Chocolate bread pudding is a delicious dessert or breakfast that’s easy to make and feels luxurious. It’s made by soaking bread cubes in a rich, creamy chocolate custard and baking it to perfection. Topped with chocolate ganache, whipped cream, or berries, this pudding is pure indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Bread Pudding
1. Simple Yet Fancy
This dessert tastes like something from a fancy café, but it’s so easy to make at home! With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll be baking this treat in no time.
2. Great for Breakfast or Dessert
Serve it warm as a comforting breakfast or as a decadent dessert after dinner. It’s perfect for holidays or when you’re craving something indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread Base:
- 1 tbsp melted butter (to grease the dish)
- 16 oz stale buttery bread, cubed (like brioche or challah)
- 1 cup (170 g) chocolate chips
For the Chocolate Custard:
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (50 g) unsweetened or Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 2 dark chocolate bars (4 oz each), chopped
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, room temperature
- 2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Grease a 9×13 casserole dish with 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
2. Prep the Bread
- Cut the stale bread into 1-inch cubes. If your bread isn’t stale, toast the slices in the oven for 10-15 minutes until dried.
- Place the bread cubes in the prepared dish and sprinkle chocolate chips over them.
3. Make the Chocolate Mixture
- In a medium skillet, combine milk, sugar, and cocoa powder. Whisk until partially combined.
- Add the chopped chocolate and cook on low heat, stirring until the chocolate melts and the mixture thickens slightly. Set aside to cool.
4. Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until lightly beaten.
- Add heavy cream, vanilla, and salt, mixing until combined.
- Slowly pour the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent curdling.
5. Assemble and Soak
- Pour the chocolate custard over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Let the mixture sit for 20-30 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
6. Bake
- Bake for 45-50 minutes. The pudding should puff up, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet custard.
7. Cool and Serve
- Let the bread pudding cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve with whipped cream and berries, or drizzle with chocolate ganache.Storage Tips
- Once cooled, cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer the pudding to an airtight container.
- Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Warm: Right out of the oven for a cozy breakfast.
- Room Temperature: Ideal for potlucks or gatherings.
- Chilled: Great for hot summer days with a dollop of whipped cream.
Chocolate bread pudding is the ultimate comfort food, combining soft bread and melted chocolate in a custard-like base. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast or dessert, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
With minimal effort and ingredients, you can make something that feels truly special. Don’t forget to customize it with toppings like whipped cream, berries, or chocolate drizzle for an extra treat!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
Yes, but it’s better to toast fresh bread in the oven for 10-15 minutes to dry it out. Stale bread absorbs the custard better, giving the pudding a better texture.
2. What type of bread is best for bread pudding?
Soft, buttery bread like brioche, challah, or French bread works best. These types absorb the custard beautifully and give the pudding a rich, moist texture.
3. Can I make this pudding ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pudding, let it soak overnight in the fridge, and bake it the next day.
4. What toppings go well with chocolate bread pudding?
Try whipped cream, fresh berries, chocolate ganache, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
5. How do I know when the bread pudding is done baking?
The top should be puffed and slightly firm, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs but no liquid custard.