Description
This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a rich, indulgent brunch dish featuring buttery croissants soaked in vanilla custard and studded with melty chocolate. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for holidays or weekend mornings, and customizable with optional flavors or toppings.
Ingredients
5–6 croissants (preferably day-old or slightly stale), torn into chunks
1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark, or chopped chocolate bar)
4 large eggs
1½ cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
Optional: ½ tsp cinnamon or orange zest
Optional topping: powdered sugar, whipped cream, or chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch or 2-quart baking dish.
- Tear the croissants into large chunks and layer them evenly in the dish. Sprinkle chocolate chips over and between the croissant pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, salt, and any optional add-ins like cinnamon or orange zest.
- Pour the custard evenly over the croissants, gently pressing them down so they soak it up.
- Let the dish sit for 5–10 minutes to help the croissants absorb the mixture.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is golden and the custard is mostly set (should jiggle slightly in the center).
- Let it cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar or topping with whipped cream. Serve warm.
Notes
Use slightly stale croissants for best texture and absorption.
Assemble the night before and bake fresh in the morning for convenience.
Try variations like Nutella, coconut, or pain au chocolat for extra flavor.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of milk or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
