Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake – The Sweetest Way to Start the Day

There are few pleasures more comforting than waking up to the aroma of warm chocolate and buttery croissants wafting through the kitchen. The Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a luxurious twist on the classic bread pudding, combining flaky, bakery-style croissants with rich chocolate and a silky vanilla custard. This dish is perfect for festive brunches, holiday mornings, or any time you want to treat your family and guests to something indulgent yet effortlessly elegant. Whether you’re planning a weekend celebration or a special occasion, this recipe delivers a show-stopping centerpiece that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

Overview of Chocolate Croissant

This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake takes inspiration from French patisserie and American comfort baking. Day-old croissants are layered with high-quality chocolate and gently soaked in a sweetened vanilla custard. Once baked, the result is a tender, melt-in-your-mouth casserole with crisp, golden edges and luscious, molten chocolate throughout. It can be assembled in advance and baked fresh in the morning, making it the ideal choice for entertaining or leisurely family breakfasts. Serve it warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and pair with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of espresso for a breakfast experience that’s truly memorable.

Ingredients

• 6 large, day-old butter croissants (preferably bakery style)
• 1½ cups (250g) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate bar)
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Optional garnishes:
  Fresh raspberries, sliced strawberries, whipped cream, chocolate curls, or a light espresso drizzle

How To Make Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Croissants
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish. Slice the croissants in half horizontally. Layer the bottom halves in the dish, cut side up.

Step 2: Add the Chocolate
Sprinkle half the chocolate evenly over the croissants. Place the remaining croissant halves on top, cut side down, and sprinkle with the rest of the chocolate.

Step 3: Mix the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Assemble and Soak
Slowly pour the custard mixture over the croissants, pressing gently to ensure all pieces are well-soaked. Let the dish rest for 15–20 minutes to allow the custard to absorb (or cover and refrigerate overnight for easy morning baking).

Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden and slightly crisp. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the final 10 minutes.

Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes. Dust generously with powdered sugar. Serve warm, with your favorite garnishes.

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat & Prepare Dish:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer Croissants & Chocolate:
   Slice croissants horizontally. Arrange half in the dish, sprinkle with half the chocolate. Top with remaining croissants and chocolate.
3. Mix Custard:
   Whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl until smooth.
4. Pour & Soak:
   Pour custard evenly over croissants, gently pressing down. Let stand 15–20 minutes or refrigerate overnight.
5. Bake:
   Bake 40–45 minutes, until puffed and golden, and custard is just set. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
6. Cool & Serve:
   Cool for 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar, garnish as desired, and serve warm.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rest/Soak Time: 15–20 minutes (or overnight)
• Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (active: 20 minutes)

Nutrition Information (per serving; 10 servings)

• Calories: ~390
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Sugar: 20g
• Protein: 8g
  Nutritional values will vary based on chocolate and garnish choices.

Serving Suggestions

For a classic, elegant finish, serve the Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake warm, straight from the oven, dusted generously with powdered sugar. Present each portion on a white plate with a scattering of fresh raspberries or strawberries for color and tart contrast. Offer softly whipped cream or crème fraiche alongside for added luxury, and sprinkle with chocolate curls for a professional patisserie touch. For a grown-up twist, a light drizzle of espresso or coffee liqueur enhances the chocolate and rounds out the flavors. This bake pairs beautifully with strong coffee, café au laity, or a glass of cold milk, making it a perfect centerpiece for holiday breakfasts, weekend brunches, or special celebrations. For entertaining, prepare the dish the night before and simply bake in the morning for minimal fuss and maximum delight.

Professional Tips

• Croissants: Use day-old croissants for best texture—they absorb custard without becoming mushy.
• Chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate for the richest flavor. Mix bittersweet and semisweet for complexity.
• Make-Ahead: The dish can be assembled the night before, covered, and refrigerated. Let stand at room temperature while oven preheats before baking.
• Customization: Add orange zest or a splash of orange liqueur to the custard for a sophisticated twist.
• Leftovers: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven.

This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is the ultimate celebration of pastry and chocolate—simple to prepare, spectacular to serve, and guaranteed to turn any morning into a memorable occasion.