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This decadent chocolate croissant breakfast bake is the perfect way to treat yourself or guests on a weekend morning or holiday brunch. It combines flaky croissants with melted chocolate submerged in a creamy custard for a rich yet comforting dish you can prepare ahead.
I first made this when I had leftover croissants and some chocolate on hand and it instantly became a favorite weekend treat that’s both impressive and easy.
Ingredients
- Large croissants: preferably day-old for ideal texture that holds custard without turning soggy
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: melt into gooey pockets choose good quality for the best flavor
- Whole milk: lends creaminess and richness to the custard
- Eggs: provide structure and richness binding the custard together
- Granulated sugar: balances the flavors with sweetness
- Vanilla extract: enhances warmth and depth pure vanilla is best
- Salt: intensifies the sweet notes and balances the custard
- Powdered sugar: for dusting adds a pretty finish without too much extra sweetness
- Fresh berries or whipped cream: add brightness and lightness when serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a 9 by 13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and help browning.
- Layer Croissants and Chocolate:
- Cut your croissants into roughly one-inch pieces and spread them evenly in the baking dish. Scatter the chocolate chips between and over the croissant pieces to create pockets of chocolate throughout.
- Make Custard:
- In a large mixing bowl whisk together whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, pure vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and fully combined creating a rich custard mixture that will coat the croissants.
- Soak the Croissants:
- Pour the custard evenly over the croissants allowing it to settle in. Use a spatula to gently press down the pieces so they can absorb the custard, which helps meld all the flavors.
- Let Sit (Optional):
- If you have time, let the mixture rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This step is worth it as it allows the croissants to soak up the custard more fully for a custardy but not soggy texture.
- Bake:
- Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes or until the top is golden and the custard has set. If the top starts browning too fast tent a piece of foil over the dish for the last 10 to 15 minutes.
- Serve:
- Allow the bake to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm accompanied by fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream which complement the richness perfectly.
It reminds me of holiday mornings at my grandparents‘ house where this was always a special breakfast treat that brought everyone together.
Storage tips
Store leftover bake covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Warm gently in the oven or microwave before serving for best texture.
Ingredient swaps
Whole milk can be swapped for any creamy non-dairy milk but the texture will be slightly different. Chocolate chips can be replaced with chunks of chocolate or even dried fruit for variation.
Serving ideas
Serve alongside fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to balance richness. A drizzle of maple syrup or honey adds a lovely sweet touch without overpowering the delicate custard flavor.
This bake is a delicious way to impress guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → Can I use fresh croissants instead of day-old ones?
Fresh croissants can be used but may become too soft or soggy. Day-old croissants hold their shape better and absorb the custard evenly.
- → What type of chocolate works best for this bake?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a balanced sweetness, but dark or white chocolate can be used to customize the flavor profile.
- → How long should the custard soak before baking?
Allowing the croissants to soak for 10–15 minutes helps them absorb the custard fully, resulting in a moist and tender bake.
- → Can I add other flavors to the custard?
Yes, adding a touch of almond extract or cinnamon can enhance the custard’s flavor and add a personal twist.
- → What is the best way to serve this bake?
Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the rich chocolate and custard flavors.