Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake

Name: Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 large croissants, sliced in half; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 4 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; Pinch of salt; Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Highlighted under: Sugar Bliss

I love starting my mornings with something special, especially on the weekends. This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake combines all the rich flavors of buttery croissants and decadent chocolate into a warm, comforting dish that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to prepare. The combination of eggs and milk creates a creamy base that soaks into the croissants, making each bite wonderfully rich. I guarantee this delightful bake will elevate your breakfast experience and perhaps even become a new family tradition.

Created by

Quinn Harper

Last updated on 2026-02-15T03:09:35.889Z

When I first decided to experiment with a breakfast bake using croissants, I never anticipated how glorious the result would be. I layered chocolate chips between pieces of flaky croissant halves, which created this mesmerizing melt-in-your-mouth experience with each bite. The trick is to let the mixture rest for a few minutes before baking—this helps the croissants absorb the milk and egg mixture fully, resulting in a beautifully custardy texture.

One time, I even added some fresh berries for a pop of color and tanginess, which took the whole dish to another level. Each time I serve it, my friends and family rave about it. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with buttery croissants
Warm, custardy texture that feels indulgent
Perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy family breakfasts

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

Using high-quality croissants is key to achieving the best texture and flavor in this dish. Look for croissants that are made with real butter and have a flaky, airy structure. This will ensure that they absorb the custard mixture well, resulting in a satisfying and rich texture. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought croissants, but make sure to choose ones from a reputable bakery for the best results.

Opting for semi-sweet chocolate chips enhances the overall richness without overpowering the delicate flavor of the croissants. If you prefer a different chocolate profile, you could substitute with dark chocolate chips for a more intense experience or even white chocolate for a sweeter twist. Just keep in mind that each variety will change the overall flavor balance, so choose according to your taste preferences.

Perfecting the Custard Mixture

The custard mixture plays a crucial role in this bake. Whisking the eggs and milk together until frothy is essential; this aeration helps to create that light, custardy texture you want. Be sure to combine the ingredients thoroughly to avoid any egg clumps. You can also experiment by adding a splash of your favorite liqueur, such as orange or coffee, to elevate the flavors further.

Timing is important when soaking the croissants. Allow the croissants to sit in the custard mixture for about 10 to 15 minutes. This patience enables the croissants to absorb the custard fully, ensuring each bite is wonderfully rich and creamy. If you’re short on time, try to make the mixture a bit thicker with an extra egg, which will still provide a delicious custard even if the croissants don’t soak as long.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is best enjoyed warm. To elevate your serving experience, consider adding fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream can transform this dish into a dessert, perfect for special occasions. For a more festive flair, sprinkle some chopped nuts like hazelnuts or almonds for added texture.

If you want to plan ahead, you can assemble this bake the night before. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. In the morning, simply bake it straight from the fridge; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and reheated in the oven to restore some of that fresh-baked warmth.

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before you start for a smooth preparation process.

Ingredients for Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake

4 large croissants, sliced in half
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
4 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Preheat your oven and prepare your baking dish before starting the assembly.

Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Layer the Croissants

Place the sliced croissants in the greased baking dish, cut side up, overlapping them slightly.

Add Chocolate Chips

Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the croissants.

Make the Custard Mixture

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

Combine and Bake

Pour the custard mixture over the croissants, ensuring they are well soaked. Let sit for 10 minutes. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve

Allow to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving warm.

Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake with a cup of coffee or tea!

Pro Tips

For an even more decadent treat, consider adding a layer of cream cheese between the croissants and chocolate chips.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your, Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is coming out too dry, it may be a sign that the croissants weren’t soaked long enough in the custard. Ensure you give them adequate soaking time, as this is crucial for the rich, custardy texture you're aiming for. Additionally, check your oven temperature to ensure it's accurate; using an oven thermometer can help you avoid cooking at the wrong temperature.

Conversely, if the top is browning too quickly but the inside is still wet, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking. This will allow the center to set without burning the top, giving you that perfect golden finish while ensuring the custard is cooked through.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe up or down is simple. For a smaller batch, you can reduce the number of croissants and adjust the custard mixture accordingly. A good rule of thumb is to keep the egg-to-milk ratio consistent. For every croissant you use, keep about 1 large egg and ½ cup of milk in the mixture for proper custard consistency.

If you're hosting a larger brunch gathering, consider doubling this recipe and baking it in a larger dish, such as a 12x16-inch pan. Just be sure to extend the baking time slightly while checking for the same golden-brown finish as your guide.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use stale croissants?

Yes, stale croissants work great for this recipe as they will absorb the custard mixture better.

→ Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the bake the night before and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator.

→ What can I substitute for chocolate chips?

You can use nuts, dried fruit, or even berries for a twist on flavor.

→ Is there a non-dairy version?

Yes, you can use almond milk or coconut milk and replace the eggs with a flaxseed meal mixture to make it dairy-free.