Description

This Decadent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a rich and indulgent morning treat featuring layers of buttery croissants and semi-sweet chocolate chips soaked in a creamy custard, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy weekend brunch, it combines flaky pastry with gooey chocolate and a custard base for an irresistible dessert-like breakfast.

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 prevent sticking.
Layer Croissants and Chocolate: Place the croissant pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over and between the layers to distribute the chocolate throughout the bake.
Make Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
Soak the Croissants: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant pieces in the baking dish. Gently press down on the croissants with a spatula to help them soak up the custard evenly.
Let Sit (Optional): Allow the croissant and custard mixture to sit for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature so the croissants absorb the liquid and become tender.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is fully set. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent the bake loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking.
Serve: Allow the bake to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

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 chips according to preference.
Letting the dish sit before baking helps maximize custard absorption for a creamier texture.
Tent with foil if the top browns too fast to avoid burning.
Serve with fresh fruit or whipped cream to balance the richness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French-American

Keywords: Chocolate Croissant Bake, Breakfast Casserole, Chocolate Breakfast Bake, Custard Bake, Baking, Croissant Recipe