A square of chocolate croissant breakfast bake on a plate, dusted with powdered sugar and topped with raspberries.

Easy 10-Minute Prep Chocolate Croissant Bake Recipe (Easy Crowd-Pleaser!)

ByMaria Canilssom
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A square of chocolate croissant breakfast bake on a plate, dusted with powdered sugar and topped with raspberries.
Our 10-minute prep Chocolate Croissant Bake—the ultimate decadent, make-ahead brunch!

Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake: Your New Brunch Showstopper

Impress your guests without the stress with this decadent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake. It transforms simple, store-bought croissants and chocolate chips into a warm, custardy casserole that tastes like a professional pastry. With just 10 minutes of hands-on prep, this easy brunch recipe is the ultimate “set-it-and-forget-it” dish for holiday mornings, special weekends, or any time you want a bakery-quality treat straight from your oven.

Why This Recipe Is a Foolproof Entertaining Win

This bake solves the host’s dilemma by being incredibly impressive yet unbelievably simple. The magic is in the rich custard that soaks into the buttery croissants, baking into a texture that’s both flaky and pudding-soft. Using day-old croissants is a chef’s secret—they absorb the custard perfectly without getting soggy. Best of all, you can assemble it the night before, making it the ultimate make-ahead breakfast that lets you enjoy the morning with your guests.

Simple Ideas to Make It Your Own

This versatile recipe is a perfect base for creativity. Try these easy customizations:

  • Berry Bliss: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen raspberries or blueberries with the chocolate chips.
  • Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle ½ cup of chopped pecans or almonds over the top before baking.
  • Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one orange to the custard for a bright twist.
  • Different Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or a mix.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 45 mins | Total Time: 55 mins | Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 5 large day-old croissants, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Optional for serving: powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream

Instructions

Part 1: Assemble the Bake

  1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Layer Croissants & Chocolate: Place the croissant chunks in the prepared dish. Scatter the chocolate chips evenly over and between the pieces.

Part 2: Make the Custard & Soak

  1. Whisk Custard: In a large bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt until completely smooth and the sugar is dissolved.
  2. Pour & Soak: Slowly and evenly pour the custard mixture over the croissants. Gently press down on the croissants with a spatula to ensure they are submerged.
  3. Rest (Optional but Recommended): Let the dish sit for 10-15 minutes so the croissants can absorb the custard. (For overnight prep, cover and refrigerate here.)

Part 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

  1. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake, uncovered, for 45-50 minutes, until the top is puffed and deep golden brown, and the center is set (no liquid jiggle).
  2. Tent if Needed: If the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Part 4: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Cool & Garnish: Let the bake cool for 10-15 minutes. It will deflate slightly—this is normal. Dust generously with powdered sugar.
  2. Serve Warm: Slice and serve warm with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
A square of chocolate croissant breakfast bake on a plate, dusted with powdered sugar and topped with raspberries.
Maria Canilssom

Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake

Make this easy Chocolate Croissant Bake with just 10 minutes of prep! A decadent, custardy brunch casserole that tastes like a bakery pastry. Perfect for holidays and guests! For more impressive brunch dishes, try our Creme Brulee French Toast or our Easy Cinnamon Roll Wreath. This recipe is a perfect example of effortless elegance, similar to the Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake from 3 Ingredients or Less.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American, French-Inspired
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 5 large day-old croissants
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 0.25 tsp salt

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • large mixing bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Tear or cut the croissants into 1-inch chunks. Scatter them evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the croissant pieces, letting them fall into the crevices.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and the sugar is dissolved.
  4. Slowly and evenly pour the custard mixture over the croissants and chocolate chips. Use a spatula to gently press the croissant pieces down, ensuring they are fully submerged in the liquid.
  5. Let the baking dish sit on the counter for 10-15 minutes to allow the croissants to absorb the custard. (For overnight prep: cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Let sit at room temp for 20 minutes before baking.)
  6. Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. The bake is done when the top is puffed and a deep golden brown, and the center is set (it should not jiggle like liquid when gently shaken).
  7. If the top is browning too quickly during the last 10-15 minutes, loosely tent the dish with a piece of aluminum foil.
  8. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes. The bake will deflate as it cools. Dust the top generously with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve.
  9. Slice and serve warm, with fresh berries and whipped cream on the side if desired.

Notes

Pro Tips: For the best texture, use day-old or slightly stale croissants; they absorb the custard without dissolving. If you only have fresh croissants, toast them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to dry them out slightly first. Letting the assembled bake rest for 10-15 minutes (or overnight in the fridge) before baking is the key to a perfectly creamy, not soggy, interior. To check for doneness, the top should be deeply golden, and the center should be set with only a slight jiggle. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave or a warm oven.

For more easy and impressive brunch dishes, try our Creme Brulee French Toast or our Easy Cinnamon Roll Wreath. If you love simple, indulgent bakes, our Baked Apple Fritters are a reader favorite. This recipe is a perfect example of effortless elegance, similar to the approachable Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake from 3 Ingredients or Less, which focuses on transforming a few quality ingredients into something spectacular.