Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a delightful twist on classic French toast, combining buttery croissants with a rich, creamy custard and gooey chocolate. Perfect for a special weekend brunch or holiday morning, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 (10 to 13-ounce) package mini croissants, chopped
• 2 (8-ounce) 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 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, mixing well. Finally, stir in the milk until combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the croissants, making sure they are fully covered.
5. Step 5: Let the dish rest for 20 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate overnight for a more set custard.
6. Step 6: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old croissants for better soaking and texture.
• Swap semi-sweet chocolate morsels for dark or milk chocolate to adjust sweetness.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard mixture for extra warmth.
• Top with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving for a pretty presentation.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This bake does not freeze well due to the custard texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular croissants instead of mini ones?

Yes, you can chop larger croissants into bite-sized pieces to use in this recipe. Mini croissants just make portioning easier and help ensure even soaking.

Is it necessary to refrigerate overnight?

Refrigerating overnight is optional but helps the custard fully soak into the croissants, resulting in a creamier and more cohesive bake. If short on time, letting it rest for 20 minutes at room temperature works well too.

Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 85 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 55 to 60 minutes (or overnight if refrigerated before baking)
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a deliciously indulgent breakfast casserole featuring chopped mini croissants soaked in a creamy mixture of cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and milk, studded with semi-sweet chocolate morsels. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a rich and comforting treat perfect for a special breakfast or brunch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Croissants and Chocolate

• 10 to 13 ounces mini croissants, chopped
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate morsels

Custard Mixture

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

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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. Arrange Croissants and Chocolate: Place the chopped mini croissants evenly in the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate morsels uniformly over the croissants.
3. Mix Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk the cream cheese at room temperature until smooth. Gradually mix in the sugar, then add the eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until well combined. Finally, incorporate the milk, mixing until the custard mixture is smooth.
4. Pour Custard Over Croissants: Evenly pour the cream cheese custard mixture over the croissants and chocolate, ensuring that all pieces are thoroughly covered and soaked.
5. Rest the Bake: Let the mixture rest for 20 minutes at room temperature, allowing the croissants to absorb the custard. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it overnight for a deeper soak and more pronounced flavor.
6. Bake: Place the baking 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 the oven and serve the bake warm for the best taste and texture.

Notes

• You can refrigerate the assembled dish overnight to enhance the custard absorption and flavor.
• For extra richness, use whole milk or substitute with half-and-half.
• Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature to create a smooth custard mixture.
• Use semi-sweet chocolate morsels for a balanced sweetness; dark or milk chocolate can also be used based on preference.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 to 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: chocolate croissant bake, breakfast casserole, custard bake, chocolate breakfast, cream cheese custard