Irresistible Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake for Lazy Mornings Recipe
This Irresistible Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is the perfect lazy morning treat, combining flaky croissants with melted semi-sweet chocolate and a creamy vanilla custard. Day-old croissants soak up a rich custard, then bake to golden perfection, creating a cozy, decadent dish that’s ideal for weekend brunches or special occasions. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and optional fresh berries or whipped cream, this bake is an effortless way to indulge your sweet tooth while feeling comforted and satisfied.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
For the Base
- 4 pieces Croissants (preferably day-old for best texture)
- 1 cup Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
For the Custard
- 2 cups Whole Milk
- 4 large Eggs
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Optional Topping
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 cup Fresh Berries
- 1 cup Whipped Cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the bake doesn’t stick.
- Slice and Layer Croissants with Chocolate: Cut the day-old croissants into 1-inch pieces. Arrange these pieces evenly in the greased baking dish, sprinkling the semi-sweet chocolate chips generously between the layers for melty chocolate pockets.
- Mix the Custard: In a mixing bowl, combine whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Pour Custard and Soak: Slowly pour the custard mixture over the croissant and chocolate layers, pressing down gently to help the croissants absorb the custard. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes for optimal soaking.
- Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set in the center and the top has a beautiful golden brown color.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bake to cool slightly before serving. Dust the top with powdered sugar and serve warm, optionally topped with fresh berries and whipped cream for added freshness and indulgence.
Notes
- Using day-old croissants helps maintain structure and prevents the bake from becoming too soggy.
- Substitute whole milk with almond milk for a lighter, dairy-free version.
- For vegan adaptation, replace eggs with flax eggs but note the texture will vary.
- Brown sugar can be used instead of granulated sugar for a richer caramel-like sweetness.
- Ensure the custard is fully set before removing from the oven to avoid a runny center.
- Letting the custard soak before baking improves flavor and texture absorption.
Keywords: chocolate croissant bake, breakfast casserole, baked custard breakfast, chocolate breakfast bake, easy brunch recipe
