If you adore breakfast recipes that feel like a special treat but are surprisingly easy to make, then you will fall head over heels for this Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of flaky, buttery croissants soaked in a luscious cream cheese custard, studded with melty semi-sweet chocolate chips. This dish turns an ordinary morning into something magical. The comforting texture combined with the sweet bursts of chocolate creates a warm, cozy vibe that will have your family or guests asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try this chocolate chip cream cheese croissant breakfast bake recipe, it may just become your go-to crowd-pleaser for weekend brunches or festive holidays.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because these ingredients are simple yet so important. Each one brings its own magic — from the tender croissants providing flaky layers, to the cream cheese creating a silky custard base, and the chocolate chips adding rich sweetness and texture. Here’s what you’ll gather before your kitchen adventure begins:
- Mini croissants (10 to 13-oz package): Chopped into bite-sized pieces, they absorb the custard beautifully while staying delightfully flaky.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups): They melt into gooey pockets of sweetness, balancing the tart cream cheese perfectly.
- Cream cheese (two 8-oz packages, room temperature): The star that makes the custard creamy, tangy, and rich.
- Sugar (1⅓ cups): Sweetens the custard, enhancing the chocolate and balancing flavors.
- Large eggs (4): Bind everything together and give the bake a light, fluffy texture.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Adds warmth and depth, rounding out the flavors beautifully.
- Milk (2 cups): Softens the custard and helps the croissants soak up wonderful creaminess.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). A lightly greased 9×13-inch baking pan is essential here — it prevents sticking and ensures your beautiful breakfast bake lifts easily after baking without losing its perfect shape.
Step 2: Assemble the Croissant and Chocolate Base
Next, place those chopped mini croissant pieces evenly in your prepared pan, making sure they’re spread out nicely to soak up the custard later. Then sprinkle your chocolate chips over the top evenly—these little pockets of chocolate are going to melt into gooey bursts that everyone will love.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Custard
Now for the luscious part. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! Then add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is velvety and well blended. Finally, stir in the milk to create a rich custard liquid that will soak up into every croissant piece.
Step 4: Combine and Let Soak
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants and chocolate chips in your pan, making sure everything is coated. Let the bake rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes so those buttery croissant pieces get nice and soaked with custard. For even better results, cover and refrigerate it overnight—the flavors deepen, and the texture becomes incredible the next day.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the uncovered dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the custard is set in the center and the top turns a beautiful light golden brown. The aroma alone is irresistible!
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, serve your Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe warm. This is when the cream cheese custard is silky, and the chocolate is wonderfully melty—a breakfast moment worth savoring.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar gives this bake a pretty, coffee-shop-worthy finish. You can also add fresh berries or a light drizzle of maple syrup for a touch of fruity sweetness. Whipped cream is another decadent topping if you really want to indulge.
Side Dishes
Pair this bake with a simple fruit salad or fresh orange slices to cut through its richness with some bright, juicy flavor. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a latte complements the chocolate and cream cheese notes wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch gathering, serve portions on individual plates with a sprig of fresh mint or a few sliced almonds for texture. You can also bake this in smaller ramekins for personalized servings that look stunning coming out of the oven hot and bubbly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe keeps well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply store it in an airtight container or cover tightly with foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
Freezing
This bake freezes beautifully. Cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe dish. It can be frozen for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently in the oven at 325ºF (160ºC) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep that lovely crisp top and avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use full-size croissants instead of mini croissants?
Absolutely! Just chop the full-size croissants into bite-sized pieces before assembling. They will soak up the custard similarly, though you might want to ensure they’re not too densely packed in the pan.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the bake overnight?
Not necessary, but highly recommended. Refrigerating overnight allows the croissants to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a creamier, more cohesive texture and enhanced flavor.
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
Cream cheese gives this recipe its signature tangy richness, but you could experiment with mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different flavor and texture. Keep in mind the custard consistency might change slightly.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try using dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Choose dairy-free chocolate chips to keep it friendly for all diets. The texture may vary a bit but should still be delicious.
Can this bake be made gluten-free?
This recipe relies on croissants, which contain gluten, so it’s best to use gluten-free croissants or a gluten-free pastry of similar texture for a gluten-free version.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe is truly a showstopper that’s easy enough for weekends but special enough to impress any breakfast crowd. The blend of flaky croissants, creamy custard, and decadent chocolate chips creates a breakfast that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Don’t wait for a special occasion — dive into this cozy, comforting dish soon and make your mornings something to celebrate!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (or overnight if refrigerated before baking)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese is a decadent and indulgent morning treat perfect for special occasions or weekend brunch. Fluffy mini croissants are layered with semi-sweet chocolate chips and enveloped in a rich, creamy custard made from cream cheese, eggs, sugar, milk, and vanilla. After soaking to absorb the custard flavors, it is baked to a golden perfection with a soft, custardy center and slightly crisp edges. Serve warm for a delicious combination of buttery croissants and melty chocolate with a luscious cream cheese custard.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 (10 to 13-oz) package mini croissants, chopped
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Custard Mixture
- 2 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 1⅓ cups 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 prevent the bake from sticking.
- Assemble Base: Arrange the chopped mini croissant pieces evenly in the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips uniformly over the croissants to distribute the chocolate flavor throughout.
- Mix Custard: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy without lumps. Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Lastly, pour in the milk and continue mixing until the custard mixture is completely smooth and well blended.
- Combine and Soak: Pour the prepared custard mixture evenly over the croissant and chocolate chip layers in the baking pan. Ensure every croissant piece is fully coated with the custard for maximum flavor absorption.
- Rest and Refrigerate: Allow the mixture to stand at room temperature for 20 minutes to let the croissants soak up the custard. For a deeper soak and enhanced flavor, cover the pan and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- Bake: Place the uncovered baking pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the custard is set in the center and the top turns lightly golden brown, indicating it is perfectly cooked.
- Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy the rich creaminess combined with the delicate crispness of the croissants and melted chocolate for a delightful breakfast experience.
Notes
- Allowing the bake to soak overnight in the refrigerator improves texture and flavor penetration.
- Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth custard without lumps.
- Adjust the sugar quantity if you prefer a less sweet breakfast bake.
- Serve with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flavor and presentation.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the microwave or oven.
