Chocolate Cream Bread Pudding is a delightful and indulgent dessert that marries the comforting textures of bread pudding with the rich flavor of chocolate. This creamy bread pudding is an excellent way to utilize stale bread, turning it into a luxurious treat that is sure to impress chocolate lovers. It’s an easy chocolate pudding dessert that can bring joy to any gathering or family meal. The combination of creamy custard and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate makes it a crowd favorite, perfect for celebrations or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

• For the Bread Pudding:
  • 8 cups stale bread, cubed (preferably brioche or challah, which provide a rich flavor and fluffy texture)
  • 2 cups whole milk (you can also use 2% milk for a lighter version, but whole milk enhances creaminess)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (for an ultra-luxurious texture, using heavy cream is essential)
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature eggs incorporate better into the mixture)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust according to your sweetness preference)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (this enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors)
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (feel free to use milk chocolate for a sweeter taste or dark chocolate for a richer flavor)
• For the Topping:
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (adds a beautiful presentation and a touch of sweetness)
  • Chocolate sauce, for drizzling (homemade or store-bought, this enhances the chocolate experience)
  • Whipped cream, optional (adds lightness and creaminess; homemade whipped cream is highly recommended)

Notes: For a richer chocolate flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, substitute the milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs for a vegan version. You can learn more about this topic and explore different ways to make this dessert even more special.

Steps / Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent the pudding from sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the stale bread cubes and chocolate chips. Set aside to allow the bread to absorb some of the chocolate flavor, which will enhance the overall taste and create pockets of melted chocolate throughout.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined and smooth, ensuring there are no lumps in the mixture.
4. Pour the custard mixture over the bread and chocolate mixture, ensuring that all bread pieces are soaked. Allow it to sit for about 15-20 minutes so the bread can absorb the custard, which is crucial for a creamy texture.
5. Carefully fold the mixture to evenly distribute the chocolate chips, ensuring all bread pieces are coated. This step is essential as it prevents uneven cooking and ensures every bite is flavorful.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to promote even baking and avoid any burnt spots.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The pudding should be set but still moist, with a slight jiggle in the center.
8. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up slightly.

Tips & Tricks

To achieve the best results with your Chocolate Cream Bread Pudding, consider these tips: Check out our related guide for more tips. These insights can take your dessert to the next level.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to restore some of the creaminess.
• Make-Ahead Options: This dessert can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it the next day, adjusting the baking time if needed; it may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
• Common Mistakes: Avoid using fresh bread, as it won’t absorb the custard properly. Stale bread works best for a creamy texture, so consider leaving your bread out overnight or toasting it lightly.
• Pro Techniques: For additional chocolate flavor variations, mix in some cocoa powder into the custard or swirl in some Nutella before baking. This can elevate the dish and provide different flavor notes.

Variations

While this Chocolate Cream Bread Pudding is rich and satisfying on its own, you can customize it further:

• For a peanut butter twist, add dollops of peanut butter throughout the mixture, which pairs wonderfully with chocolate.
• Incorporate fruits like raspberries or bananas for added flavor and texture, which can offer a delightful freshness to balance the richness.
• For a spicy kick, sprinkle in some cinnamon or cayenne pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
• Create a vegan version by using plant-based milk, flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), and dairy-free chocolate chips, ensuring everyone can enjoy this dessert.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Chocolate Cream Bread Pudding warm, dusted with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. For an extra indulgent experience, drizzle with warm chocolate sauce and top with whipped cream. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of dessert wine to elevate your dessert experience, creating a perfect ending to any meal.

Print

Chocolate Cream Bread Pudding

Recipe by Laila

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dessert Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 8 +

⏱️

Prep Time

20 min

🍳

Cook Time

50 min

🔥

Calories

—

Chocolate Cream Bread Pudding is a delightful and indulgent dessert that marries the comforting textures of bread pudding with the rich flavor of chocolate. This creamy bread pudding is an excellent way to utilize stale bread, turning it into a luxurious treat that is sure to impress chocolate lovers. It’s an easy chocolate pudding dessert that can bring joy to any gathering or family meal. The combination of creamy custard and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate makes it a crowd favorite, perfect for celebrations or cozy family dinners.

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Ingredients

US Metric

• 8 cups stale bread, cubed (preferably brioche or challah)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Chocolate sauce, for drizzling
• Whipped cream, optional

Directions

1.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the stale bread cubes and chocolate chips. Set aside.

3.

In another bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.

4.

Pour the custard mixture over the bread and chocolate mixture, ensuring all bread pieces are soaked. Allow it to sit for about 15-20 minutes.

5.

Carefully fold the mixture to evenly distribute the chocolate chips.

6.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

7.

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted comes out clean.

8.

Let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving.