If you love the warm, comforting feeling of a flaky croissant paired with rich, melty chocolate and a creamy custard, then this Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Combining buttery croissants with luscious chocolate chips and a velvety milk-and-egg custard, this dish transforms simple breakfast ingredients into an irresistible, crowd-pleasing bake that will fill your kitchen with a heavenly aroma and your mornings with joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe are delightfully straightforward and each plays an important role in creating a balance of flavors and textures. From the slightly stale croissants that soak up the custard perfectly to the creamy dairy and sweet chocolate, every component pulls together to make this dish spectacular.
- 4 large croissants, preferably day-old: Day-old croissants absorb the custard without falling apart, ensuring a perfect texture.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: These add melty pockets of chocolate throughout your bake for irresistible bursts of flavor.
- 4 large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the custard base.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess to the custard, making it smooth and velvety.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Enhances richness and lends a luxurious mouthfeel.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard just enough without overpowering the chocolate.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Adds a subtle nutty aroma that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens the flavors.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional): A final touch of sweetness and a pretty presentation.
How to Make Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or any similarly sized deep baking dish. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Layer the Croissants and Chocolate
Cut the croissants into roughly 1-inch pieces and spread them evenly across your prepared baking dish. Then, sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the croissant chunks, making sure every bite gets a little chocolate love.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth and combined, creating a fragrant custard base that will soak into the croissants beautifully.
Step 4: Combine and Let Soak
Pour the custard mixture slowly over the croissants and chocolate in the dish. Use a spatula to gently press the croissants down, ensuring each piece absorbs the liquid well. This step is key to that luscious, custardy interior we all crave.
Step 5: Rest Before Baking
Allow the dish to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This gives the croissants ample time to soak up all that delicious custard, building layers of flavor and moisture for a tender finish.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the custard is set and the top glows with a beautiful golden brown. The aroma at this point will practically pull you into the kitchen!
Step 7: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Let your bake cool for at least 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This gives everything time to firm up a bit, making it easier to cut and serve while still warm and inviting.
How to Serve Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A gentle dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty, sweet finish and makes the bake look extra special. If you want to get fancy, fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries add a pop of color and a bright contrast that complements the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This breakfast bake is quite indulgent on its own, but pairing it with some fresh fruit salad or lightly dressed greens balances richness with freshness. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla yogurt can also create a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve individual portions in small ramekins or cute mini baking dishes. Drizzle with warm chocolate or caramel sauce and sprinkle chopped toasted nuts on top for added texture. This takes the Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe into brunch party territory!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover bake in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The custard will continue to soak in overnight, making it even more flavorful. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
This bake freezes wonderfully. After baking and cooling completely, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To warm leftover Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe, place portions in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes or microwave in short bursts until heated through. To keep the texture soft but not soggy, avoid over-heating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh croissants instead of day-old?
Yes, you can use fresh croissants, but day-old or slightly stale croissants absorb the custard better without turning mushy, giving the bake a nicer texture overall.
Is there a substitute for almond extract?
Absolutely. If you’re not an almond fan or have allergies, you can omit it or replace it with an equal amount of additional vanilla extract. The flavor will still be delicious.
Can I make this dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, try substituting the whole milk and heavy cream with your favorite plant-based milk alternatives such as almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter or margarine for greasing.
How far in advance can I assemble the bake?
You can assemble the bake the night before and refrigerate it overnight. This “overnight soak” helps the croissants absorb even more custard and can make the flavors more intense.
Is it possible to add nuts or fruit to this recipe?
Yes! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a wonderful crunch, and fresh or dried fruits like raspberries or cherries can add lovely bursts of flavor. Just sprinkle them over the croissants along with the chocolate chips.
Final Thoughts
The Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe is a magical way to turn simple breakfast staples into a luxurious and comforting meal that feels like a special treat any morning. Whether you’re feeding family, hosting brunch guests, or wanting to enjoy a weekend indulgence, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite that fills your kitchen with warmth and happiness. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every gooey, flaky, chocolate-filled bite!
Print
Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a decadent and comforting dish perfect for a special morning treat. Featuring day-old croissants soaked in a rich vanilla and almond custard alongside melty semi-sweet chocolate chips, it bakes to a golden, custardy perfection. Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Bakery
- 4 large croissants, preferably day-old, cut into 1-inch pieces
Chocolate
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Custard
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Garnish
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similarly sized deep baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Croissants and Chocolate: Place the croissant pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the croissant pieces.
- Mix Custard Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
- Combine and Soak: Pour the custard mixture over the croissant and chocolate layers in the baking dish. Use a spatula to gently press down the croissants so they absorb the custard evenly.
- Let Soak: Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to let the croissants soak up the custard thoroughly.
- Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the custard to settle and enhance flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Optionally dust the top with powdered sugar before serving for a touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- Use day-old croissants for best absorption and texture; fresh croissants may become too soggy.
- Feel free to substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips to suit your taste.
- For a nut-free version, omit the almond extract or replace it with extra vanilla extract.
- This dish can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
