Decadent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe

Introduction

This decadent chocolate croissant breakfast bake is a delightful twist on traditional French toast. Layers of buttery croissants and semi-sweet chocolate chips soak in a rich custard, then bake to golden perfection. It’s a perfect weekend treat that feels indulgent but is easy to prepare.

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). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Place the croissant pieces evenly in the baking dish. 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. Gently press down with a spatula to help the croissants soak up the custard.
5. Step 5: Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes so the croissants absorb the custard thoroughly (optional but recommended).
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

• Use day-old croissants for best results, as they hold up better and soak up custard without becoming too mushy.
• For a mocha twist, add 1 tablespoon of espresso powder to the custard mixture before baking.
• This bake can be assembled the night before and refrigerated; just bake it fresh in the morning for a time-saving breakfast.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This bake is best enjoyed warm on the day it’s made, but reheating brings back much of its original charm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh croissants instead of day-old?

While you can use fresh croissants, day-old croissants absorb the custard better without becoming overly soggy, resulting in a better texture.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the whole milk with a dairy-free milk alternative such as almond or oat milk. Make sure to use a dairy-free chocolate chip variety as well.

Decadent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 120 reviews

This Decadent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a warm and indulgent morning treat perfect for weekend brunch or special occasions. Day-old croissants are soaked in a rich custard mixed with semi-sweet chocolate chips, then baked to golden perfection. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar and served with fresh berries or whipped cream, this baked breakfast dish is a comforting combination of buttery croissants and melty chocolate.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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: Arrange the croissant pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over and between the layers of croissants for melty chocolate pockets.
3. Make Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined to create a smooth custard mixture.
4. Soak the Croissants: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant pieces, ensuring all are soaked. Gently press down with a spatula to help the custard absorb into the bread.
5. Let Sit (Optional): Allow the mixture to rest for 10–15 minutes so the croissants can absorb the custard thoroughly, enhancing the texture and richness.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is fully set. If the top is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the last 10–15 minutes to prevent burning.
7. Serve: Remove from oven and let the bake cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar before serving warm alongside fresh berries or whipped cream, if desired.

Notes

• Use day-old croissants for best results as they hold up better and absorb custard without becoming too soggy.
• For a mocha flavor twist, add 1 tablespoon of espresso powder to the custard mixture.
• This bake can be assembled the night before and refrigerated overnight, then baked fresh in the morning for convenience.

Keywords: chocolate croissant bake, breakfast casserole, baked French toast, custard bake, chocolate breakfast bake