Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding

There's something magical about transforming buttery, flaky croissants into a warm, custardy dessert that feels both indulgent and comforting. This Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding takes the beloved French pastry and elevates it into a decadent brunch classic that's perfect for lazy weekend mornings or special celebrations. Each spoonful delivers layers of tender croissant soaked in vanilla-scented custard, studded with pockets of melted chocolate that create pure bliss in every bite.

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The beauty of this bread pudding lies in its simplicity and adaptability. While traditional bread pudding uses basic loaf bread, croissants bring an extra layer of richness and buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate. The custard mixture, made with whole milk, heavy cream, and eggs, creates a velvety texture that soaks into every flaky layer. As it bakes, the top turns golden and slightly crisp while the interior remains soft and pudding-like, creating a delightful contrast in textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

• 6 large croissants (preferably day-old), cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 cup (170 g) semisweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
• 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
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
• Fresh berries, for serving (optional)
• Whipped cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the baking dish

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

Step 2: Layer the croissants and chocolate

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

Step 3: Make the custard

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

Step 4: Soak the croissants

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

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

Step 6: Cool and serve

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

Step 7: Garnish

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

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best texture, use stale or day-old croissants as they absorb the custard more effectively without becoming too soggy. If your croissants are fresh, simply bake them in the oven for a few minutes to dry them out slightly. This ensures the perfect balance between custardy richness and structural integrity. When arranging the croissant pieces, try to create an even layer with some pieces standing upright to create beautiful golden peaks after baking. Don't skip the 10-minute soaking period, as this allows the custard to fully penetrate the flaky layers.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand. For a citrus twist, add a tablespoon of orange zest or a splash of orange liqueur to the custard mixture, which pairs beautifully with dark chocolate. You can substitute the chocolate chips with white chocolate, milk chocolate, or even a combination of different chocolates. For a nutty variation, sprinkle toasted almonds or hazelnuts between the layers. If you want to make it even more decadent, stuff some of the croissant pieces with Nutella before adding them to the dish. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the result will be slightly less rich.

Serviervorschläge

This bread pudding is delicious served warm, either on its own or with accompaniments that enhance its richness. A dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant finishing touch and a subtle sweetness. Fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries provide a bright, tart contrast to the rich chocolate and custard. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms it into an ultimate dessert experience. For brunch service, pair it with strong coffee or hot chocolate. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated gently in the oven to restore the texture.

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This Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding proves that simple ingredients and straightforward techniques can create something truly special. Whether you're serving it for a holiday brunch, a cozy weekend breakfast, or as a show-stopping dessert, this dish delivers warmth, comfort, and pure indulgence. The combination of buttery croissants, rich chocolate, and silky custard creates a harmony of flavors and textures that celebrates the best of French-American baking traditions. Gather your loved ones around the table and watch this decadent treat disappear in minutes.

Recipe FAQ

→ What type of bread works best for this dish?

Day-old buttery croissants are ideal as they absorb the custard well without becoming too soggy, providing a tender yet structured texture.

→ Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes, semisweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate both work beautifully, adding a rich cocoa flavor that melts into the custard.

→ Is it necessary to let the bread soak before baking?

Allowing the croissant pieces to soak in the custard for about 10 minutes ensures they fully absorb the creamy mixture, resulting in a moist and flavorful custard base.

→ How can I enhance the flavor of the custard?

Adding a tablespoon of orange zest or a splash of orange liqueur to the custard mixture adds a subtle citrus note that complements the chocolate and buttery croissants.

→ What are good serving suggestions?

This custardy dish is delicious warm, dusted with powdered sugar and served alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for added freshness and texture contrast.

→ Can leftovers be stored and reheated?

Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven to maintain the creamy texture without drying out.