Decadent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe
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.
- 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
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
