Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake with Flaky Layers Recipe

Introduction

This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a delightful way to start your morning. Featuring flaky layers of buttery croissants enveloping melted chocolate and a rich custard, it’s a comforting and indulgent treat perfect for weekend brunch or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 4 large croissants, preferably day-old
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Step 2: Slice the croissants into thick pieces and layer half of them in the prepared baking dish.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle half of the chocolate chips evenly over the croissant pieces. Add the remaining croissants on top, then sprinkle with the rest of the chocolate chips.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Step 5: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered croissants and chocolate. Gently press down to help the croissants absorb the liquid.
6. Step 6: Bake for 35 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. Let the bake cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old croissants for the best texture; fresh croissants may become too soggy.
• Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate depending on your preference.
• For a fruit twist, scatter fresh berries or sliced bananas between the croissant layers.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This bake tastes best fresh but can be served cold if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this bake the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the bake the night before. Cover it and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning. This allows the croissants to soak up the custard fully and can enhance the flavors.

What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with an equal amount of whole milk or half-and-half, but the custard will be slightly less rich and creamy.

Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake with Flaky Layers Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 55 reviews

This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a decadent and comforting casserole featuring flaky day-old croissants soaked in a rich custard with semi-sweet chocolate chips. Baked to golden perfection, it makes an indulgent yet easy-to-prepare breakfast or brunch dish that delights chocolate lovers and pastry fans alike.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bakery

• 4 large croissants, preferably day-old

Chocolate

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Custard Mixture

• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For Serving

• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Layer Croissants and Chocolate: Slice the croissants into thick pieces. Arrange half of these croissant slices evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the semi-sweet chocolate chips over this first layer. Then add a second layer with the remaining croissant slices and top with the rest of the chocolate chips to ensure every bite has rich chocolate.
3. Make Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a flavorful custard base.
4. Soak the Croissants: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered croissants and chocolate chips in the baking dish. Gently press the croissant pieces down slightly with a spatula or spoon to help them absorb the custard fully for a moist and tender bake.
5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes or until the custard is set, the croissants are puffed, and the top develops a lovely golden brown color indicating it’s perfectly cooked.
6. Cool and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly to set further. Optionally dust the top with powdered sugar before serving warm to enhance the sweetness and presentation.

Notes

• Using day-old croissants helps them absorb the custard better without becoming too soggy.
• You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate based on preference.
• For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk and dairy-free cream alternatives.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently before serving.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or orange zest to the custard for a flavor twist.

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