Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish has all the cozy, luxurious comfort you could ever want in a breakfast bake. It’s rich but not heavy, with the perfect balance of sweetness, chocolate, and flaky pastry. The croissants soak up a smooth vanilla custard that bakes into a soft, pudding-like texture, while the chocolate melts into dreamy ribbons throughout. It’s ideal for feeding a crowd, can be made ahead, and looks as impressive as it tastes. Serve it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream — and watch it disappear.
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Best Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe: Buttery, Decadent, and Irresistibly Easy
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Best Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a decadent, buttery, and chocolatey breakfast casserole made with flaky croissants, rich custard, and melted chocolate. It’s like a cross between bread pudding and pain au chocolat — easy to make, indulgent, and perfect for brunch or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 6 large croissants (preferably day-old), torn into large pieces
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Optional garnish: whipped cream or fresh berries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Tear croissants into large chunks and arrange them evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle chocolate chips or chopped chocolate between the layers of croissant pieces.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and salt until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants, pressing down gently to ensure all pieces soak up the liquid.
- Let sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb (or cover and refrigerate overnight for a make-ahead option).
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set but slightly soft in the center.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Notes
- Use stale or day-old croissants — they absorb the custard better without becoming soggy.
- Add a few tablespoons of orange zest or liqueur for a citrusy twist.
- For extra decadence, drizzle caramel sauce over the top before baking.
- Can be prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning — perfect for holidays or brunch gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Breakfast / Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Croissants: Use 6–8 day-old croissants for best results. Slightly stale croissants soak up the custard beautifully.
Chocolate Chips or Chopped Chocolate: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate adds rich, balanced sweetness.
Eggs: The base of the custard, giving structure and richness to the bake.
Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious, velvety custard that bakes into soft, creamy perfection.
Whole Milk: Balances the richness of the cream and helps soak the croissants evenly.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness without overpowering the chocolate.
Vanilla Extract: Deepens the flavor and enhances the buttery croissants.
Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness and intensify flavor.
Powdered Sugar (optional): For dusting before serving.
Chocolate Sauce or Warm Cream (optional): For drizzling over the finished bake.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
Slice the croissants in half lengthwise. Layer half of them in the bottom of the baking dish, cut side up. Sprinkle with half of the chocolate. Repeat with the remaining croissants and chocolate.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined. Slowly pour the custard mixture over the layered croissants, pressing down gently to help them soak. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb the custard.
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until golden on top and the custard is set but still slightly soft in the center. If it browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with chocolate sauce or cream if desired.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 8–10 people. Prep time is 15 minutes, baking time is 40 minutes, and resting time is 10 minutes, for a total of 1 hour 5 minutes — perfect for brunch or holiday mornings.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–12 minutes or in the microwave for 30–45 seconds. You can also freeze the bake for up to 2 months — thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Almond Chocolate Croissant Bake
Add a layer of almond paste or a handful of sliced almonds between the croissants for a nutty twist.
Orange Chocolate Version
Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the custard for a fresh, citrusy note that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Salted Caramel Drizzle
Drizzle with salted caramel sauce before serving for an ultra-decadent touch.
Nutella Swirl
Spread Nutella between croissant layers before pouring the custard for an extra creamy, chocolate-hazelnut upgrade.
Berry-Chocolate Croissant Bake
Add fresh raspberries or strawberries between the croissant layers for a fruity burst.
White Chocolate & Raspberry Version
Use white chocolate and raspberry jam for a lighter, elegant variation.
FAQs
1. Can I make this the night before?
Yes — assemble the bake, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for a stress-free brunch.
2. Can I use mini croissants?
Absolutely — just reduce the baking time slightly since they soak faster.
3. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?
Yes, though the bake will be slightly sweeter and creamier.
4. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or more milk for a lighter version, though the texture will be less rich.
5. How do I keep the top from burning?
Cover loosely with foil halfway through baking if it starts to brown too quickly.
6. Can I use brioche instead of croissants?
Yes, brioche makes an excellent substitute — buttery and soft with similar texture.
7. Can I serve this cold?
It’s best warm, but it’s delicious at room temperature too.
8. How can I make it more chocolatey?
Add extra chocolate chunks or drizzle melted chocolate over each layer before baking.
9. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free croissants — they work beautifully with this custard base.
10. What should I serve with this?
Fresh fruit, bacon, or a hot espresso balance the sweetness perfectly.
Conclusion
Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is the ultimate combination of elegance and comfort — buttery croissants soaked in creamy vanilla custard, dotted with melted chocolate, and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting brunch, celebrating the holidays, or just treating yourself, this dish feels luxurious yet effortless. Every bite delivers rich flavor, crisp edges, and gooey chocolate decadence — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that makes mornings feel extra special.
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