Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding Recipe
This Chocolate Croissant Bake is a decadent, comforting dessert or brunch dish that transforms day-old croissants into a rich, custardy treat filled with melted semi-sweet chocolate. Layers of croissants and chocolate chips are soaked in a vanilla-scented custard, baked until golden and bubbly, then dusted with powdered sugar for an irresistible finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
Croissant and Chocolate
- 4 large croissants, preferably day-old
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Topping
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or a nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Slice and Layer Croissants: Slice the croissants into thick pieces and arrange half of them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle half of the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the first layer of croissant pieces. Layer the remaining croissants on top, then sprinkle with the remaining chocolate chips.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Pour Custard Over Croissants: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered croissants and chocolate chips. Gently press down on the croissants to help them absorb the custard.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top has turned a beautiful golden brown shade.
- Serve: Allow the bake to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Using day-old croissants helps the bread better absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.
- If you prefer, you can substitute chocolate chips with chunks of chocolate or even Nutella for added richness.
- This dish can be prepared the night before; after assembling, cover and refrigerate overnight before baking in the morning.
- For a dairy-free version, consider using almond milk and coconut cream instead of whole milk and heavy cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
Keywords: Chocolate Croissant, Croissant Bake, Chocolate Breakfast Bake, Custard Bake, Dessert Croissant, Chocolate Custard
