Decadent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Decadent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a perfect treat for a cozy morning or special brunch. Combining flaky croissants with rich chocolate and a creamy custard, it’s an indulgent way to start your day.

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 for topping: Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Optional for serving: Fresh berries or whipped cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Place the croissant pieces evenly in the baking dish and sprinkle the chocolate chips over and between the layers.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants and gently press down with a spatula to help them soak up the liquid.
5. Step 5: Allow the mixture to sit for 10–15 minutes so the croissants absorb the custard.
6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set. If it browns too quickly, tent with foil during the last 10–15 minutes.
7. Step 7: Let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm with fresh berries or whipped cream if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, substitute half of the whole milk with heavy cream.
• Use a mix of dark and semi-sweet chocolate chips for a deeper chocolate flavor.
• If croissants are fresh, allow soaking time to increase to 20 minutes for better custard absorption.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or orange zest to the custard for a flavor twist.

Storage

Store leftover bake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes to maintain crisp edges.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen croissants for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen croissants completely before cutting and using. Day-old or slightly stale croissants work best for soaking up the custard.

Can I prepare this recipe the night before?

Absolutely. Assemble the bake, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it the next morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Decadent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 142 reviews

This Decadent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a luxurious and comforting morning treat, combining flaky croissant pieces with melted semi-sweet chocolate, all soaked in a rich vanilla custard. Perfect for brunch or a special breakfast, this bake requires minimal prep and yields a deliciously warm and indulgent dish that pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or whipped cream.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Layer Croissants and Chocolate: Evenly place 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 a hint of chocolate.
3. Make Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined and smooth to create the custard mixture.
4. Soak the Croissants: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants. Use a spatula to gently press the croissant pieces down, helping them absorb the custard thoroughly.
5. Let Sit (Optional): Allow the mixture to rest for 10 to 15 minutes so the croissant pieces soak up the custard fully for a richer texture.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is fully set. If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar, then serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh berries or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Notes

• Day-old croissants work best as they hold up better when soaked in custard without becoming too soggy.
• You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate or milk chocolate according to taste preference.
• Letting the bake sit before baking enhances custard absorption but is optional if short on time.
• Cover loosely with foil during baking if the top begins to over-brown.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: chocolate croissant bake, breakfast casserole, chocolate breakfast bake, custard bake, brunch recipe, easy breakfast bake