Chocolate Croissant Baked French Toast Recipe
This Chocolate Croissant Baked French Toast is a decadent breakfast casserole combining flaky croissant pieces, creamy layers of cream cheese, and melty semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfect for a special brunch or holiday morning, this make-ahead dish is soaked overnight and baked until golden and bubbling, offering a rich and indulgent twist on classic baked French toast.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 10 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Croissant and Chocolate
- 10 cups small sliced croissant pieces (about 6–8 croissants)
- 12 ounces mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
Custard
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Prepare the pan: Spray a 9 X 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer croissants: Cut croissants into bite-size pieces or 1-inch cubes. Place half of the croissant pieces evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Add chocolate chips: Sprinkle half of the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips over the first layer of croissants.
- Layer remaining croissants: Add the remaining croissant pieces on top, spreading them evenly.
- Beat cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Mix custard ingredients: Add eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt to the cream cheese. Mix until fully combined. With the mixer on low, gradually pour in milk and heavy cream, beating until smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine and add chocolate: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered croissants in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mini chocolate chips on top.
- Refrigerate overnight: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the croissants to soak up the custard.
- Bake: The next morning, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove plastic wrap and bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes. Bake 45 minutes for a softer, slightly custardy center or 55 minutes for a firmer texture.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy your rich and chocolaty croissant baked French toast!
Notes
- Cut croissants into uniform pieces to ensure even soaking and baking.
- Using room temperature cream cheese helps it mix smoothly with the custard.
- Refrigerating overnight is essential for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust baking time based on your preferred custard consistency.
- Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Can be made a day ahead and reheated gently in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8th of the casserole)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Chocolate croissant baked French toast, breakfast casserole, baked French toast, chocolate chips, cream cheese custard, overnight French toast bake