Decadent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe
This Decadent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a luscious treat featuring day-old croissants soaked in a rich custard with semi-sweet chocolate chips, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, it offers a warm, chocolatey, and custardy delight that pairs beautifully with fresh berries or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 5 large croissants (preferably day-old), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Custard
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh berries or whipped cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Layer Croissants and Chocolate: Place the cut croissant pieces evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over and between the croissant pieces to distribute the chocolate flavor throughout.
- Make Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, creating a rich custard base.
- Soak the Croissants: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants in the baking dish. Gently press down with a spatula to ensure the croissant pieces soak up the custard evenly.
- Let Sit (Optional): Allow the entire mixture to sit for 10 to 15 minutes so the croissants can absorb the custard well, enhancing the texture and flavor when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. If the top browns too quickly, tent the dish with foil during the last 10 to 15 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Dust the top lightly with powdered sugar for a delicate sweetness, and serve warm with fresh berries or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Use day-old croissants for best results—they hold up better and absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.
- For a mocha twist, add 1 tablespoon of espresso powder to the custard mixture before baking.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight; simply bake it fresh in the morning for convenience.
Keywords: chocolate croissant bake, breakfast casserole, chocolate custard bake, brunch recipes, baked croissant pudding