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This indulgent chocolate croissant bake is a great way to spoil yourself or your friends on a lazy weekend or holiday morning. It mixes flaky croissants with melted chocolate in a smooth custard that’s both rich and comforting. Plus, you can make it ahead of time.
I threw this together the first time with leftover croissants and chocolate, and it quickly became a go-to treat that's easy yet impressive.
Ingredients
- Day-old croissants: best for soaking custard without falling apart
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: make sweet melty bursts, use quality ones if you can
- Whole milk: gives the custard a nice creamy feel
- Eggs: help thicken and add richness to the custard
- Granulated sugar: balances out the flavors with sweetness
- Vanilla extract: adds warm flavor, pure vanilla works great
- Salt: sharpens the sweet flavors and rounds out the custard
- Powdered sugar: dust on top for a simple pretty touch without extra sweetness
- Whipped cream or fresh berries: brighten things up when serving
How To Make It
- Heat the Oven
- Turn it on to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch pan with butter or spray so the bake doesn't stick and browns nicely.
- Arrange Croissants and Chocolate
- Cut croissants into chunks about an inch big and spread them evenly in the pan. Sprinkle chocolate chips all over so you get little pockets of melted chocolate throughout.
- Stir Up the Custard
- In a big bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth. This rich custard will soak the croissants.
- Pour and Press
- Pour the custard slowly over the bread pieces. Use a spatula to press them down gently so they soak up the custard well, blending the flavors.
- Rest if You Can
- If possible, let the whole thing sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This little wait helps the croissants soak in the custard more without getting mushy.
- Bake It
- Put the pan in the oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes until the top looks golden and the custard has firmed up. If it browns too fast, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes.
- Get Ready to Serve
- Let it cool a bit before sprinkling with powdered sugar. Serve warm with berries or a spoonful of whipped cream to balance the richness.
This reminds me of cozy holiday mornings at my grandparents’ place where it was always a favorite breakfast that brought everyone around the table.
Keep it Fresh
Cover leftovers and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Warm them up gently in the oven or microwave before eating to keep the best texture.
Swap Ideas
You can switch out whole milk for any creamy non-dairy kind but the texture will change a bit. Instead of chocolate chips, try chunks of chocolate or even dried fruit for a twist.
Serving Tips
Pair with fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to cut through the richness. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup adds sweetness without taking over the custard flavors.
This bake is a tasty way to wow guests with little fuss and lots of flavor.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → Is it okay to use fresh croissants instead of day-old ones?
You can use fresh croissants but they might turn soggy or too soft. Croissants from the day before keep their shape and soak up the custard better.
- → Which chocolate is best for this dish?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips hit just the right sweetness, though you can swap in dark or white chocolate if you want to change things up.
- → How long should I let the croissants soak in the custard?
Let them sit for about 10 to 15 minutes so they really soak up the custard and become moist and tender.
- → Can I mix extra flavors into the custard?
Definitely. A little almond extract or cinnamon can really boost the flavor and give it a unique twist.
- → What's the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and some fresh berries or whipped cream to match the rich custard and chocolate.