Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake

Indulge in a decadent and easy-to-make Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake. Buttery croissants, rich chocolate, and a creamy custard come together to create a luxurious breakfast treat that’s perfect for special mornings or weekend brunch.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortlessly Elegant: Looks and tastes like a fancy bakery treat but is simple to make.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
• Perfect for Brunch: A crowd-pleasing dish that’s ideal for holiday mornings or special occasions.
• Rich and Decadent: Flaky croissants, rich chocolate, and creamy custard – an irresistible combination.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Breakfast Bake:

• 6 large croissants (preferably day-old, torn into pieces)
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chocolate chunks
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for added warmth)
• ¼ tsp salt

For Topping:

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)
• ¼ cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolatey goodness)
• Fresh berries (optional, for serving)

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease the baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Layer the Croissants and Chocolate

• Tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces and place half of them evenly in the baking dish.
• Sprinkle half of the chocolate chips over the croissants.
• Repeat with the remaining croissants and chocolate chips, creating two layers.

Step 3: Make the Custard

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
• Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant and chocolate layers, ensuring all the pieces are well-soaked.
• Gently press down on the croissants to help them absorb the custard.

Step 4: Let it Rest

• Let the dish sit for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the croissants to absorb the custard.
• For a make-ahead option, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Step 5: Bake the Breakfast Bake

• If refrigerated, allow the dish to come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking.
• Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
• If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Add the Toppings & Serve

• Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
• Dust the top with powdered sugar and sprinkle with additional chocolate chips if desired.
• Serve warm, garnished with fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake

• Use Day-Old Croissants: Slightly stale croissants absorb the custard better without becoming mushy.
• Customize the Chocolate: Dark, milk, or white chocolate chips all work well in this recipe.
• Adjust Sweetness: If using milk chocolate, consider reducing the sugar in the custard slightly.
• Chill for Optimal Flavor: Allowing the bake to rest overnight intensifies the custard’s flavor and ensures a creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of mixed berries or sliced bananas.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the rich bake.
• Maple Syrup: Drizzle with warm maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Pair with a steaming mug of your favorite morning beverage for the perfect breakfast experience.

Storage & Reheating

Storing:

• Cool leftovers to room temperature and cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-40 seconds, or until warmed through.
• To reheat the entire bake, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 15-20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought croissants?
   Yes! Store-bought croissants work perfectly. Opt for slightly stale ones to better absorb the custard.
2. Can I make this bake dairy-free?
   Absolutely. Swap the milk and cream for coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
3. Can I add nuts for crunch?
   Yes. Toasted almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts add a wonderful crunchy texture.
4. Can I use other fillings besides chocolate?
   Definitely! Try adding a layer of Nutella, raspberry jam, or even cream cheese for a fun twist.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is the epitome of indulgence – buttery, chocolatey, and delightfully creamy. It’s the perfect dish to whip up for a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or anytime you want to treat yourself and your loved ones.

Make it your own by adding your favorite mix-ins, like caramel drizzle, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of sea salt. Try it out, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Happy baking!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cuisine: French-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 9g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 26g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 320mg

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