Indulge in the ultimate breakfast experience with this Decadent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake. Flaky croissants, rich chocolate chips, and a creamy custard combine to create a luxurious casserole that’s perfect for brunch, holidays, or a cozy weekend treat. Easy to prepare yet irresistibly delicious, this dish will delight family and friends alike.
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Ingredients
For the Croissant Base
- 5 large day-old croissants, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Custard
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Serving (Optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh berries or whipped cream
Instructions For Decadent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake
- Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Layer Croissants and Chocolate:
Arrange the croissant pieces evenly in the baking dish and sprinkle chocolate chips throughout. - Prepare the Custard:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and fully combined. - Soak the Croissants:
Pour the custard over the croissants and gently press them down so they absorb the mixture. - Rest Before Baking (Optional):
Let the dish sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the croissants to soak up the custard. - Bake:
Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Tent with foil during the last 10–15 minutes if browning too quickly. - Serve:
Let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm with fresh berries or whipped cream.
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Pro Tips
- Use Day-Old Croissants: They absorb the custard better for a moist, rich bake.
- Don’t Skip Soaking: Even a 10-minute soak makes a big difference in texture.
- Monitor Baking: Prevent burning by covering with foil if needed.
- Try Different Chocolates: Dark, milk, or white chocolate chips change the flavor profile.
- Add Warm Spices: Cinnamon or nutmeg gives a cozy, aromatic touch.
Why This Recipe Works
This breakfast bake is the perfect balance of buttery, sweet, and creamy textures. The combination of croissants and custard ensures a soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency, while chocolate chips add bursts of decadent flavor. It’s versatile, indulgent, and guaranteed to impress guests.
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Substitutions & Variations
- Croissants: Substitute with brioche or puff pastry for a unique twist.
- Chocolate: Use chunks, chips, or even Nutella swirls.
- Add Fruit: Strawberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas work beautifully.
- Spices: Enhance the custard with cardamom, cinnamon, or nutmeg.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide
Make-Ahead:
- Assemble the bake the night before and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning for easy brunch prep.
Storage:
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- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 20 minutes.
- Microwave: 30–60 seconds on medium power per slice.
- Skillet: Warm over low heat with a lid for 5–10 minutes.
Serving Ideas for Decadent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake
- Pair with fresh berries for a colorful presentation.
- Top with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate/caramel sauce.
- Serve alongside coffee, tea, or a yogurt parfait.
- Add crispy bacon or breakfast sausages for a sweet-salty brunch combo.
Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 210mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize the chocolate?
Yes! Try dark, milk, or white chocolate chips or chunks. You can also add fruit like bananas or berries.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning.
What to serve with it?
Fresh berries, whipped cream, maple syrup, or yogurt pair perfectly.
How long does it last?
Stored in the fridge, it lasts up to 3 days in an airtight container.
The Decadent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a luxurious yet easy breakfast or brunch option. Its rich layers of croissants, custard, and chocolate create a show-stopping dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. Perfect for family gatherings or holiday mornings, it’s versatile, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Decadent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- aluminum foil (optional)
Ingredients
- 5 large day-old croissants, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- fresh berries or whipped cream (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange croissant pieces evenly in the baking dish and sprinkle chocolate chips throughout.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
- Pour the custard evenly over the croissants and gently press them down to help absorb the mixture. Let rest for 10–15 minutes if desired.
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until golden brown. Tent with foil during the last 10–15 minutes if browning too quickly.
- Allow to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm with fresh berries or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
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