Decadent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe
Indulge in a rich, comforting Decadent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake that’s perfect for a special morning treat. This recipe layers buttery croissant pieces with semi-sweet chocolate chips and a luscious vanilla custard, baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, it’s an ideal dish to serve family or guests for breakfast or brunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- 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 prepare it for the croissant mixture.
- Layer Croissants and Chocolate: Evenly distribute the cut croissant pieces in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips generously over and between the croissant layers to ensure every bite has delicious chocolate.
- Make Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This custard will soak the croissants and create a creamy texture.
- Soak the Croissants: Pour the prepared custard evenly over the croissant and chocolate layers. Use a spatula to gently press down on the croissants so they absorb the custard evenly.
- Let Sit (Optional): Allow the dish to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. This step helps the croissants soak up the custard fully, enhancing the overall flavor and texture.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes. The top should turn golden and the custard should be set. If the top starts browning too quickly, tent the dish with foil during the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking to prevent burning.
Notes
- Preferably use day-old croissants as they absorb the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- Make sure to let the croissants soak in the custard for optimal texture, but this step can be skipped if short on time.
- Use whole milk for the creamiest custard, but you can substitute with 2% or plant-based milk if desired.
- For added flavor, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of orange liqueur into the custard mixture.
- Serve warm and top with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream for an extra special touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of bake)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
Keywords: chocolate croissant bake, breakfast bake, custard bake, chocolate breakfast casserole, croissant breakfast recipe, brunch dessert
