Decadent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe
This Decadent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a luscious blend of flaky croissants soaked in a rich vanilla custard, layered with semi-sweet chocolate chips, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a special breakfast treat, it’s easy to prepare ahead and offers the perfect combination of creamy, chocolatey goodness with a crisp, buttery top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast Bake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 5 large croissants (preferably day-old), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Custard Mixture
- 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 easy cleanup.
- Layer Croissants and Chocolate: Evenly distribute the croissant pieces in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over and between the croissant layers to ensure every bite has luscious chocolate.
- Make Custard: In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together the whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Soak the Croissants: Pour the custard evenly over the croissant and chocolate layers, making sure all pieces are well coated. Use a spatula to gently press down on the croissants to help them absorb the custard fully.
- Let Sit (Optional): Allow the croissants to sit for 10–15 minutes so they can soak up the custard mixture, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. If the top browns too quickly, tent with aluminum foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking to prevent burning.
- Serve: Let the bake cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm with fresh berries or whipped cream if desired for an extra indulgent breakfast experience.
Notes
- For best texture, use day-old croissants to absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.
- Feel free to substitute milk with half-and-half or cream for a richer custard.
- Use dark chocolate chips or chunks for a more intense chocolate flavor.
- The bake can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking — just add 10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
- To store leftovers, cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Keywords: chocolate croissant bake, breakfast casserole, chocolate custard bake, croissant breakfast, easy brunch recipe
