Strawberry Croissant French Toast with Mascarpone Whipped Cream
There is something about the weekend that makes breakfast feel less like a routine and more like a ritual.
During the week, mornings are often about getting everyone fed and moving. But on the weekends, I love slowing down and making breakfast feel special. I turn on music, take my time in the kitchen, and make something that encourages everyone to sit at the table a little longer. It does not have to be complicated. It just needs to feel thoughtful, indulgent, and worthy of a slow morning.
This strawberry croissant French toast with mascarpone whipped cream is exactly that kind of breakfast. Buttery croissants are dipped in a vanilla-scented custard, cooked until golden, and layered with sweet strawberries. The mascarpone whipped cream adds a soft, luxurious finish that melts into every warm, flaky layer.
It is beautiful enough for brunch guests or a celebratory breakfast, but simple enough to make simply because it is Saturday.
| Original photography by Chanel Murphy
Servings: 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Strawberries
1 pound fresh strawberries
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Mascarpone Whipped Cream
8 ounces mascarpone cheese, cold
¾ cup heavy whipping cream, cold
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Small pinch of Chanel Patrice flake sea salt
For the Croissant French Toast
4 large croissants
4 large eggs
¾ cup whole milk
¼ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon Chanel Patrice flake sea salt
2 to 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking
For Serving
Warm pure maple syrup
Additional fresh strawberries
Powdered sugar, optional
Chanel Patrice flake sea salt, optional
Fresh mint, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Strawberries
Remove the stems from the strawberries. Slice most of the berries, reserving a few whole or halved strawberries for garnishing.
Place the sliced strawberries in a medium bowl. Add the granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Gently stir until the strawberries are evenly coated.
Allow the berries to rest at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. The sugar will draw out their natural juices, creating a light strawberry syrup.
2. Make the Mascarpone Whipped Cream
Place the cold mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
Using a hand mixer, beat on low speed for approximately 20 seconds, just until the mascarpone begins to soften.
Slowly pour in the cold heavy cream while continuing to mix. Increase the speed to medium and whip until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and able to hold soft-to-medium peaks.
Be careful not to overmix, as mascarpone can become grainy when whipped for too long.
Cover and refrigerate the mascarpone whipped cream while you prepare the French toast.
3. Prepare the Croissants
Slice each croissant in half horizontally.
For the best texture, use croissants that are slightly stale or one day old. They will absorb the custard without becoming overly soft or falling apart.
4. Make the French Toast Custard
In a shallow bowl or baking dish, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
Continue whisking until the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
5. Dip the Croissants
Place each croissant half into the custard mixture, cut side down first.
Allow the croissants to soak for approximately 10 to 15 seconds on each side. Croissants absorb liquid quickly, so avoid leaving them in the custard for too long.
Lift each piece from the custard and allow any excess mixture to drip back into the bowl.
6. Cook Until Golden
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Add enough butter to lightly coat the surface.
Place the croissant halves in the skillet, working in batches as needed.
Cook for approximately two to three minutes on each side, or until golden brown and warmed through. Pay close attention to the heat, as the butter and sugar in the custard can brown quickly.
Add additional butter to the skillet between batches when necessary.
7. Assemble the French Toast
Place two croissant halves onto each plate.
Spoon the macerated strawberries and their juices over the warm croissants. Add a generous dollop of mascarpone whipped cream.
Finish with warm maple syrup, additional fresh strawberries, and a light dusting of powdered sugar.
For a sweet-and-salty finish, add the faintest pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving.
How to Keep Croissant French Toast from Becoming Soggy
Croissants are more delicate than traditional French toast bread, so the dipping time matters.
Use croissants that are at least one day old and dip them briefly into the custard. Ten to fifteen seconds per side is usually enough. Cook them over medium-low heat so the custard has time to set without burning the flaky exterior.
The finished croissants should be golden and lightly crisp on the outside, with a soft, custardy center.
Can Mascarpone Whipped Cream Be Made Ahead?
The mascarpone whipped cream can be prepared up to one day in advance and refrigerated in a covered container.
Before serving, gently whisk it by hand to restore its soft, pillowy texture.
The strawberries can also be washed and sliced in advance. Wait until 15 to 20 minutes before serving to add the sugar so the berries do not become overly soft.
What to Serve with Croissant French Toast
Serve this strawberry croissant French toast with softly scrambled eggs, crisp breakfast potatoes, or a bright citrus salad.
For drinks, pair it with coffee, champagne, sparkling water with berries, or a fragrant tea. It is a weekend breakfast with its earrings on.
From the Chanel Patrice Kitchen
I believe the most memorable meals are often created in the quiet moments at home.
Weekend breakfast is one of my favorite ways to slow down, gather my family around the table, and turn an ordinary morning into something beautiful. This strawberry croissant French toast is rich, joyful, and meant to be enjoyed without rushing.
Make it for the people you love, pour the maple syrup generously, and stay at the table a little longer.