Description
Chocolate Bread Pudding is a rich, comforting dessert made with soft bread cubes soaked in a creamy chocolate custard and baked until perfectly set. With its delicious chocolate flavor and tender texture, this easy dessert is perfect for chocolate lovers and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 6 cups day-old bread, cut into cubes
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prep Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and to allow easy removal of the pudding after baking.
- Prepare Bread Cubes: Place the day-old bread cubes in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution for soaking.
- Make Chocolate Milk Mixture: In a saucepan, whisk together milk, heavy cream, sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture is warm and smooth without boiling.
- Whisk Eggs and Flavorings: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, melted butter, and salt until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Combine Warm Chocolate Mixture and Eggs: Slowly pour the warm chocolate milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to temper the eggs and prevent curdling, creating a smooth custard.
- Soak Bread in Custard: Pour the chocolate custard over the bread cubes in the mixing bowl. Gently toss or fold the bread to coat all cubes evenly. Let the bread soak for 15 to 20 minutes to absorb the custard fully.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips into the soaked bread mixture for added bursts of melted chocolate.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared 9-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is set but remains slightly soft, indicating a moist interior.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes before serving to let the pudding set and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- Brioche, challah, or French bread works especially well for a tender and flavorful pudding.
- Use day-old bread for better custard absorption and texture.
- Add chopped walnuts or extra chocolate chips for additional texture and flavor variations.
- Serve warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or chocolate sauce for an indulgent dessert experience.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Puddings
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
