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Decadent Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Croissant French Toast Bake

Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Croissant French Toast Bake - featured image

A luxurious and indulgent French toast bake featuring flaky croissants soaked in a cinnamon-spiced custard, layered with bittersweet chocolate and toasted pistachios, inspired by Middle Eastern flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 large croissants, day-old if possible
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 5 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
  • 1 cup (175 g) bittersweet or dark chocolate chunks
  • 1/2 cup (70 g) shelled pistachios, roughly chopped and toasted
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the croissants into roughly 1-inch pieces and place evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish without overcrowding.
  2. Toast the pistachios in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and cardamom until smooth and combined.
  4. Pour the custard evenly over the croissant pieces in the baking dish. Press down gently to help absorption. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove foil and sprinkle chocolate chunks and toasted pistachios evenly over the croissants. Dot with butter pieces.
  6. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until custard is set and top is golden and slightly crisp. Tent with foil during last 10 minutes if browning too fast.
  7. Let the bake cool for 10 minutes to set. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

Notes

Day-old croissants absorb custard better without becoming mushy. Toast pistachios yourself for best flavor and crunch. Soak croissants at least 1 hour or overnight for best texture. Tent with foil during last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning. Let bake rest 10 minutes before serving. Reheat leftovers in oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes; avoid microwave to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast bake, croissant French toast, chocolate pistachio bake, Dubai inspired breakfast, brunch recipe, easy French toast, custard bake