Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a decadent and easy dish perfect for weekend mornings or special occasions. Layers of mini croissants, creamy filling, and melty chocolate create a comforting and indulgent start to your day.

Ingredients

• 1 (10 to 13 ounces) package mini croissants, chopped
• 2 (8 ounces each) blocks cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1⅓ cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate morsels

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Arrange the chopped croissants evenly in the prepared dish, then sprinkle the chocolate morsels over them.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, whisk the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix well. Finally, stir in the milk until fully combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the croissants, making sure all pieces are covered.
5. Step 5: Let the bake rest for 20 minutes at room temperature to soak. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate overnight for a more developed flavor and easier morning prep.
6. Step 6: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is fully set and the top is lightly golden. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate for a richer flavor.
• For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pecans on top before baking.
• Swap half of the milk for heavy cream for a creamier texture.
• Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or espresso powder to the custard mixture to enhance the chocolate notes.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warm. This bake can also be made ahead and baked fresh in the morning after refrigeration.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular croissants instead of mini ones?

Yes, you can. Just chop larger croissants into bite-sized pieces and proceed as directed.

Can this be made gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free croissants or a gluten-free bread alternative, this recipe can be adapted to gluten-free diets.

Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 82 reviews

This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a decadent and comforting dish combining buttery mini croissants with a rich cream cheese custard and semi-sweet chocolate morsels. Perfect for an indulgent breakfast or brunch, it bakes into a warm, creamy casserole that’s easy to prepare ahead and serve fresh from the oven.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes (or overnight if refrigerated before baking)
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• 1 (10 to 13 ounces) package mini croissants, chopped

Custard Mixture

• 2 (8 ounces each) blocks cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1⅓ cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups milk

Topping

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate morsels

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Layer croissants and chocolate: Place the chopped mini croissants evenly into the prepared baking dish. Scatter the semi-sweet chocolate morsels evenly over the croissants.
3. Make custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk the cream cheese until smooth at room temperature. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly. Finally, stir in the milk until fully combined.
4. Assemble bake: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants and chocolate in the baking dish ensuring all pieces are well covered and soaked.
5. Rest the custard: Let the assembled bake rest for 20 minutes at room temperature to allow the custard to soak into the croissants. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate overnight for more flavor development.
6. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the center is fully set and the top is lightly golden.
7. Serve warm: Remove from oven and serve the bake warm for a delicious, gooey breakfast treat.

Notes

• You can refrigerate the assembled bake overnight before baking, which enhances flavor and texture.
• Use full-fat milk and cream cheese for richest results, but low-fat versions can work for a lighter option.
• Feel free to swap semi-sweet chocolate morsels with dark or milk chocolate depending on your preference.
• Make sure to preheat your oven fully for even baking and proper custard set.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Keywords: chocolate croissant bake, breakfast casserole, croissant custard bake, chocolate breakfast bake, brunch casserole