Can I use regular bread instead of croissants?

While you can substitute challah or brioche for a similar texture, croissants provide that distinctive buttery flavor that makes this dish special. Regular sandwich bread will work in a pinch, but the result will be more like traditional bread pudding rather than this elevated breakfast bake.

My breakfast bake seems too soggy in the middle. What went wrong?

The most common reason is underbaking. The custard needs adequate time to set, which is why the baking time is close to an hour. Also, make sure you're using the correct size baking dish—using a dish that's too small can concentrate the custard too much in the center.

Can I make this recipe with whole eggs instead of just yolks?

You can use 3 whole eggs to replace the 6 egg yolks, but the texture will be slightly less rich and creamy. The final result will still be delicious, just a bit different in consistency.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute almond milk for the whole milk and coconut cream for the heavy cream. Use dairy-free croissants and chocolate chips, and you'll have a dairy-free version that's still wonderfully delicious.

Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe

Name: Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients: Custard:; 6 egg yolks; 1 1/2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Base:; 6 croissants, torn into 1-inch cubes; Chocolate:; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (reserve 1/4 for topping)

This decadent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake transforms buttery croissants and rich chocolate into a spectacular morning treat that tastes like you’ve been baking all day. The beauty lies in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients create a custardy, chocolate-studded sensation that bridges the gap between breakfast and dessert. Perfect for weekend brunches or holiday mornings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Impressive with Minimal Effort: Despite looking and tasting like something from a high-end bakery, this dish comes together in minutes of active preparation.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning for a stress-free special breakfast.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of buttery croissants and melty chocolate chips creates a dish that both kids and adults will devour eagerly.
Versatile: Works beautifully for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Croissants: These buttery pastries form the foundation of our bake. Day-old croissants work particularly well as they absorb the custard mixture perfectly without becoming too soggy.
Egg yolks: They create that rich, silky custard base that transforms this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
Whole milk and heavy cream: The combination provides the perfect custard consistency—not too light, not too heavy.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right level of sweetness without overwhelming the other flavors.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the depth of flavor and complements the chocolate beautifully.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and brings all flavors into harmony.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These create pockets of melty chocolate goodness throughout the bake. The semi-sweet variety provides the perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate intensity.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Berry Bliss: Add a cup of fresh berries—raspberries and strawberries work wonderfully with the chocolate.
Nutty Delight: Sprinkle in a half cup of toasted sliced almonds, chopped hazelnuts, or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Orange Infusion: Add the zest of one orange to the custard mixture for a chocolate-orange flavor combination that’s absolutely divine.
White Chocolate Wonder: Substitute white chocolate chips for half of the semi-sweet chips for a creamy contrast.

How to Make Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Take a moment to thoroughly grease your 9×9-inch baking dish with butter. A generous coating ensures nothing sticks and makes serving much easier.

Step 2: Create the Custard Base

In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved. This custard base will transform your croissants into something magical.

Step 3: Add the Croissants and Chocolate

Tear your croissants into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes) and add them to the custard mixture. Gently toss to ensure every piece is well-coated and has a chance to soak up the delicious custard. After the croissants have had a moment to absorb some of the mixture, fold in about 3/4 of your chocolate chips.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, making sure to distribute the croissant pieces evenly. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the top for those irresistible pools of melted chocolate in the finished dish.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 50-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you notice the top browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve

Allow the breakfast bake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This gives the custard time to set slightly, making it easier to serve while still being wonderfully warm.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Day-Old Croissants: Slightly stale croissants absorb the custard mixture better without falling apart.
Soak Time Matters: For an even richer result, assemble everything the night before and refrigerate overnight, allowing the croissants to fully absorb the custard.
Quality Chocolate Makes a Difference: Use good-quality chocolate chips for the best melting texture and flavor.
Even Distribution: Make sure your croissant pieces are evenly sized and distributed throughout the baking dish for consistent texture.
The Toothpick Test: When testing for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out mostly clean with perhaps a few moist crumbs, but no liquid custard.

How to Serve

Sweet Pairings

Serve warm squares with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh berries on the side. A drizzle of maple syrup or warm chocolate sauce takes this treat to another level of decadence.

Savory Balance

Balance the sweetness by serving alongside a savory egg dish or crispy bacon for a complete brunch spread.

Beverage Companions

Pair with strong coffee, hot chocolate, or even a mimosa for special occasions. The bitterness of coffee particularly complements the sweetness of this dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

Assemble the entire dish the night before, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove from the refrigerator while preheating the oven, then bake as directed (you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time).

Storing Leftovers

Cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves as it sits!

Freezing

After baking and cooling completely, cut into portions and freeze individually wrapped pieces for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or place the entire dish (if refrigerated, not frozen) in a 300°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of croissants?

While you can substitute challah or brioche for a similar texture, croissants provide that distinctive buttery flavor that makes this dish special. Regular sandwich bread will work in a pinch, but the result will be more like traditional bread pudding rather than this elevated breakfast bake.
My breakfast bake seems too soggy in the middle. What went wrong?

The most common reason is underbaking. The custard needs adequate time to set, which is why the baking time is close to an hour. Also, make sure you’re using the correct size baking dish—using a dish that’s too small can concentrate the custard too much in the center.
Can I make this recipe with whole eggs instead of just yolks?

You can use 3 whole eggs to replace the 6 egg yolks, but the texture will be slightly less rich and creamy. The final result will still be delicious, just a bit different in consistency.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute almond milk for the whole milk and coconut cream for the heavy cream. Use dairy-free croissants and chocolate chips, and you’ll have a dairy-free version that’s still wonderfully delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake brings together the best aspects of French pastry and comfort food in one irresistible dish. Whether you’re hosting a special brunch, looking for a holiday morning treat, or simply want to elevate your weekend breakfast, this recipe delivers exceptional flavor with minimal effort. The contrast between the crispy top, custardy interior, and pockets of melted chocolate creates a truly memorable eating experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try—I promise it will become a treasured recipe in your collection!