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Cozy Apple Butter Croissant Bake with Maple Pecan Streusel

apple butter croissant bake - featured image
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A comforting and easy-to-make fall breakfast bake featuring buttery croissants soaked in apple butter custard, topped with a crunchy maple pecan streusel.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large day-old or slightly stale croissants, roughly torn or sliced
  • 1 cup smooth and thick apple butter
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (2% works fine)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup chopped toasted pecans
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (divided between batter and streusel)

Instructions

  1. Lightly butter or spray a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Tear or slice croissants into bite-sized pieces. Using slightly stale croissants helps them soak up the custard without falling apart.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
  4. Gently fold croissant pieces and apple butter into the custard mixture, making sure croissants are coated but not mushy. Let sit for 10 minutes to soak.
  5. Pour the soaked croissant mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
  6. In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, chopped toasted pecans, and softened butter. Use fingers or a pastry cutter to work butter into dry ingredients until crumbly but sticking together.
  7. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the croissant mixture.
  8. Bake in preheated oven for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp and custard is set but still soft when gently pressed.
  9. Let the bake rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use day-old croissants for best custard absorption. Toast pecans before adding to streusel for enhanced flavor. If top browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. Reheat gently in oven or toaster oven to preserve streusel crunch. Vegan and gluten-free adaptations available.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple butter, croissant bake, maple pecan streusel, fall breakfast, cozy recipe, brunch, easy breakfast casserole

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/cozy-apple-butter-croissant-bake-with-maple-pecan-streusel-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-fall/