Name: Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake that Everyone Loves! Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 large croissants, preferably day-old; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 4 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you have a soft spot for the comforting combo of chocolate and flaky croissants, get ready to meet your new morning obsession. The Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake that Everyone Loves! is pure joy served warm—fluffy croissant pieces soaked in a luscious custard, dotted with melted chocolate chips that turn every bite into a little celebration. It’s the kind of recipe that makes weekend brunch feel extra special and breakfasts during the week feel like a treat. Trust me, once you try this bake, it’ll quickly become your go-to dish for when you want cozy, chocolaty goodness with minimal fuss.

Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake that Everyone Loves! Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to create that perfect balance of richness and sweetness. Each element plays its part: croissants for the tender base, chocolate for that irresistible melt, and a creamy custard that brings everything together with a delightful texture and flavor.

6 large croissants (preferably day-old): Day-old croissants soak up the custard better without turning mushy, giving you layers of soft yet structured texture.
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: These add pockets of chocolatey delight that balance sweetness with just the right amount of cocoa bite.
4 large eggs: The eggs help create a rich custard that binds the dish together and gives it that luscious breakfast bake feel.
1 cup whole milk: Using whole milk lends a creamy richness that perfectly complements the flaky croissants.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness without overpowering the chocolate or croissants.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic depth that elevates the entire bake to a comforting classic.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the chocolate and custard pop.
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): Adds a pretty finishing touch and a hint of extra sweetness if you like.

How to Make Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake that Everyone Loves!

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your bake won’t stick and will come out in perfect, beautiful slices. Greasing is a simple step but makes all the difference in presentation and ease.

Step 2: Tear and Layer Croissants

Tear your croissants into bite-sized pieces—no need for precision here, but aim for chunks that are easy to scoop up with a fork. Spread them evenly across the bottom of your prepared dish. This layer forms the flaky, buttery base of our breakfast bake.

Step 3: Sprinkle with Chocolate Chips

Generously sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the croissant pieces. When baked, these melt into little pockets of chocolate heaven, ensuring every handful has a bit of that gooey, sweet goodness.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This custard mixture is the heart of the bake, soaking into the croissants to create a soft yet firm texture that’s nothing short of irresistible.

Step 5: Combine and Soak

Pour the custard evenly over the croissants and chocolate in the dish. Gently press the croissant pieces down with a spatula or your hands to help them soak up the liquid. Then let everything sit for about 10 minutes—this soak time is key for that perfect custardy texture.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake your creation in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns golden brown and the center is set but still tender. Let it cool for a few minutes—this resting time helps the bake firm up nicely for slicing.

Step 7: Optional Finishing Touch

Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a pretty, bakery-style finish that adds just a hint of sweetness and makes it look like a special occasion.

How to Serve Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake that Everyone Loves!

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar is classic and lovely, but you can also try fresh berries or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce for an extra special touch. A sprig of fresh mint adds a bright contrast if you want a pop of color and a refreshing hint to balance the rich bake.

Side Dishes

This bake is pretty rich and satisfying on its own, but if you’re serving it as part of a bigger brunch spread, consider pairing it with fresh fruit salad, yogurt, or even a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette to cut through the sweetness. A cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte is the perfect partner too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive brunch, serve the bake right in the baking dish and let everyone help themselves with warm plates. If you want an elevated touch, plate individual slices and top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert-like morning treat. Presentation matters, and this bake looks stunning no matter how you serve it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, cover the bake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making it great for busy mornings or unexpected guests.

Freezing

You can freeze this breakfast bake too! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen slices can keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pop slices into the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave on medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Reheating in the oven helps preserve that crispy edge and custardy center, while microwaving is a quick fix when you’re in a rush.

FAQs

Can I use fresh croissants instead of day-old ones?

Fresh croissants can work, but they tend to soak up the custard more quickly and may turn mushy. Day-old croissants hold their shape better and create that perfect layered texture we love in this bake.

What type of chocolate is best for this recipe?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips offer a great balance of sweetness and richness. You could also try dark chocolate for a more intense flavor or milk chocolate if you prefer it sweeter. Mix and match to suit your taste!

Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?

For a dairy-free version, substitute the whole milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use dairy-free chocolate chips. For a vegan version, you’ll need to replace the eggs with an egg substitute like a flaxseed mixture or commercial egg replacer, but note this can change the texture slightly.

Is it possible to add nuts or fruit to the bake?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch, and fresh or dried fruit such as berries or bananas bring a fresh burst of flavor. Just sprinkle them in with the chocolate chips before baking.

Can I prepare this the night before?

Yes! Assemble the bake the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. The croissants will soak up all the custard overnight, then bake as usual in the morning. It’s a fantastic time-saver for busy mornings or guests.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to make, the Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake that Everyone Loves! is exactly what you need. It’s that rare dish that combines everyday ingredients into something extraordinary and cozy. I promise once you bring this to the table, it’ll quickly become a beloved tradition you look forward to sharing over and over again.

Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake that Everyone Loves! Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A decadent and comforting Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake that combines flaky croissants with melty semi-sweet chocolate chips, soaked in a sweet egg custard and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a weekend brunch or special breakfast that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

6 large croissants, preferably day-old
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Custard Mixture

4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Prepare Croissants: Tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the croissant pieces to ensure chocolate throughout the bake.
Mix Custard: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine Ingredients: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants and chocolate chips in the baking dish. Gently press down on the croissant pieces so they absorb the egg mixture evenly.
Soak: Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature to let the croissants fully soak up the custard.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the center.
Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before slicing and serving warm.

Notes

For a richer flavor, add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the egg mixture.
Substitute chocolate chips with fresh fruit such as berries or sliced bananas for a fruity variation.
Day-old croissants work best as they absorb the custard well without becoming too soggy.
Make sure not to overbake to keep the custard creamy inside.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American