Description
Scrumptious chocolate croissant breakfast bake combines classic French pastry with luxurious breakfast casserole. Rich layers of buttery croissants meld with chocolate and custard for a delightful morning indulgence you will adore.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 croissants (large, torn into bite-sized pieces)
- 4 eggs (large)
- 400 ml (1 ⅔ cups) whole milk
- 200 ml (¾ cup) heavy cream
- 200 g (1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- powdered sugar (for dusting)
- whipped cream (optional)
- fresh berries (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 180C (350F) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Base Layer: Create an even foundation by layering torn croissant pieces across the dish, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom surface.
- Chocolate Infusion: Sprinkle chocolate chips or chopped chocolate generously throughout the croissant base, distributing for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Custard Creation: Whisk eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a large bowl until smooth and perfectly blended, creating a silky custard mixture.
- Soaking Process: Pour the custard over the croissant and chocolate layer, gently pressing to encourage maximum liquid absorption. Allow the dish to rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling the croissants to soak thoroughly.
- Initial Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, creating a soft, custardy foundation.
- Final Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top turns golden-brown and the center sets completely.
- Finishing Touches: Let the bake cool briefly, then dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm, optionally garnishing with whipped cream or fresh berries for an extra indulgent presentation.
Notes
- Prevent Soggy Texture: Let croissants sit out for a few hours or overnight to slightly stale, which helps them absorb custard without becoming overly mushy.
- Chocolate Distribution Strategy: Gently fold chocolate pieces into croissant layers instead of just sprinkling on top for more consistent chocolate flavor throughout.
- Temperature Precision: Use room temperature eggs and cream to ensure smooth, even custard consistency and prevent potential curdling during mixing.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish the night before, cover, and refrigerate, then bake directly from cold state for a convenient breakfast option that saves morning preparation time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg