Name: Chocolate Chip Croissant Bread Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound croissants, torn into 1-inch cubes; 8 tablespoons Land O Lakes® Unsalted Butter, melted; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 2 ½ cups Land O Lakes® Half & Half; 1 cup white sugar; 4 large eggs; 4 large egg yolks; 2 tablespoons vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2-4 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon coffee extract; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 9 reviews

If you are looking for an indulgent treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Chocolate Chip Croissant Bread Pudding is exactly what you need. Imagine buttery, flaky croissants soaking up a rich custard, studded with pockets of melted chocolate chips, then baked to golden perfection and finished with a luscious powdered sugar glaze. Every bite offers a comforting blend of textures and flavors that make this dessert a standout for brunch, dessert, or anytime you crave something truly special. It combines the familiar decadence of chocolate chip and the sophisticated flair of buttery croissants in a way that’s incredibly easy to pull off but feels gourmet.

Chocolate Chip Croissant Bread Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step in bringing this dreamy Chocolate Chip Croissant Bread Pudding to life. Each component plays an important role—from the tender croissants that give it lightness and texture, to the rich custard that binds it all together and the sweet chocolate chips that deliver little bites of joy throughout.

1 pound croissants, torn into 1-inch cubes: Using day-old or slightly stale croissants works great as they soak up the custard better without falling apart.
8 tablespoons Land O Lakes® Unsalted Butter, melted: Adds richness and helps coat the croissants to keep them moist and flavorful.
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips: Provides delightful bursts of chocolate in every forkful.
2 ½ cups Land O Lakes® Half & Half: Creates a creamy custard base that makes the pudding luxuriously smooth.
1 cup white sugar: Balances the flavors by adding just the right sweetness to the custard.
4 large eggs: Essential for setting the custard and creating that classic bread pudding texture.
4 large egg yolks: Makes the custard even richer and silkier.
2 tablespoons vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor, perfectly complementing the chocolate.
¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar: Sprinkled on top for a caramelized, crisp finish during baking.
Powdered Sugar Glaze: A simple mix of powdered sugar, milk, coffee extract, and vanilla that brings a sweet and slightly nuanced coffee hint to the final dish.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Croissant Bread Pudding

Step 1: Prepare the Croissants and Chocolate

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and buttering a 13×9-inch baking dish. Tear the croissants into 1-inch cubes, which will help them soak up all the custard. Toss these cubes with the melted butter so they’re evenly coated. Then, fold in the semisweet chocolate chips to ensure they mix thoroughly with the croissants. Transfer this buttery, chocolate-studded mixture into your prepared baking dish, laying the groundwork for a custardy masterpiece.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the half & half, white sugar, eggs, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. This creates a silky custard that will soak into the croissants, transforming them from flaky treats into a luscious pudding. Pour this mixture evenly over the croissants and chocolate chips in the baking dish. Let it rest for 30 minutes, pressing down occasionally to help the croissant cubes absorb as much custard as possible. This resting step is crucial for that perfect texture.

Step 3: Bake with a Sweet Finish

Before placing the dish into the oven, sprinkle the top with dark brown sugar. This will melt and caramelize during baking, giving the pudding a beautifully golden crust with a slight crunch. Bake for about one hour, until the pudding is golden and set in the center. When done, it will be irresistible to look at—a bubbling combination of creamy custard, crisp edges, and molten chocolate melting throughout.

Step 4: Prepare the Powdered Sugar Glaze

While the bread pudding bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, coffee extract, and vanilla extract until smooth. This glaze adds a wonderful sweet drizzle with a subtle coffee undertone, perfectly complementing the chocolate and buttery croissant flavors. Drizzle it over the warm pudding just before serving for a stunning finishing touch.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Croissant Bread Pudding

Garnishes

For an extra pop of flavor and a visually inviting presentation, sprinkle chopped toasted nuts such as pecans or walnuts over the glaze. Fresh berries or a few mint leaves can add a refreshing contrast and brighten the dish’s appearance. A dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon is a nice idea, too.

Side Dishes

This rich, decadent pudding pairs beautifully with lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pairing it with fresh fruit or a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can help balance the richness and provide a satisfying contrast for a brunch spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover any leftover Chocolate Chip Croissant Bread Pudding tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and improve as it rests, making leftovers even more delicious than the first day.

Freezing

This bread pudding freezes beautifully. Portion it into airtight containers or wrap the whole dish tightly in freezer-safe wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain the integrity of the custard and croissants.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, to keep the crisp edges intact. Microwaving works for a quicker option but may soften the crispy top. Add a fresh drizzle of glaze or a scoop of ice cream for an extra special touch.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of croissants?

Yes, you can substitute with brioche or challah for a similar texture and richness. Croissants bring an unmatched flakiness and buttery quality, but other soft breads will still yield a delicious pudding.

Is it necessary to let the bread soak for 30 minutes?

Absolutely! Allowing the croissant cubes to absorb the custard makes a huge difference in texture, ensuring the pudding is creamy and custardy rather than dry or crumbly.

Can I make this dessert dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, choose a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk and substitute vegan butter. Keep in mind the final flavor and texture may be slightly different but still delightful.

What kind of chocolate chips work best?

Semisweet chocolate chips strike a perfect balance, but feel free to experiment with dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips based on your preference.

How do I know when the bread pudding is fully cooked?

It’s done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly—similar to a custard. Overcooking can dry it out, so keep an eye on the bake during the final minutes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to impress your friends or indulge in a comforting dessert yourself, this Chocolate Chip Croissant Bread Pudding is a must-try. It’s a brilliant way to transform simple ingredients into a luscious, soul-satisfying dish. Easy to make and unbelievably delicious, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes for cozy weekend mornings or elegant dessert evenings. Trust me, once you experience this magic, you’ll be dreaming about it again!

Chocolate Chip Croissant Bread Pudding Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Chocolate Chip Croissant Bread Pudding