There is nothing quite like waking up to a warm, decadent treat that feels like a hug from the inside. The Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Recipe is exactly that: a delightful fusion of fluffy croissants soaked in a creamy custard, studded with melty chocolate chips, and swirled with luscious cream cheese. This dish is a total game changer when it comes to breakfast or brunch—it combines simple ingredients in a way that delivers a luxurious yet comforting experience everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role—from the buttery mini croissants that provide a tender base, to the chocolate chips adding bursts of sweetness, and the cream cheese giving a silky richness to the custard mixture.
- Mini croissants (10 to 13 oz package): Chopped into bite-sized pieces, these create the perfect fluffy and buttery foundation.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups): They melt beautifully, offering chocolatey pockets throughout the bake.
- Cream cheese (2 packages, 8 oz each, room temperature): Provides a smooth, creamy texture that balances sweetness.
- Sugar (1⅓ cups): Sweetens the custard perfectly without overpowering.
- Large eggs (4): Give structure and richness to the custard.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds fragrant warmth and depth of flavor.
- Milk (2 cups): Makes the custard silky and soak the croissants thoroughly.
How to Make Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure your delicious creation doesn’t stick. Getting the pan ready early saves time and sets you up for a smooth cooking process.
Step 2: Assemble Your Croissant and Chocolate Base
Layer the chopped mini croissant pieces evenly across the bottom of your prepared pan. Next, sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips uniformly over the croissants. This base will soak up the custard and melt into luscious pockets of chocolate that everyone will love.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Custard
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until it is smooth and creamy—this step is key for incorporating air and eliminating lumps. Slowly add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract while continuing to mix, creating a velvety custard. Finally, pour in the milk and mix just until everything is combined, careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Combine and Soak
Pour your luxurious custard evenly over the croissant and chocolate chip layers in the pan, making sure each piece gets fully soaked. This is where the magic happens as the croissants absorb the creamy mixture, transforming into a rich, custard-soaked delight.
Step 5: Let It Rest or Refrigerate
Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to soak up the custard nicely—it’s a wonderful way to let flavors meld. For an even more indulgent texture and flavor infusion, cover the pan and refrigerate it overnight. This makes it a perfect make-ahead option for busy mornings.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your creation uncovered in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set and the top is beautifully golden brown with slightly crisp edges. The aroma itself will have you eager to taste.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove your Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Recipe from the oven and serve warm. The contrast of creamy, chocolatey, and buttery goodness makes it an unbeatable comfort breakfast or brunch dish.
How to Serve Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Top your bake with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of pure maple syrup for extra sweetness. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries provide a fruity brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or a tangy yogurt parfait. For those who enjoy a savory complement, crispy bacon or sausages add a nice contrast to the sweet, creamy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the bake in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized breakfast treat. You could also layer it in a trifle dish with whipped cream and berries for a stunning brunch centerpiece that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any remaining bake in an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to 3 days and actually tastes fantastic reheated as the flavors continue to meld overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish before baking by covering it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as instructed.
Reheating
Warm individual slices in the microwave or reheat the entire pan in a 325ºF oven until heated through. This helps maintain a soft custard texture and melty chocolate pockets.
FAQs
Can I use full-sized croissants instead of mini croissants?
Absolutely! Just chop the full-sized croissants into bite-sized pieces—keeping the texture similar will help the custard soak evenly and create that perfect fluffy bake.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese?
While cream cheese provides a uniquely rich and creamy texture, you can experiment with mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different but still delicious result.
Can I use dark or milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Yes! Dark chocolate will add a richer bitterness to balance the sweetness, while milk chocolate gives a creamier, sweeter flavor. Choose based on your personal preference.
How long can I refrigerate the overnight soak?
Overnight soaking up to 12 hours is ideal. Any longer might cause the croissants to become too mushy, so aim to bake within a day after soaking.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Definitely! This recipe serves about 8 people but can be doubled easily for larger gatherings. It’s a fantastic dish for brunches or holiday breakfasts because it can be made ahead and baked fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Recipe is a true weekend indulgence that feels both fancy and homey at once. Its harmony of buttery croissants, rich custard, and melty chocolate creates a dish that invites everyone back for seconds. Next time you want to treat yourself or impress your loved ones, give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite breakfast classic!
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Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes (or overnight soak plus 40 minutes baking)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This decadent Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese is a rich and comforting morning treat. Fluffy mini croissant pieces are soaked in a creamy custard made with cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and milk, then generously studded with semi-sweet chocolate chips. Baked to a golden perfection, this dish offers a perfect balance of buttery croissants, smooth cream cheese custard, and melty chocolate bites, making it an irresistible brunch or breakfast centerpiece.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 (10 to 13-oz) package mini croissants, chopped
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Custard
- 2 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 1⅓ cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups milk
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to ensure the bake doesn’t stick.
- Assemble Base: Evenly spread the chopped mini croissant pieces across the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips uniformly over the croissants for consistent chocolate bursts in every bite.
- Mix Custard: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the mixture is well blended. Finally, pour in the milk and beat until fully combined, forming a rich custard.
- Combine and Soak: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant and chocolate chip layer in the baking pan, making sure all the croissant pieces are well coated and starting to absorb the custard.
- Rest and Refrigerate: Allow the dish to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes so the croissants can soak up the custard properly. For a more thorough soak and enhanced flavor, cover the pan and refrigerate it overnight before baking.
- Bake: Place the uncovered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Bake until the center is set and the top is lightly golden brown, indicating it’s perfectly cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. This bake tastes best fresh and warm, with its creamy custard and melty chocolate chips creating a delightful breakfast experience.
Notes
- For a deeper custard flavor and softer texture, refrigerate the assembled bake overnight before baking.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest custard.
- You can substitute mini croissants with regular croissants cut into bite-sized pieces if mini ones are not available.
- Serve with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness and presentation.
- This bake keeps well refrigerated for 2-3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
