Hey y'all! If you're looking for a breakfast that feels like a special treat but is secretly easy to make, this Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake with Flaky Layers is the answer. Buttery croissants, gooey chocolate, and a custardy base come together for a dreamy, flaky dish that's perfect for brunch, holidays, or whenever you want to spoil your loved ones. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake with Flaky Layers
- Ready in under an hour with minimal prep—ideal for busy mornings or lazy weekends.
- Decadent chocolate and rich, flaky croissants create an irresistible texture combo.
- It’s crowd-pleasing and perfect for holidays, potlucks, or brunch parties.
- Easily customizable with your favorite add-ins or toppings.
- Make ahead and reheat for a fuss-free, impressive breakfast.
Ingredients for Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake with Flaky Layers
- 6 large all-butter croissants (preferably day-old), torn into big pieces
- 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups (420ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Directions: Making Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake with Flaky Layers
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with unsalted butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Layer the Croissants & Chocolate
Arrange half the croissant pieces in the baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with half of the chocolate. Repeat with remaining croissants and chocolate, ensuring even distribution for the flakiest layers.
Step 3: Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.
Step 4: Assemble & Soak
Pour the custard mixture slowly and evenly over the croissants. Gently press down so the croissants absorb the custard. Let sit for 10–15 minutes for extra lusciousness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden brown, the chocolate is melted, and the center is set but slightly wobbly. Let cool for 5–10 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm. Enjoy those gooey chocolate pockets and impossibly flaky layers!
Notes & Helpful Tips for Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake with Flaky Layers
- Use croissants that are a day old for maximum flakiness and better custard absorption (learn more).
- Whole milk and heavy cream give the richest, creamiest custard, but you can substitute with half-and-half if needed.
- For extra crisp layers, broil for the last 1-2 minutes—but watch closely!
Variations: Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake with Flaky Layers Your Way
- Berry Bliss: Add 1 cup of fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries between the croissant layers.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle in ½ cup of chopped hazelnuts or almonds along with the chocolate.
- White Chocolate Dream: Replace half the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
Required Equipment for Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake with Flaky Layers
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions
Cool leftovers completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30–40 seconds, or warm the whole dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes. Not recommended for freezing as the texture won’t be as flaky.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings for Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake with Flaky Layers
- Pair with freshly brewed coffee or a hot chocolate for the coziest breakfast ever (see more ideas).
- Serve with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a brunch-worthy spread.
- Drizzle with salted caramel or a spoonful of berry compote for a decadent dessert.
Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake with Flaky Layers
- Let the croissant pieces soak up the custard for at least 10 minutes before baking for luscious, creamy texture.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the richest flavor and gooey chocolate pockets (find the best chocolates).
- Don’t overbake—just until the center is set but still soft for the ultimate flakiness.
Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake with Flaky Layers FAQ
- Can I prepare this Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake with Flaky Layers ahead?
- Absolutely! Assemble the bake the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake as directed in the morning, adding 5–10 minutes if baking cold.
- Can I use store-bought croissants?
- Yes! Day-old bakery or grocery store croissants work perfectly and make prep even easier.
- How do I know when it’s done?
- The top will be golden, the chocolate melted, and the center will jiggle just slightly when you shake the dish. A knife inserted should come out mostly clean.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 large croissants, preferably day-old
- 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
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
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2Slice the croissants into thick pieces and layer half of them in the prepared baking dish.
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3Sprinkle half of the chocolate chips over the croissant pieces. Add the remaining croissants and top with the rest of the chocolate chips.
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4In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
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5Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants and chocolate. Gently press down to ensure the croissants soak up the liquid.
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6Bake for 35 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. Let cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve 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.
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