Introduction

Start your day with a rich and indulgent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake. This easy-to-make dish combines flaky croissants, creamy custard, and melty chocolate chips for a perfect weekend brunch or special occasion treat.

A square piece of bread pudding topped with glossy dark chocolate chips is placed on a white plate, the bread pudding showing layers of soft, light golden bread soaked in creamy custard with a slightly crispy top. The chocolate chips are scattered thickly across the top, melting into the dessert in places, giving a rich texture contrast. A silver fork lies behind the dessert on the plate, with a blurred red and green patterned cloth underneath as the background replaced here by a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 (10 to 13-oz) package mini croissants, chopped
2 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
1⅓ cup sugar
4 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups milk
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Spread the chopped croissant pieces evenly in the prepared pan. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the croissants.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla; mix until well blended. Pour in the milk and mix until combined.
Step 4: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the croissant pieces and chocolate chips in the pan.
Step 5: Allow the mixture to stand for 20 minutes to soak, or cover and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor and texture.
Step 6: Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. Serve warm for best taste.

Tips & Variations

For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or walnuts on top before baking.
Use dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips to change the flavor profile.
If you prefer a stronger chocolate presence, add an extra half cup of chocolate chips.
Letting the bake soak overnight in the fridge enhances the custard’s texture and flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm, or in the oven at 325ºF for about 10 minutes. This bake also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The dish is a baked bread pudding in a clear glass rectangular dish placed on a white marbled surface. It has roughly torn or cut pieces of golden-brown bread layered unevenly, with a soft texture inside and crispy, browned edges. Scattered thickly across and inside the bread are many dark brown, glossy chocolate chips that look slightly melted. The top layer shows a mix of crunchy and soft bread sprinkled generously with these melted chocolate chips, creating a rich and inviting contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular croissants instead of mini croissants?

Yes, you can chop regular croissants into bite-sized pieces and use them in this recipe. Keep the total volume similar to ensure the custard soaks properly.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use your preferred plant-based milk. Keep in mind that texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 320 reviews

This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a decadent and satisfying layered casserole combining buttery mini croissants, creamy sweetened cream cheese custard, and rich semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfectly baked until golden and set, it makes a deliciously indulgent breakfast or brunch dish that can be prepared ahead and baked fresh in the morning.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes (or overnight plus 40 minutes if refrigerated)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Croissants and Chocolate

1 (10 to 13-oz) package mini croissants, chopped
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Cream Cheese Mixture

2 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
1⅓ cup sugar
4 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups milk

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Assemble Croissants and Chocolate: Place the chopped mini croissant pieces evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the croissants to distribute the chocolate flavor throughout.
Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully combined. Then stir in the milk until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
Combine and Soak: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the croissant and chocolate chip layer, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Allow this mixture to stand for 20 minutes to let the croissants absorb the custard. For best results, you can cover and refrigerate overnight to enhance flavor and texture.
Bake the Casserole: Bake the dish uncovered in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until the custard is set in the center and the top is lightly golden. Remove from oven and serve warm for a delightful breakfast treat.

Notes

You can prepare this dish the night before by assembling, refrigerating overnight, and baking fresh in the morning for convenience and better flavor infusion.
Using room temperature cream cheese ensures a smooth custard without lumps.
Feel free to swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate chips according to taste preferences.
If mini croissants are unavailable, you may use chopped regular-sized croissants but adjust quantity accordingly.
Serve with fresh fruit or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra special touch.

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