Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake (Printer-Friendly)
Golden, chocolate-filled croissant bake with creamy custard
# What You'll Need:
→ Breads & Pastry
01 - 4 large all-butter croissants, slightly stale, cut into large pieces
→ Chocolate
02 - 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped, or chocolate chips
→ Dairy
03 - 1 1/4 cups whole milk
04 - 3/4 cup plus 1 tbsp heavy cream
05 - 3 large eggs
06 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
→ Sweeteners & Flavors
07 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
08 - 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
09 - Pinch of salt
→ Toppings
10 - 1 tbsp powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
02 - Arrange the croissant pieces evenly in the prepared dish. Sprinkle the chopped chocolate throughout, tucking some between layers to create pockets of melted chocolate.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, melted butter, and salt until smooth and well combined.
04 - Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants and chocolate. Gently press down with a spatula to ensure all croissant pieces absorb the liquid. Let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes.
05 - Bake in the center of the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
06 - Cool for 5 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired. Serve warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It turns day old croissants into something so luxurious your guests will assume you spent all morning on it.
- The custard soaks into every layer overnight if you prep ahead, making brunch morning almost effortless.
02 -
- Do not skip the resting time before baking because the croissants need those minutes to truly absorb the custard or you will end up with a soggy pool at the bottom.
- If you assemble this the night before, take it out of the fridge for twenty minutes before baking so the dish does not crack from a sudden temperature change.
03 -
- Tear a few croissant pieces larger than others because those big chunks create the most satisfying crispy edges on top.
- Use the best chocolate you can find since it is the star of the dish and a cheap chocolate will taste flat no matter what else you do.