Nothing says comfort like a warm, rich, and chocolaty dessert, and this Easy Chocolate Bread Pudding is the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. With its soft, custard-soaked bread and deep chocolate flavor, this dish is a wonderful way to use up leftover bread while creating something truly indulgent. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dessert or impressing guests, this simple bread pudding recipe is guaranteed to be a hit!
Easy Chocolate Bread Pudding
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Large Mixing Bowl
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Baking Dish 9x13-inch
Spatula
Oven
For the Bread Base
- 6 cups of day-old bread preferably brioche or challah, cut into cubes
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
For the Custard Mixture
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Baking and Topping
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- Powdered sugar optional
- Whipped cream optional
- Vanilla ice cream optional
- Fresh berries optional
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Place the cubed bread in the baking dish. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the bread to ensure every bite is filled with chocolate goodness.
Step 3: Make the Custard Mixture
In a medium saucepan, warm the milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, and sugar over medium heat, stirring until smooth. Do not boil.
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Slowly add the warm milk mixture while whisking continuously to prevent scrambling the eggs.
Step 4: Combine and Soak
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down lightly so the bread absorbs the liquid. Let sit for about 10 minutes to fully soak.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Drizzle the melted butter over the top and bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly crispy. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the pudding to cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Pairings
This chocolate bread pudding pairs beautifully with a variety of drinks and sides:
- Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the pudding.
- Red Wine: A glass of Port or Cabernet Sauvignon complements the rich chocolate flavor.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing contrast.
- Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of warm caramel sauce elevates the decadence.
FAQs
1. What is the best bread to use for bread pudding?
For the best bread pudding recipe old fashioned style, use brioche, challah, or French bread. These absorb the custard well without becoming too mushy.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare everything up to the baking step and store it in the fridge for up to 12 hours before baking.
3. Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate can be substituted or mixed in.
