Nutella Lava Croissant Bake Recipe
Introduction
This Nutella Lava Croissant Bake is a decadent twist on classic breakfast casserole. Layers of flaky croissants and rich Nutella combine with a creamy egg custard for a warm, gooey treat perfect for weekend brunch or special occasions.

Ingredients
- 4 large croissants (day-old or fresh)
- 1 cup Nutella (or more, to taste)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Fresh berries (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice each croissant in half horizontally to create a top and bottom half, then generously spread Nutella on the inside of each half. Reassemble the croissants.
- Step 2: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the Nutella-filled croissants in the dish with the cut side facing up.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon (if using) until well combined.
- Step 4: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissants, making sure they soak up the custard. Let them sit for about 10 minutes.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown and the egg custard is set.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh berries.
Tips & Variations
- Use day-old croissants for better texture as they soak up the custard without becoming too soggy.
- Swap Nutella for other chocolate hazelnut spreads or even peanut butter for a different flavor.
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips inside the croissants for extra crunch and richness.
- Serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness.
Storage
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven until warmed through. This bake is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated carefully to preserve its gooey texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh croissants for this recipe?
Yes, fresh croissants work well but day-old croissants are preferred as they absorb the custard better without becoming mushy.
Can I prepare the bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it the next morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Print
Nutella Lava Croissant Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Nutella Lava Croissant Bake is a decadent and comforting breakfast or brunch dish featuring buttery croissants filled with rich Nutella, soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, and baked to golden perfection. The result is a custardy, lava-like center perfect for dusting with powdered sugar and serving alongside fresh berries for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Croissants and Filling
- 4 large croissants (day-old or fresh)
- 1 cup Nutella (or more, to taste)
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For Serving
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Fresh berries (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Croissants: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice each croissant in half horizontally to create a top and bottom half. Generously spread Nutella on the inside of each croissant half, then reassemble the croissants.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the filled croissants in the dish, cut side up, arranging them evenly.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon (if using) until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Bake: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissants in the baking dish, ensuring all croissants are soaked well. Allow the croissants to sit and soak the custard mixture for about 10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
- Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown on top and the egg custard is fully set.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bake cool slightly for a few minutes. Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving. Optionally, serve warm with fresh berries on the side for added freshness and color.
Notes
- Using day-old croissants helps to absorb the custard better, but fresh croissants work well too.
- Adjust Nutella quantity to taste if you prefer a richer chocolate flavor.
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% or any milk alternative, but texture might vary slightly.
- Ground cinnamon is optional but adds a warm flavor note to the custard.
- For an extra indulgence, add chopped hazelnuts or chocolate chips inside the croissants before baking.
- Allowing the croissants to soak for 10 minutes before baking ensures a custardy texture inside.
- Serve warm for the best lava effect with Nutella melted inside.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Nutella croissant bake, Nutella breakfast bake, chocolate croissant casserole, Nutella lava bake, baked croissant recipe, custard baked croissants

