Hey y'all! If you love flaky pastries and gooey chocolate, you're in for a treat with this Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake. It's buttery, decadent, and comes together in a snap, making it perfect for brunches, special holidays, or cozy weekend mornings at home. Imagine all the comfort of a classic French croissant with melty chocolate and the ease of a make-ahead casserole! Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake
- Easy to assemble with store-bought croissants and pantry ingredients.
- Delightfully rich, with pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd at brunch, holidays, or family gatherings.
- Simple to customize with extra toppings or fillings.
- Can be prepped ahead of time for effortless mornings!
Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Ingredients
- 6 large butter croissants, day-old or slightly stale
- 1 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar (for serving, optional)
How to Make Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake
Step 1: Prep the Croissants
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the croissants into large chunks (about 2 inches). Arrange them evenly in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Add the Chocolate
Sprinkle the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate evenly over the croissant pieces, tucking some deep into the layers for pools of melted chocolate.
Step 3: Make the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is fully combined and lightly frothy.
Step 4: Assemble and Soak
Slowly pour the custard mixture over the croissants and chocolate, pressing down gently with a spatula to help the croissants absorb the liquid. Let sit for 10 minutes to soak.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set in the center and the top is lightly golden brown. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes for Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake
- Day-old croissants work best because they absorb the custard without becoming mushy.
- You can use chocolate bars chopped into chunks for pockets of extra richness—see more about chocolate types here.
- Letting the bake cool for a few minutes helps it slice cleanly and preserves all those gooey chocolate pockets.
Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Variations
- Nutella Swirl: Add generous dollops of Nutella between croissant layers before pouring the custard over.
- Berry Bliss: Scatter in a cup of fresh raspberries or strawberries for a fruity twist.
- Almond Joy: Sprinkle sliced almonds and sweetened coconut on top for delicious texture and flavor.
Required Equipment for Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Serrated knife (for slicing croissants)
- Spatula
Storage Instructions
Cover leftover Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through. Avoid freezing, as the texture may become soggy.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce for extra decadence.
- Serve with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a side of crispy bacon for a sweet-and-savory brunch spread.
- Pair with a rich cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk—see great coffee brewing tips here.
Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor payoff—see more about chocolate selection from Serious Eats.
- Let the assembled bake rest overnight in the fridge if you want an even richer, more custardy texture in the morning.
- If using fresh croissants, lightly toast them to achieve the classic texture.
Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake FAQ
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the bake, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for best results. - Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely—try milk chocolate, white chocolate, or a combo for different flavors. - Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It's best enjoyed fresh; freezing can change the texture and make it soggy.
Ingredients
- 4 large croissants (preferably day-old), cut into pieces
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
-
1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
-
2Arrange croissant pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the croissant pieces.
-
3In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
-
4Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants and chocolate. Gently press down to soak croissants.
-
5Bake for 35 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
-
6Let cool for a few minutes, then dust with powdered sugar before serving warm.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!