Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly baked chocolate croissants transformed into a warm, indulgent breakfast bake. The Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake takes buttery croissants, layers them with rich chocolate, and bakes them in a creamy custard. The result is a soft, custardy interior with lightly crisped edges and pockets of gooey chocolate.

This breakfast bake is perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or special occasions. It’s easy to assemble the night before, so you can wake up to a ready-to-bake treat that impresses both kids and adults. Serve with fresh berries, a drizzle of chocolate, or a dusting of powdered sugar to elevate your breakfast experience.

Ingredients

Croissant & Chocolate Layers
- 6 large chocolate croissants (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh berries
- Maple syrup or chocolate drizzle

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare Croissants: Slice croissants into halves or thirds. Place a layer of croissant pieces in the prepared dish, spacing slightly apart. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the croissants. Repeat layering until all croissants and chocolate are used.
Make Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Pour evenly over the layered croissants and chocolate. Press down lightly to ensure croissants absorb custard.
Soak: Let the dish sit for 15–20 minutes to allow croissants to soak in the custard.
Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until top is golden brown and custard is set.
Cool & Serve: Let cool 5–10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries or drizzle of chocolate if desired. Serve warm.

Creative Notes & Variations

Chocolate Options: Use dark, milk, or white chocolate for variety.
Add Fruits: Layer sliced bananas, raspberries, or strawberries between croissant layers for a fruity twist.
Make Ahead: Assemble the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
Serving Ideas: Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or a fresh fruit salad for a complete brunch.

Flavor & Texture Insights

This breakfast bake offers flaky croissant layers, creamy custard, and melted chocolate pockets. Each bite combines textures — slightly crisped croissant edges, soft custard-soaked interiors, and rich chocolate surprises. Sweet yet balanced, this dish is indulgent without being overly heavy, making it the perfect centerpiece for a leisurely breakfast or brunch.