Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is the kind of recipe that instantly elevates any morning. It combines flaky, buttery croissants with rich chocolate and a creamy custard that bakes into a soft, indulgent texture. This dish feels luxurious yet comforting, making it perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or slow weekends at home. I especially appreciate how effortless it is to prepare ahead of time. You can assemble everything the night before and simply bake it in the morning, which is ideal when hosting guests. The contrast between crisp croissant edges and the soft, chocolate-studded center makes every bite satisfying. It is sweet without being overwhelming and pairs beautifully with coffee or fresh fruit. If you enjoy simple recipes that deliver bakery-style results, this breakfast bake will quickly become a favorite.
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Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake: A Decadent Morning Treat Everyone Loves
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and comforting Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake made with flaky croissants, melty chocolate, and a creamy vanilla custard—perfect for brunch or special mornings.
Ingredients
- 6 large croissants, torn into chunks
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for greasing)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter.
- Arrange croissant pieces evenly in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the croissants.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour custard mixture evenly over croissants, gently pressing to soak.
- Let sit for 15 minutes to absorb, or cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until puffed and golden and center is set.
- Remove from oven and cool slightly.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
Notes
- Use day-old croissants for best texture.
- Can be assembled the night before for easy morning baking.
- Serve with fresh berries or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Croissants
Croissants form the base of the bake. Their flaky layers absorb the custard while maintaining a light, buttery texture.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Chocolate chips melt into the croissants, creating pockets of rich chocolate flavor throughout the dish.
Eggs
Eggs bind the custard and give the bake its soft, set structure once baked.
Whole Milk
Milk creates a creamy custard that soaks into the croissants evenly.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream adds richness and depth, giving the bake a luxurious mouthfeel.
Granulated Sugar
Sugar lightly sweetens the custard without overpowering the chocolate.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar adds subtle caramel notes and enhances the overall warmth of the dish.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla rounds out the sweetness and complements the chocolate beautifully.
Salt
A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and sharpens the flavors.
Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar is used as a finishing touch for a classic bakery-style presentation.
Directions
Begin by greasing a baking dish and tearing the croissants into large pieces. Arrange them evenly in the dish, ensuring some layers overlap for texture. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the croissants, allowing them to settle between the layers.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined. Slowly pour the custard mixture over the croissants, making sure all pieces are well soaked. Gently press the croissants down to help them absorb the liquid evenly.
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results. When ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. Allow the bake to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 to 8 people.
Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes. Baking time is about 35 to 40 minutes. Optional chilling time ranges from 30 minutes to overnight.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven until heated through. This bake is best enjoyed warm.
Variations and Customizations
This breakfast bake is easy to adapt. You can substitute dark chocolate or milk chocolate depending on preference. Adding sliced strawberries or raspberries provides a bright contrast to the rich chocolate. For extra texture, sprinkle sliced almonds or chopped hazelnuts on top before baking.
If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar slightly or use bittersweet chocolate. A hint of cinnamon or orange zest added to the custard can also enhance flavor. For a more dessert-like finish, serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 460 |
| Protein (g) | 9 |
| Carbs (g) | 42 |
| Fat (g) | 29 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 16 |
| Fiber (g) | 3 |
| Sugar (g) | 22 |
| Sodium (mg) | 280 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Even Soaking
Press the croissants gently to ensure they absorb the custard evenly.
Make-Ahead Friendly
Letting the dish rest overnight improves flavor and texture.
Golden Top
Cover loosely if the top browns too quickly while baking.
Serving Upgrade
Serve with fresh berries or a dollop of yogurt for balance.
FAQs
Can I prepare this the night before?
Yes, overnight chilling is recommended for best results.
Do I need day-old croissants?
Slightly stale croissants work best, but fresh ones are fine.
Can I use chocolate chunks instead of chips?
Yes, chopped chocolate works very well.
Is this very sweet?
It is moderately sweet and well balanced by the custard.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
What size baking dish should I use?
A medium rectangular baking dish works best.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Substitutions are possible but will alter texture and flavor.
Should it be served hot or warm?
Warm is ideal for best flavor and texture.
Can I add nuts?
Yes, chopped nuts add excellent texture.
How do I know it is done?
The center should be set and no longer liquid.
Conclusion
Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a rich, comforting dish that brings bakery-quality indulgence straight to your table. With minimal preparation and impressive results, it is perfect for special mornings or relaxed brunches. Once you try it, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite for both guests and family alike.
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