Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
One chilly Sunday morning, I remember standing in my warm, sunlit kitchen with the smell of fresh coffee swirling around me. I wanted to create something that felt indulgent but still cozy, something that would make my family gather around the table with sleepy smiles. That’s when the idea for this Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Casserole came to life. It’s the perfect blend of buttery croissants, melted chocolate, and a rich custard that soaks in all the flavors. Over the years, I’ve made it countless times for birthdays, brunches, or just because I wanted to bring a little sweetness into our mornings.
I love making this Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Casserole because it’s one of those recipes that instantly transforms a regular morning into something special. The aroma of baked croissants and chocolate wafts through the house, waking everyone up in the happiest way. Plus, it’s flexible you can add berries, nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel to make it your own.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
This recipe is more than just chocolate and croissants; it’s about creating memories. I love the way my children’s eyes light up when they see it coming out of the oven, and the way my husband can’t resist sneaking a second piece before breakfast is even officially served. It’s easy enough that I can make it on a busy weekend morning, but impressive enough that it feels like a treat.
The magic happens in the custard. I mix eggs, milk, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon, and pour it over the chopped croissants and chocolate chunks. As it bakes, the custard soaks into the croissants, creating a soft, decadent texture that melts in your mouth. It’s cozy, comforting, and full of love just how I like my breakfasts.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s everything I use to make this Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Casserole:
- 6 large buttery croissants, slightly stale or day-old
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)
Little kitchen secrets:
- Day-old croissants absorb the custard better, making the casserole perfectly moist.
- Don’t skimp on the chocolate use quality chunks for melty pockets of joy.
- Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes after baking before cutting it sets beautifully and makes serving easier.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Chop croissants into roughly 2-inch pieces and scatter them evenly in the prepared dish.
- Sprinkle chocolate chunks over the croissants.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the custard mixture over the croissants and chocolate, pressing lightly with a spatula to ensure croissants soak evenly.
- Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) to let the croissants absorb the custard.
- Bake covered for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 20–25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Allow it to cool slightly, sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired, and serve warm.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving this casserole straight from the oven with a simple dusting of powdered sugar and a side of fresh berries. A drizzle of warm maple syrup makes it extra indulgent, and a mug of coffee or hot chocolate completes the morning. It’s perfect for a cozy family breakfast, a weekend brunch with friends, or even a celebratory treat for special occasions.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake the next morning for a stress-free breakfast.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 30–60 seconds.
100-Word Short Version
This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a cozy, indulgent treat that brings the family together. I chop buttery croissants, layer them with chocolate chunks, and pour a rich custard over the top. After chilling, I bake it until golden and set. Serve warm with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s perfect for brunch, holidays, or any morning you want to feel special. Make it ahead for a stress-free breakfast and enjoy the melty chocolate, soft custard, and buttery croissants that everyone will love. A sweet memory in every bite!
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 15 mins
- Chill: 30–60 mins
- Cook: 45–50 mins
- Total: 1 hr 30 mins
🛒 Ingredients
- 6 large buttery croissants, chopped
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch dish.
- Chop croissants into pieces and place in dish.
- Sprinkle chocolate chunks over croissants.
- Whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour custard over croissants, pressing lightly.
- Cover and refrigerate 30 mins or overnight.
- Bake covered 25 mins; uncover and bake 20–25 mins.
- Cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, and serve.
📝 Notes
- Day-old croissants work best.
- Use quality chocolate for melty pockets.
- Can prepare the night before.
- Reheat in oven or microwave for leftover servings.
🍽️ Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 450 🍫
Sugar: 24g 🍬
Fat: 25g 🧈
Saturated Fat: 14g 🥛
Carbs: 45g 🥐
Protein: 9g 🥚
Fiber: 3g 🍫
Cholesterol: 150mg 🥚
Sodium: 220mg 🧂
Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate cozy morning treat! Buttery croissants soaked in rich custard and layered with chocolate chunks create a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth breakfast perfect for family brunches or special occasions. Make it ahead for stress-free mornings and enjoy a warm, indulgent start to your day.
Ingredients
- 6 large buttery croissants, chopped
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch dish.
- Chop croissants into pieces and place in dish.
- Sprinkle chocolate chunks over croissants.
- Whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour custard over croissants, pressing lightly.
- Cover and refrigerate 30 mins or overnight.
- Bake covered 25 mins; uncover and bake 20–25 mins.
- Cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, and serve.
Notes
Day-old croissants work best. Use quality chocolate for melty pockets. Can prepare the night before. Reheat in oven or microwave for leftover servings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Conclusion
I love how this Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Casserole brings warmth, joy, and a little indulgence to our mornings. It’s a recipe I return to again and again, not just for the chocolate and buttery croissants, but for the memories it creates. Whether it’s a lazy weekend brunch or a special family gathering, this casserole always brings everyone to the table with smiles and happy hearts. Cooking is truly about love, stories, and sharing moments, and this recipe captures that perfectly.