Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake

INGREDIENTS:

4 croissants, roughly chopped

1 cup orange marmalade

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, at room temperature

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

Zest from one orange

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 2 qt baking dish (8-inch square works well) with butter or nonstick spray.

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Add sugar and beat until fully incorporated, then add eggs, milk, orange zest, and almond extract and again mix to combine.

Place chopped croissants in prepared baking dish and place dollops of marmalade among them, stirring a bit to distribute if needed.

Pour cream cheese mixture over croissants, then cover dish tightly with foil.

Bake 30 minutes, then uncover and bake until top is golden brown and toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 15 more minutes.

Let cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, and serve. Enjoy!