Description
Decadent breakfast bake featuring day-old croissants soaked in rich custard, studded with chocolate chips, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for brunch or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 Chocolate Croissants (store-bought or homemade), preferably day-old
- 8 large Eggs
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- Pinch of Salt
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips (optional, for extra chocolatey goodness!)
- Powdered Sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Maple Syrup, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Croissants: Slice each croissant into roughly 1-inch thick pieces using a serrated knife.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Arrange croissant pieces in a single layer. Sprinkle with chocolate chips (optional).
- Make Custard: In a large bowl, whisk eggs until light and frothy. Add heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until sugar is dissolved and well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness/vanilla if desired.
- Assemble: Slowly and evenly pour custard over croissants in the baking dish. Gently press down to ensure croissants are saturated.
- Soak: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Remove plastic wrap. Drizzle remaining melted butter over the top. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until golden brown and custard is set (knife inserted in the center comes out mostly clean).
- Cool: Let cool in the baking dish for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar (optional), drizzle with maple syrup (optional), and add fresh berries (optional). Serve warm.
Notes
- Using slightly stale croissants is ideal. If fresh, leave them out uncovered for a few hours to dry them out.
- Soaking the croissants is crucial for a richer flavor and texture.
- Experiment with different types of croissants, nuts, or extracts.
- For a savory version, omit sugar and cinnamon and add cooked sausage, bacon, or cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes