If you are seeking a decadent, indulgent, and crowd-pleasing breakfast, this Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is an absolute must-try. Combining buttery, flaky croissants with rich cream cheese, sweet sugar, silky chocolate, and a creamy custard made from eggs and milk, this recipe is the epitome of a luxurious morning meal. It can be prepared ahead of time, refrigerated overnight, and baked fresh in the morning, making it perfect for special occasions like holidays, Christmas mornings, or any day when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to a spectacular breakfast.
This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake works beautifully both as a morning meal or as a dessert. The combination of warm, gooey chocolate and tender, custard-soaked croissants is irresistible. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and slightly crunchy textures, creating a dish that feels both sophisticated and comforting. Whether you are serving it to a large family, hosting a brunch, or simply craving a rich, satisfying treat, this recipe will not disappoint.
Ingredients
Croissant Base:
- 1 (10 to 13-ounce) package mini croissants, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Chocolate:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Cream Cheese Custard:
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1⅓ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups milk
Optional Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
- Whipped cream, for serving
Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
- Plastic wrap (if refrigerating overnight)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, or brush with melted butter to prevent sticking. Preparing the dish in advance ensures the bake will not stick and makes cleanup much easier.
Step 2: Layer Croissants and Chocolate
Chop the mini croissants into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the top of the croissants. The chocolate will melt during baking, creating pockets of gooey, rich flavor throughout the casserole. This layering step ensures that each bite contains a delicious combination of buttery croissant and chocolate.
Step 3: Prepare Cream Cheese Custard
In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Softening the cream cheese in advance is essential for a smooth custard; if it’s too firm, microwave it for 20-30 seconds to achieve the proper consistency. Once smooth, add 1⅓ cups of granulated sugar, 4 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until well combined. Gradually add 2 cups of milk, continuing to mix until the custard is silky and fully blended.
Step 4: Pour Custard Over Croissants
Pour the cream cheese custard evenly over the croissant pieces and chocolate chips in the baking dish. Use a rubber spatula to gently press down on any croissant pieces that rise above the liquid, ensuring that all the croissants are well-coated with the custard. This step allows the croissants to soak up the custard, creating a soft, custardy interior while maintaining some of their flaky texture on top.
Step 5: Allow to Rest or Refrigerate Overnight
Let the mixture stand at room temperature for 20 minutes to allow the custard to begin soaking into the croissants. For a more hands-off approach and enhanced flavor, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This overnight preparation step ensures the croissants fully absorb the custard, resulting in a rich, tender, and flavorful breakfast bake.
Step 6: Bake the Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake
Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator approximately 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature. Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the custard is fully set in the center. The top should be lightly golden, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Allow the Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake to cool slightly before serving. For an extra special presentation, dust the top with powdered sugar, garnish with fresh berries, or serve with a dollop of whipped cream. This bake is perfect served warm, straight from the oven, but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature if desired. Each slice offers a perfect balance of buttery croissant, creamy custard, and melted chocolate—an indulgent breakfast treat or a rich dessert.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake
- Use fresh bakery croissants: Avoid refrigerated crescent rolls—they are not the same. High-quality, buttery croissants create the best flavor and texture.
- Soften the cream cheese: Ensures a smooth custard and prevents lumps in the final bake.
- Chocolate options: Semi-sweet chocolate chips work best, but you can experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even chocolate chunks for variation.
- Overnight soaking: Refrigerating overnight allows the croissants to fully absorb the custard, creating a soft, decadent interior.
- Serving suggestions: Serve with fresh berries, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style breakfast.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the sugar slightly or use semi-sweet chocolate instead of sweetened chocolate chips.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Cover leftovers tightly and store for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
- Freezing: You can freeze portions before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed for a convenient make-ahead breakfast.
