Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake with Flaky Layers Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
