Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding (Printable Version)

Buttery croissants combined with chocolate and custard for a warm, comforting brunch dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Breads & Chocolates

01 - 6 large day-old croissants, cut into 2-inch pieces
02 - 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate

→ Custard Mixture

03 - 2 cups whole milk
04 - 1 cup heavy cream
05 - 4 large eggs
06 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

→ Toppings

09 - Powdered sugar for dusting
10 - Fresh berries for serving
11 - Whipped cream for serving

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
02 - Arrange croissant pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle chocolate chips or chopped chocolate over and between the croissant pieces.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together milk, cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
04 - Pour custard mixture evenly over croissants, pressing gently to ensure all pieces are moistened. Let stand for 10 minutes to allow croissants to absorb the custard.
05 - Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until custard is set and the top is golden brown.
06 - Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with fresh berries or whipped cream if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Easy preparation with minimal hands-on time
  • Perfect way to use day-old croissants without waste
  • Rich, indulgent flavor combining buttery pastry and chocolate
  • Impressive brunch dish that feels restaurant-quality
  • Vegetarian-friendly and customizable with toppings
02 -
  • Use stale or day-old croissants for the best texture and custard absorption
  • Let the assembled dish stand for 10 minutes before baking to ensure even soaking
  • Check doneness by gently shaking the dish—the center should jiggle slightly but not be liquid
  • Allow the pudding to rest for 10 minutes after baking for easier serving and better texture
  • Reheat leftovers in the oven rather than the microwave to maintain the crispy top
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