Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake with Flaky Layers Recipe

Introduction

This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a delightful twist on classic French toast, featuring flaky croissants layered with rich chocolate chips and a creamy custard. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Step 2: Slice the croissants into thick pieces and layer half of them in the prepared baking dish.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle half of the chocolate chips over the croissant pieces. Add the remaining croissants and top with the rest of the chocolate chips.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
5. Step 5: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants and chocolate. Gently press down to ensure the croissants soak up the liquid.
6. Step 6: Bake 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.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old croissants for better texture, as fresh ones may become too soggy.
• Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or white chocolate to customize sweetness.
• For added flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts between layers.
• Drizzle with maple syrup or a touch of whipped cream before serving for extra indulgence.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through. The bake is best enjoyed warm on the day it’s made.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the bake the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s still very cold when placed in the oven.

What can I use if I don’t have croissants?

While croissants provide a flaky texture, you can substitute brioche or other buttery bread for a similar rich flavor and soft, custardy result.

Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake with Flaky Layers Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 373 reviews

This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a decadent and comforting dish that layers flaky croissants with rich semi-sweet chocolate chips, all soaked in a creamy custard mixture and baked to golden perfection. Ideal for an indulgent breakfast or brunch, it’s easy to prepare and delivers a delightful combination of buttery pastry and melted chocolate with every bite.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Croissant Layers

• 4 large croissants, preferably day-old
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Custard Mixture

• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Finishing

• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Layer Croissants: Slice the croissants into thick pieces and place half of them evenly in the prepared baking dish, forming the first layer.
3. Add Chocolate Chips and Remaining Croissants: Sprinkle half of the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the croissant pieces. Then add the remaining croissant slices on top, followed by the rest of the chocolate chips to create layered pockets of chocolate throughout.
4. Prepare Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Combine and Soak: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered croissants and chocolate chips in the baking dish. Gently press down on the croissants to help them soak up the custard liquid thoroughly.
6. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the custard is fully set and the top turns a beautiful golden brown color.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the bake cool slightly for easier serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, then serve warm for a luscious breakfast treat.

Notes

• Using day-old croissants helps them absorb the custard without falling apart.
• You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate or milk chocolate according to preference.
• This bake can be prepared the night before; assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning.
• For an extra indulgent touch, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries.
• Make sure to press the croissants gently after pouring custard to enhance custard absorption and flavor.

Keywords: chocolate croissant bake, breakfast casserole, custard bake, layered croissant recipe, chocolate breakfast bake