, cleanup is a breeze. Bonus tip: soak your skillet in warm soapy water right after cooking to lift any custard bits with ease.

Switch It Up

Not in the mood for croissants? Try:

• Thick sourdough slices soaked in orange custard (inspired by Why Sourdough Bread Makes the Best Toast)
• Brioche or challah for a more traditional French toast feel
• Puff pastry, baked flat and then dipped for a super flaky version

Simply Perfect

What makes orange croissant French toast simply perfect is its balance flaky pastry, creamy custard, and citrus brightness. It’s rich but not heavy, elegant yet approachable.

FAQs for Orange Croissant French Toast

Can I use bottled orange juice?
Yes, but fresh juice gives a more vibrant flavor.

Can I freeze the finished dish?
You can freeze cooked French toast and reheat it in the oven or air fryer.

Is this recipe good for a brunch buffet?
Absolutely! Serve with a build-your-own toppings bar for guests.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk and coconut cream for a delicious alternative.

Can I skip the orange zest?
It’s key to the citrus flavor. If skipped, add a drop of orange extract.

Conclusion for Orange Croissant French Toast

Orange croissant French toast is the ultimate blend of buttery, citrusy, and creamy goodness. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels like a hug from the inside out perfect for lazy mornings, holiday brunches, or just treating yourself because you can. Its fresh orange notes and golden layers make it a recipe worth returning to again and again.

Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!