Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe
This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a deliciously indulgent yet easy-to-make breakfast or brunch dish. Cubes of day-old croissants are soaked in a rich custard with semi-sweet chocolate chips, then baked to golden, custardy perfection. The bake is perfect for cozy mornings or special occasions and pairs beautifully with fresh berries or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 5 large croissants (preferably day-old), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 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 into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips generously over and between the croissant pieces to create an even chocolate distribution.
- Make Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined, forming a rich custard.
- Soak the Croissants: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant and chocolate layers. Use a spatula to gently press down on the croissants, helping them absorb the custard fully.
- Let Sit (Optional): Allow the custard-soaked croissants to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the bread soak up the custard more thoroughly for a custardy texture inside once baked.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. If the top starts browning too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking.
- Serve: Let the bake cool slightly after removing it from the oven. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm alongside fresh berries or whipped cream as desired for an extra touch of indulgence.
Notes
- Day-old croissants work best as they soak up the custard without becoming too mushy.
- Using whole milk adds richness, but you can substitute with 2% or plant-based milk if preferred.
- Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest to the custard for extra flavor.
- This bake can be prepared the night before; simply refrigerate after soaking and bake in the morning.
- Ensure not to overbake to keep the custard creamy and the croissants tender.
Keywords: chocolate croissant bake, breakfast casserole, custard bake, chocolate breakfast bake, croissant recipe, brunch recipe
