Chocolate Croissant Recipe

Introduction

The chocolate croissant bake is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast pastry, perfect for using up day-old croissants. It’s rich, custardy, and studded with melted chocolate, making it an irresistible treat for mornings or brunch.

Ingredients

• 5 large croissants (preferably day-old), cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Optional for topping: powdered sugar, for dusting
• Optional for serving: fresh berries or whipped cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Place the croissant pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the chocolate chips over and between the layers.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants, then gently press down with a spatula to help the croissants soak it up.
5. Step 5: Allow the mixture to sit for 10–15 minutes to fully absorb the custard (optional but recommended).
6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set. If it browns too quickly, tent with foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old croissants for the best texture, as fresh ones may become too soggy.
• Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate to suit your preference.
• For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts over the top before baking.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest to the custard for additional flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings gently in the microwave or in a warm oven to keep the custard creamy without drying it out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh croissants instead of day-old?

Fresh croissants can be used, but they may become overly soft and soggy after soaking in the custard. Day-old croissants hold their shape better and give a nicer texture.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bake the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Bake it the next morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Chocolate Croissant Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 92 reviews

This decadent Chocolate Croissant Bake combines flaky, buttery croissants with rich semi-sweet chocolate pieces soaked in a creamy vanilla custard and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert, this recipe uses day-old croissants to soak up a luscious mixture of milk, eggs, and sugar, creating a warm, indulgent treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 5 large croissants (preferably day-old), cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Toppings

• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Fresh berries or whipped cream, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare it for layering the ingredients.
2. Layer Croissants and Chocolate: Place the croissant pieces evenly throughout the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over and between the croissant layers, ensuring an even distribution for rich chocolate pockets.
3. Make Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is well combined and smooth, creating a flavorful custard base.
4. Soak the Croissants: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant and chocolate layers. Use a spatula to gently press down on the croissants to ensure they soak up the custard thoroughly.
5. Let Sit (Optional): Allow the custard-soaked croissants to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This step helps the croissants fully absorb the custard for a moister, richer texture once baked.
6. Bake: Bake the dish uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is fully set. If the top begins to brown too quickly, tent the dish with aluminum foil during the last 10 to 15 minutes to prevent burning.

Notes

• Using day-old croissants helps them absorb the custard better without becoming too soggy.
• You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference.
• Allowing the dish to sit before baking improves custard absorption and overall texture.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free croissants if available.
• The optional powdered sugar, berries, or whipped cream enhance the presentation and add extra flavor but are not necessary.

Keywords: Chocolate Croissant Bake, Chocolate Croissant, Breakfast Casserole, Custard Bake, Brunch Recipe, Chocolate Dessert