Decadent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe
This Decadent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a rich and indulgent morning treat combining buttery croissants and semi-sweet chocolate chips baked in a creamy custard. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, it features layers of flaky croissant pieces soaked in an egg-milk custard with sweet melted chocolate, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and optional fresh berries or whipped cream for a truly delightful experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: 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
- Prepare the Croissants and Chocolate: Cut day-old croissants into 1-inch pieces and evenly spread them in a greased baking dish. Scatter the semi-sweet chocolate chips throughout the croissant pieces to ensure every bite has melty chocolate.
- Make the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined and smooth. This mixture will soak into the croissant pieces, creating a rich custard base.
- Combine and Soak: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants and chocolate chips, pressing the croissants down gently to absorb the liquid. Let the mixture soak for at least 15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard well.
- Bake the Breakfast Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. You can test by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out mostly clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the bake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with fresh berries or whipped cream as desired for an extra special touch.
Notes
- Using day-old croissants is best as they absorb the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and ensure chocolate chips are dairy-free.
- You can prepare this dish the night before by assembling it and letting it soak covered in the refrigerator overnight; then bake in the morning.
- Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the custard can enhance the flavor.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat gently before serving.
Keywords: chocolate croissant bake, breakfast casserole, baked custard, chocolate breakfast bake, brunch recipe, croissant casserole