If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of soft, custardy bread infused with sweet vanilla and cinnamon, studded with melty semi-sweet chocolate chips that add just the right touch of indulgence. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or impressing guests at a cozy gathering, this bread pudding delivers an irresistible combination of comfort and elegance that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe lies in how straightforward and accessible these ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the luscious flavor, creamy texture, and golden finish that make this dessert so special.
- 4 cups cubed day-old brioche or challah bread: Slightly stale bread soaks up the custard beautifully without turning mushy.
- 2 cups whole milk: Adds richness and moisture for that soft, creamy custard base.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Enhances the silkiness and decadence of the pudding.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Brings just the right amount of sweetness to balance the flavors.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like note that gives depth to the dish.
- 4 large eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients and creating that perfect custard texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Lends a warm, fragrant aroma that elevates the entire dessert.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle spicy warmth that complements the chocolate wonderfully.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts into gooey pockets of chocolate delight throughout the pudding.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Drizzled on top to help achieve that irresistible golden crust.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to ensure an even bake. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and to help the pudding develop a nicely browned crust on the bottom and sides.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard
In a large bowl, combine the milk, heavy cream, granulated and brown sugars, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk everything thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. This custard is the heart of your bread pudding, bringing richness and flavor with every bite.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Place the cubed bread into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, gently pressing the cubes down so they fully absorb the liquid. This soaking step is crucial—it allows the bread to become tender and custardy rather than dry or chewy. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes for ultimate absorption.
Step 4: Add Chocolate and Butter
Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the soaked bread, ensuring each bite gets a hit of luscious chocolate. Then drizzle the melted butter on top to encourage a golden, crisp finish while baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is a beautiful golden brown and the custard is set but retains a slight jiggle in the center – that’s the hallmark of a perfectly cooked bread pudding.
Step 6: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Once baked, allow the pudding to cool just a bit to let the custard set further while still warming your kitchen with its cozy scent. This step also makes serving easier and lets the flavors settle beautifully.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
To turn this dessert into something truly show-stopping, a dollop of whipped cream or a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream is all you need. For a fancy touch, drizzle some warm caramel or vanilla sauce over the top—the contrast of warm pudding and cold topping is simply divine.
Side Dishes
While this bread pudding can easily stand on its own, pairing it with a fresh berry compote or lightly toasted nuts adds a lovely balance of tartness and crunch. A hot cup of coffee or spiced tea enhances the overall experience, especially on chilly evenings.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests at your next dinner party, consider serving individual portions in cute ramekins or layering the pudding with whipped mascarpone for an elegant trifle-style dessert. You can also sprinkle extra chocolate chips or chopped nuts on top just before serving for added texture and a polished look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe keeps surprisingly well. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When cooled completely before covering, it maintains its lovely texture without becoming soggy.
Freezing
If you want to make this dessert ahead of time or save portions for another day, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe container. Frozen bread pudding lasts up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the edges are crisp again. You can also microwave smaller portions, but the oven method preserves the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah are recommended for their rich texture and flavor, you can experiment with French bread, sourdough, or even croissants. Just make sure the bread is a day old for the best soaking results.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk and coconut cream. Using a dairy-free butter or coconut oil in place of butter will also help keep it dairy-free while maintaining richness.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruit like raisins or cranberries make fantastic additions that add texture and flavor complexity. Just fold them in before pouring the custard over the bread.
How do I know when the bread pudding is fully baked?
The pudding should be golden brown on top and set in the center but still slightly jiggly when you gently shake the pan. It will firm up more as it cools, so avoid overbaking to keep that luscious creamy texture.
Can I prepare this recipe the night before?
Yes! Assemble the bread pudding and refrigerate it overnight before baking the next day. This allows even more time for the bread to soak up the custard, enhancing the flavor and texture when baked.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the homemade charm and comforting flavors of Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. It’s a dessert that brings warmth to any occasion, boasts simple ingredients, and shows up as a true star on your dessert table. I encourage you to dive in, whip up a batch, and enjoy every luscious bite—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding is a warm, comforting dessert that combines soft, custardy bread soaked in a rich blend of milk, cream, and eggs with sweet bursts of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Baked until golden and slightly custardy in the center, it’s a perfect treat for any occasion, served warm and enjoyable on its own or with a drizzle of caramel or vanilla sauce.
Ingredients
Bread
- 4 cups cubed day-old brioche or challah bread
Custard Mixture
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Soak Bread: Place the cubed day-old brioche or challah bread evenly into the prepared baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the custard effectively. Let the bread soak for 10-15 minutes to absorb the liquid.
- Add Chocolate and Butter: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the soaked bread. Drizzle the melted unsalted butter across the top for added richness and flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding’s top is golden brown and the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread pudding from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm alone or topped with your choice of caramel or vanilla sauce.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for best texture as it absorbs custard without becoming overly mushy.
- For richer flavor, substitute part of the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a combination of milk and half-and-half instead of just heavy cream.
- You can replace chocolate chips with chunks of your favorite chocolate bar or add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor.
