Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding (Printable)

Buttery croissants soaked in custard baked with rich chocolate for a cozy brunch treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ Breads & Chocolates

01 - 6 large croissants, preferably day-old, 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

# How to Make It:

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 the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
06 - Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
07 - Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with fresh berries or whipped cream if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Uses simple, accessible ingredients you likely already have on hand
  • Perfect for using up day-old croissants instead of letting them go to waste
  • Combines the elegance of French pastry with the comfort of classic bread pudding
  • Easy enough for beginner bakers yet impressive enough for special occasions
  • Versatile serving options—enjoy it warm for brunch or chilled as dessert
02 -
  • Press down gently on the croissants after pouring the custard to ensure even soaking throughout
  • Don't overbake—the custard should be just set with a slight jiggle in the center for the creamiest texture
  • Use a 9x13-inch baking dish to achieve the ideal ratio of crispy top to custardy center
  • Let the pudding rest for 10 minutes after baking so the custard sets properly and slices cleanly
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently in the oven to restore texture
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