Description
This Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese is a rich and indulgent morning treat perfect for brunch or a special occasion. Fluffy croissants are soaked in a creamy custard with cream cheese and vanilla, layered with melty semi-sweet chocolate chips, and baked to golden perfection for a gooey, decadent casserole that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Croissants and Chocolate
- 1 (10 to 13-oz) package mini croissants, chopped
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Cream Cheese Custard
- 2 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 1â…“ cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups milk
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to warm while you assemble the bake.
- Assemble Base: Evenly place the chopped mini croissant pieces into the prepared pan, then sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips uniformly over the croissants.
- Mix Custard: In a medium bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Pour in the milk and mix again until fully incorporated to create the custard mixture.
- Combine and Soak: Pour the custard evenly over the croissants and chocolate chips in the baking pan, making sure every piece is coated with the custard.
- Rest and Refrigerate: Let the bake stand at room temperature for 20 minutes to allow the croissants to absorb the custard. Alternatively, cover with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight for a deeper soak.
- Bake: Place the uncovered dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly chopped mini croissants rather than stale ones for optimal texture.
- Letting the bake soak overnight in the refrigerator enhances custard absorption and flavor melding.
- This dish can be served with fresh fruit or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness and presentation.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer custard and better texture.
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the custard mixture.
