Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding

Imagine waking up to the aroma of buttery croissants mingling with rich, melted chocolate, all enveloped in a velvety custard that's baked to golden perfection. This Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding transforms humble day-old croissants into an indulgent brunch masterpiece that feels both luxurious and comforting. Whether you're hosting a special weekend gathering or treating yourself to a cozy morning at home, this French-American fusion dessert delivers pure decadence in every spoonful.

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The beauty of this bread pudding lies in its simplicity and versatility. The flaky layers of croissants soak up the sweet custard while maintaining their delicate texture, creating pockets of creamy goodness throughout. Chocolate chips nestled between the croissant pieces melt into pools of rich chocolate, making every bite a delightful discovery. Best of all, this recipe is forgiving and adaptable—whether you prefer dark chocolate for intensity or stick with classic semisweet, the results are always spectacular.

Ingredients

• Breads & Chocolates: 6 large croissants (preferably day-old), cut into 2-inch pieces; 1 cup (170 g) semisweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
• Custard Mixture: 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk; 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream; 4 large eggs; 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• Toppings (optional): Powdered sugar, for dusting; Fresh berries, for serving; Whipped cream, for serving

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter.

Step 2

Arrange the croissant pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle chocolate chips or chopped chocolate over and between the croissant pieces.

Step 3

In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.

Step 4

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants, pressing gently to ensure all pieces are moistened. Let stand for 10 minutes to allow the croissants to soak up the custard.

Step 5

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.

Step 6

Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Step 7

Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with fresh berries or whipped cream, if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best texture, use day-old croissants that have dried out slightly—they'll absorb the custard beautifully without becoming soggy. If you only have fresh croissants, simply bake them at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to dry them out before cutting. When arranging the croissant pieces in the baking dish, don't pack them too tightly; leaving some space allows the custard to flow through and creates those delicious crispy edges on top. Press down gently after pouring the custard to ensure even absorption, and don't skip the 10-minute resting period—it makes all the difference in achieving that perfect custardy interior.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your taste preferences and dietary needs. For a citrus twist, add a tablespoon of orange zest or a splash of orange liqueur to the custard mixture, which pairs beautifully with chocolate. You can swap the semisweet chocolate for dark chocolate (70% cacao) for a more sophisticated, less sweet version, or use milk chocolate for a sweeter treat. White chocolate chips with raspberries make an elegant variation. For a nut-free version, simply omit any chocolate that may contain nuts and verify all ingredient labels. The recipe can also be made in individual ramekins for elegant single servings—just reduce the baking time to 25–30 minutes.

Serviervorschläge

This chocolate croissant bread pudding shines as a centerpiece for brunch or as an indulgent dessert. Serve it warm, dusted generously with powdered sugar, and let guests help themselves to fresh berries—strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries all complement the rich chocolate beautifully. A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it over the top for dessert service. For an extra-special presentation, drizzle warm chocolate sauce over individual portions. Pair with freshly brewed coffee or hot chocolate for brunch, or serve with dessert wine or coffee liqueur for an after-dinner treat. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in a 300°F oven until warmed through.

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This Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding proves that the most memorable dishes often come from the simplest ingredients. It's a recipe that invites creativity—feel free to experiment with different chocolates, add your favorite extracts, or top it with seasonal fruits. Whether you're making it for a holiday brunch, a lazy Sunday morning, or just because you deserve something special, this dessert delivers comfort and elegance in equal measure. So gather your croissants, whisk up that custard, and prepare to fall in love with what might just become your new favorite way to start the day.