Decadent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe
This Decadent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake transforms day-old croissants into a rich, custardy breakfast treat layered with luscious semi-sweet chocolate chips. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a warm, comforting start to your day, perfect served with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh berries or whipped cream on the side.
- Author: Nethan
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Base Ingredients
- 5 large croissants (preferably day-old), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Custard Mixture
- 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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for the bake.
- Layer Croissants and Chocolate: Arrange the croissant pieces evenly in the baking dish, then sprinkle the chocolate chips generously over and between the layers to ensure every bite includes 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 fully combined.
- Soak the Croissants: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants in the dish, and gently press down with a spatula to ensure the croissants absorb the custard thoroughly.
- Let Sit (Optional): Allow the baked mixture to rest for 10–15 minutes at room temperature to let the croissants soak up the custard well, which enhances the texture and custardy consistency.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes or until the top is a golden brown and the custard is fully set. If the top begins to brown too quickly, tent with foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm with fresh berries or whipped cream for a delightful breakfast experience.
Notes
- Use day-old croissants as they hold up better during soaking and baking compared to fresh croissants.
- For a mocha flavor variation, add 1 tablespoon of espresso powder to the custard mixture before soaking.
- This bake can be prepared the night before; after soaking the croissants in custard, cover and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.
Keywords: chocolate croissant breakfast bake, chocolate croissant bake, croissant dessert, breakfast bake recipe, easy chocolate breakfast recipe, custard bake, American breakfast bake